DELL CX4 User Manual

Cabling Your Cluster Hardware

19

Cabling the Private Network

The private network connection to the nodes is provided by a different 
network adapter in each node. This network is used for intra-cluster 
communications. Table 2-2 describes three possible private network 
configurations.

 

NOTE: 

Throughout this document, Gigabit Ethernet is used to refer to either Gigabit 

Ethernet or 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

Using Dual-Port Network Adapters

You can configure your cluster to use the public network as a failover for 
private network communications. If you are using dual-port network adapters, 
do not configure both ports simultaneously to support both public and 
private networks.

NIC Teaming

NIC teaming combines two or more NICs to provide load balancing and fault 
tolerance. Your cluster supports NIC teaming, only in a public network. NIC 
teaming is not supported in a private network.

Use the same brand of NICs in a team. Do not mix brands in NIC teaming.

Cabling the Storage Systems

This section provides information on cabling your cluster to a storage system 
in a direct-attached configuration or to one or more storage systems in a SAN-
attached configuration.

Table 2-2.

Private Network Hardware Components and Connections

Method

Hardware Components

Connection

Network 
switch

Gigabit Ethernet network 
adapters and switches

Connect standard Ethernet cables 
from the network adapters in the 
nodes to a Gigabit Ethernet switch.

Point-to-Point 
Gigabit 
Ethernet 
(two-node 
clusters only)

Copper Gigabit Ethernet 
network adapters

Connect a standard Ethernet cable 
between the Gigabit Ethernet network 
adapters in both nodes.