Has anyone configured a server with quad nics , two of which are teamed and for resiliency connecting to separate switches ? Just need to know if this configuration works , what issues should be addressed with this configuration and how DNS will work.
I have done this successfully on NetWare using the Compaq Advanced Network Services (CPQANS) teaming solution.
Basically, you create two FEC (Fast Etherchannel) teams on two switches containing 2 ports each. You can connect your network cards to either of these teams. When you configure CPQANS, you configure all of the network ports as one team, then bind IP to that team. I guess there is a similar solution for Windows, but the NetWare version works well.
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"It's true, its damn true!"
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As far as IP itself is concerned, there is only ONE IP address bound to the team. Therefore DNS is not a problem. You see, you have to configure your network ports and server in such a way that basically it acts as if 4 network connections are one. DNS points to one IP address, the network cards in the server are configured as one team, your single IP address is bound to that team rather than one card in particular.
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"It's true, its damn true!"
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We have tested with 2 x nics teamed going to one switch and the other 2 x nics teamed going to another switch. The problem is the switches require a separate MAC address other wise is will not work, switches get confused.
I cannot comment for other operating systems, but NetWare 5.1 using the CPQANS driver sets the first network card to be loaded as the primary card. This cards MAC address gets presented to the switches as the MAC address to communicate with so the switches do not get confused. Should the card fail, another card gets set as the primary and this card takes over.
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"It's true, its damn true!"
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