Switch requirements

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An overview of the data and management switch requirements that are needed to support IBM Storage Ready Nodes.

The data switches facilitate the IBM Storage Ceph cluster data path while the management switches facilitate the separate Ready Node platform management function. Keep the data and management networks independent.

Data switch

  • The minimum number of ports that is determined by the number of supported Ready Nodes.

  • Nonblocking.

  • Jumbo frame support (9K).

  • Uplink ports
    • Providing sufficient north/south bandwidth for application traffic to the object storage endpoints.
    • Providing sufficient east/west bandwidth for cluster traffic volumes. A 1:1 ratio is recommended, but some over-subscription can be acceptable if maximum performance is less of a concern.
  • Downlink ports
    • For Dell PowerEdge R750 X2D: 10 GbE SFP+ transceiver (included).
    • Ports can be of higher speed if it can accept SFP+ transceivers and auto-negotiate to 10, 25Gb or 100Gb based on the server model.
    • For Dell PowerEdge R760 X5D and Dell PowerEdge R760 X6D: 10 GbE, 25 GbE or 100 GbE SFP+ transceiver (included).

  • Inter-switch bonding support

    • Link Aggregation Control Protocol IEEE802.3ad (LACP).
    • Multi-chassis Link Aggregation (MLAG).
    • Inter-switch link (ISL).

  • Cabling

    • Multi-Mode (MM) OMA4 LC-LC cables - Determine the cable lengths with the configuration.
  • Redundant (1+1 sharing) PSU with IEC320 C14 inlet - 100-240Vac 50Hz/60Hz.
  • Selectable front-to-rear and rear-to-front airflow and mounting options.
    The following items vary by manufacturer – Check vendor specifications for exact values.

    • Line power draw – Usually ~300 W max and ~200 W typical.

    • Weight - Typically less than 25.0 lb (11.35 kg)

    • 1RU – Depth is less than a Ready Node.

    • Temperature, humidity, altitude, op/non-op shock, and vibration requirements within the Ready Node specifications.

Management switch

  • The minimum number of ports that is determined by the number of supported Ready Nodes.

  • Nonblocking.

  • Uplink ports
    • As required for facility network connectivity.
  • Downlink ports

    • 1 GbE RJ45.

  • Cabling

    • Minimum Cat5e copper/RJ45 cables - Determine the cable lengths with the configuration.

  • Redundant (1+1 sharing) PSU with IEC320 C14 inlet – 100-240 Vac 50 Hz/60 Hz.

  • Selectable front-to-rear and rear-to-front airflow and mounting options.

    The following items vary by manufacturer, check vendor specifications for exact values.

    • Line power draw – Usually ~300W max and ~200W typical.

    • Weight - Typically less than 25.0 lb (11.35 kg).

    • 1RU – Depth is less than a Ready Node.

    • Temperature, humidity, altitude, op/non-op shock, and vibration requirements within the Ready Node specifications.