What is best EquaLogic solution for Virtualization? 1Gb x 4 or 10 x 2?

Hi Claytonli,

I sent your note to one of the EQL guru's, and this was his response:
There are pros and cons to each. Both will provide the performance you want and will scale out that performance as you add additional arrays.
Using a PS6x00 (1Gb ports) costs less per array, but requires more physical ports per array on any switches or IO modules you use but will not support as many VMs per array.
Using a PS6x10 (10Gb ports), while it is more expensive, has a slight performance edge on each array allowing more VMs per array and will reduce the number of cables and ports you need to manage.

From a virtualization perspective, the 10Gb arrays provide some advantages even with 1Gb hosts in that there is a consolidation of the network traffic and will thus support more VM hosts and guests (with 1Gb vNICs) per array in terms of bandwidth. Bandwidth in a virtual world is can get very oversubscribed very quickly and the 10Gb arrays give you some breathing room.

The challenge with having 1Gb hosts and 10Gb arrays is finding switches that support both speeds. In most cases you will have to purchase dedicated 1Gb switches and dedicated 10Gb switches and link them together with 10Gb uplink ports (needs to be an option on your 1Gb switches).

"Hi Claytonli,

I sent your note to one of the EQL guru's, and this was his response:
There are pros and cons to each. Both will provide the performance you want and will scale out that performance as you add additional arrays.
Using a PS6x00 (1Gb ports) costs less per array, but requires more physical ports per array on any switches or IO modules you use but will not support as many VMs per array.
Using a PS6x10 (10Gb ports), while it is more expensive, has a slight performance edge on each array allowing more VMs per array and will reduce the number of cables and ports you need to manage.

From a virtualization perspective, the 10Gb arrays provide some advantages even with 1Gb hosts in that there is a consolidation of the network traffic and will thus support more VM hosts and guests (with 1Gb vNICs) per array in terms of bandwidth. Bandwidth in a virtual world is can get very oversubscribed very quickly and the 10Gb arrays give you some breathing room.

The challenge with having 1Gb hosts and 10Gb arrays is finding switches that support both speeds. In most cases you will have to purchase dedicated 1Gb switches and dedicated 10Gb switches and link them together with 10Gb uplink ports (needs to be an option on your 1Gb switches).
"

Hi Jeff,

Thanks! This is a very useful message for me!