Network Design

Question

I saw a thread about multiple SANs on a network and wondered about my own setup and the direction I'm going. I currently have 3 EqualLogics all in the same group but different pools: Pool1 - Management Volumes (Primary), File and SQL Cluster Volumes Pool2 - Management Volumes (Secondary), SyncRep File and SQL Cluster Volumes Pool3 - Workload Volumes Each Pool has a single member but Pool3 I am planning to consolidate and add 2 additional members to it. That would be 5 members in a single group. Networking I've got 2 switches with VRRP configured with a 20GB LAG between them (2x10GB) From there I go to the first M1000e Chassis1-A1 with another 20GB LAG to switch 1 above, then I go from A1 to A2 with a 20GB LAG and then from A2 to M1000e Chassis2-A1 and from A1 to A2 and then A2 to switch 2 above. Should I maybe move to 40GB with a 4-port LAG between ToR switches and the M1000e chassis with that many EQL members?

dwilliam62 · Answer

Hello,

A little more info would be helpful.

What model arrays do you have now, and what are you adding to the group?

What EQL firmware are they running?

Just confirming you are lagging from the switches to the backplane switches in the chassis? What model switch is that one?

Regards,

Don

ChadCorkrum · Answer

Top of rack are PowerConnect 8024F, M1000e Chassis's have M8024-k and all the EqualLogic's are PS6110's including the 2 additional units that I want to add to the group.

Yes I have a 2port LAG from ToR1-Chassis1-A1 then a LAG from Chassis1-A1 to A2 then Chassis1-A2 to Chassis2-A1 and A1 to A2 and then back to ToR2 and ToR1 and 2 have a 2port LAG, everything is 10GB.

Thanks

dwilliam62 · Answer

Hello, Sounds like you have plenty from chassis to ToR switches. I would increase the ISL on the ToR 8024's to min 30Gb if you have the ports, go to 40Gb. When was last time the switches were upgraded? Regards, Don

ChadCorkrum · Answer

Firmware I upgraded across all the switches not to long ago, I ran into the issue of long uptime and the routing engine taking a dump and causing all kinds of grief. I did a redesign and got rid of the stack between the ToR switches and implemented VRRP on them instead.

I'll bump to 40GB, LAG for the ToR switches.

Thanks for looking over my config.

dwilliam62 · Answer

Hello, You are very welcome! Regards, Don

EqualLogic

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