Trunk and VLAN Question

[anthonymeluso]

Hi all. We are trying to get our server's teamed NICS into a trunk setup on our 5412zl switch. While I have found instructions online on how to do this, some say I have to apply this trunk to a VLAN. Does a trunk setup need to also be configured for a VLAN to work correctly?

I rather keep this setup as simple as possible. I just want the redundancy and any speed increase I can get.

Thanks!

 

[unclerico]

EVERY port is a member of a VLAN unless it is a tagged port. if you leave everything alone and just configure a trunk it is by default a member of VLAN1.

I hate all Uppercase... I don't want my groups to seem angry at me all the time! =)
- ColdFlame (vbscript forum)

 

[cajuntank]

Like 'unclerico' mentioned, every port is already a member of VLAN1 until you tag it to another VLAN. What you'll also want to do is set your teaming on your server for "switch assisted load balancing" once you do have your trunk ports setup on your switch. The other thing to clarify is that while this does help with throughput... You now have a two lane highway instead of a one lane highway (assuming your one lane was causing contention), your speed limit is still 55 (ok, 1Gb or 10Gb if you spent the money; but I was sticking with the anology ;-)

 

[anthonymeluso]

Thanks guys!
I spoke with a network guy from CDW and he mentioned to do some link aggregation but to also look in to creating VLAN for each of my servers. Does this make sense to any of you guys? Or is this overkill.

We have about 10 servers here and we are a high school with about 500 machines.

 

[unclerico]

not a VLAN for EACH of your servers, but definitely a VLAN FOR your servers. that way you can properly secure access to the servers especially in a school environment.

I hate all Uppercase... I don't want my groups to seem angry at me all the time! =)
- ColdFlame (vbscript forum)

 

[cajuntank]

I work for a school district myself, so just remember also that if you do create a separate VLAN for your servers compared to that of your workstations, this will require a L3 switch (which you already have using your 5412).
But what if that switch goes down and you need to put something in it's place temporarily to get you back up and going till the other is repaired (say for maybe just office/admin personnel)? Just make sure you have another L3 capable switch at your disposal till your 5412 is fixed, which is not likely to happen as HP makes really great equipment, but it pays to have a plan B (especially if you're in the middle of state testing).

 

[anthonymeluso]

Sounds like you have been in that kinda of a situation before lol.

The rack also has another 5412zl in it so that's our back up.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[cajuntank]

Glad I could assist.

 

[anthonymeluso]

Someone mentioned "switch assisted load balancing" set for my HP servers. What about LACP? Are these two things the same? From what I read LACP is the standard way of doing things these days. If I go with LACP what changes are need for the 5412zl?

Thanks!