Cabling Dell M1000e with EqualLogic PS4100X #2

[aliko23]

Hi to all.

My name is Achilleas and I come from Greece.

This is the second post about cabling Dell M1000e blades (six M610 servers an four PowerConnect M6220 switches) to a Dell EqualLogic PS4100X.

I got a quick answer from Joe, suggesting me reading the lastest EqualLogic configuration guide.

After reading the suggested guide I come up with the solution to the attached image.

Is this a right cabling solution?

Thanks in advance,

Achilleas

[DELL-Donald Wi]

Kalimera,

A preferred configuration, that would allow for future expansion is to add external switches, like 6224's to the middle.

You would trunk the M6220's to the 6224s.   Then the 6224's would connect to the storage.

 As long as you never plan on adding any additional servers this plan would work.   In this case only 1/2 the fabrics are active at any one time.

[aliko23]

Hello William,

thanks for the quick answer.

We cannot afford any switches and storage.

I didn't understand how "only 1/2 the fabrics are active at any one time".

Could you suggest me a better solution than mine ?  

Achilleas

[DELL-Donald Wi]

Only 1/2 because any fabric connected to the passive CM won't be used.   The controllers function in a Active/Passive role.   So if CM0 is active, anything connected to CM1 will be unused.  

[aliko23]

OK, William.

Can you give me a better solution in my case ?

(no stacking modules - single PS4100X storage).

Achilleas 

[DELL-Donald Wi]

Unfortunately, no.  Not without  external switches.  The other downside is a cable or port failure will result an entire fabric loss is this config and the each active,  fabric is limited to 1x GbE interface in your configuration.   Switches also provide additional buffering that you won't have.  

[aliko23]

So, how many external I should buy and which model you suggest?

[DELL-Donald Wi]

Two switches, preferably stacked.   Something like the PC6224. would be perfect.  They aren't very expensive either.

[aliko23 · Accepted solution]

William, thank you very much.

You've been very helpful.

Achilleas

[DELL-Donald Wi]

You are very welcome!   I am glad that I could help.  

Have a great day.

Don