Network Connections
Depending on your desired Network Topology, the following network configuration examples show how to make the physical network connections to support that topology.
See Network Topology.
See Configure the Array Using the Nimble Setup Manager.
One Shared Network
- Management and data paths share the same subnet or network
- Any traffic can use any type of port
The management and data ports connect to the same network switch. The host also connects to the switch. This is a very simple network, but it still has redundant controllers to provide high availability.
Note that only one management connection and one data connection are shown. You can add more connections and use different ports as needed.
Two Dedicated Networks
- Management and data paths are on different subnets or networks
- Ports eth1 and eth2 handle management traffic
- Ports eth3 through eth6 handle data traffic
Note that only one management connection and one data connection are shown. You can add more connections and use different ports as needed.
Advanced Configuration
- Management and data paths are on different subnets or networks
- Port eth1 handles management traffic
- Ports eth2 through eth6 handle data traffic
The following example shows one possible way to connect the cabling for an advanced configuration. Note that the subnet addresses in the illustration are just examples. Your settings will differ. The advanced configuration uses the maximum number of data connections on the iSCSI network, to obtain the best availability and throughput.
In more advanced configurations, you can define your own network configuration to handle the desired I/O flow.
Group Configuration
- Management paths for all arrays are on the same subnet
- Data paths for all arrays are on the same subnet or subnets
- The group of arrays is assembled and managed through the NimbleOS software
Note that you must create the group using the NimbleOS software. You can have up to four arrays in a group.
For instructions on how to create groups, refer to the Nimble Storage GUI Administration Guide or the Nimble Storage CLI Administration Guide.
Dual Fabric Fibre Channel
- Management traffic uses an Ethernet switch
- Data traffic uses Fibre Channel switches
- Port eth1 handles management traffic
- Ports fc1 and fc2 handle Fibre Channel data traffic
- The active controller (A or B) receives data traffic from both Fibre Channel switches (dual fabric)
Note that only one management connection and one data connection are shown. You can add more connections and use different ports as needed.