| PRIMECLUSTER Global Link Services Configuration and Administration Guide: Multipath Function (for Solaris(TM) Operating Environment) |
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| Chapter 1 Product Outline | > 1.1 Multipath Function |
The Multipath method communicates with two or more network interface cards (NIC) by making the transmission path between the NIC and the switch redundant, and by an exclusive access of the NIC (one adapter is put into "active" state during normal operation). When unexpected failures are detected in transmission path or on NIC, the online NIC is switched to the standby NIC to achieve the high-reliability of the communication.
The Multipath function is also able to implement FNA and SNA protocol as high-layer protocol used like TCP/IP. And, not only the Ethernet LAN card but also the FDDI card and the ATM card can be used as a NIC.
[Figure 1.1 Ethernet connection in Multipath method]
[Figure 1.2 FDDI connection in Multipath method]
[Figure 1.3 ATM connection in Multipath method]
The provided functions are listed in "Table 1.1 Multipath functions," and supported LAN driver whom the Multipath function can use is listed in "Table 1.2 Support Media List."
Please refer to "2.2 Notes" when you use FDDI, ATM, and Gigabit Ethernet.
[Table 1.1 Multipath functions]
Usable upper protocol
TCP/IP, FNA, and SNA
Fault monitoring system
Fault monitoring
If an abnormal transmission path or abnormal packet is detected by the transmission path monitoring daemon, the online NIC is switched to the standby NIC.
Switching time
About 10 seconds
For ATM connection, switching might take longer, depending on the specifications of the ATM protocol being used and the ATM switch.Detectable failure
NIC, cable, and switch failures
Fault monitoring system start/stop
The fault monitoring system is started at system initiation and stopped with system termination.
Switching function
Behavior at switching
The communication path of the online NIC is stopped ("fail" status), and data transmission is changed to other communication path of the online NIC ("active" status).
Switching back operation
It can fail back by executing a command to the standby path.
NIC-sharing capability
NICs which composes of the Multipath function cannot be shared by other methods or high-layer protocols.
Reachable (ready to communicate) remote device
Selectable
DR function
GP7000F model 1000/2000,
PRIMEPOWER 800/900/1000/1500/2000/2500
The DR function is implemented by providing DR scripts.
PCI Hot Plug function
PRIMEPOWER 450/900/1500/2500
The PCI Hot Plug function is implemented by the iompadm command and the cfgadm command of Solaris OS.
[Table 1.2 Multipath media support]
Media type
Driver name
Supported
Ethernet
le driver
Not supported
FastEthernet
hme driver
Supported
eri driver
Not supported
ce driver
Supported
fjfe driver
Supported
qfe driver
Supported
fjqe driver
Supported
Gigabit Ethernet
vge driver
Not supported
ge driver
Supported
bge driver
Not supported
ce driver
Supported
fjge driver
Supported
fjgx driver
Not supported
fjgi driver
Supported
FDDI
pf driver
Not supported
snd driver
Supported
ATM
ba driver
Not supported
li driver
Supported
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