| 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 Multilink Ethernet function uses multiple FastEthernet or Gigabit Ethernet cards and connects to a switch with built-in Multilink Ethernet method. This makes the transmission path between the LAN card (NIC) and the switch redundant, and enables simultaneous use of the NICs (all communication paths are put into "active" state in normal operation). This results in distribution of the data transfer load to multiple components and in a wider band for communication, thereby enhancing transfer efficiency for remote systems.
If an unexpected failure is detected in a transmission path or on the NIC, the transmission data path is switched to another online NIC to continue communication.
On the Multilink Ethernet method, only TCP/IP can be used as a high-layer protocol.
Also, only Ethernet LAN cards are used as NICs; FDDI and ATM cards cannot be used.
- Use of Multilink Ethernet method requires a switch supporting Multilink Ethernet method.
The name of the Multilink Ethernet method can differs for each switch. For example, the name "Multilink Ethernet function" or "Trunking function" might be used.- The communication bandwidth of the Multilink Ethernet method can be calculated as "number of NICs used x transfer rate x instances of full-duplex communication". In other words, the obtained communication bandwidth is higher, but transfer performance (throughput) does not necessarily increase.
- Multilink Ethernet method and the Trunking function do not establish a data transfer protocol.
They are simply functions for distributing transmission data and depend on the distribution method of the switch that receives the data.- The Multilink Ethernet method is a function intended to distribute loads and to enhance transfer efficiency by simultaneously using two or more NICs.
If the number of used NICs increases, however, the CPU load rate of the local system might increase as well, affecting transfer performance (throughput) of the entire system.
The transfer performance (throughput) might also be affected by the distribution method adopted by the switch connected to the local system and the network configuration.
[Figure 1.4 Multilink Ethernet method]
The provided functions are listed in "Table 1.3 Multilink Ethernet functions." "Table 1.4 Multilink Ethernet support media," lists the media that can be used in Multilink Ethernet method.
Also, be sure to read "2.2 Notes."
[Table 1.3 Multilink Ethernet functions]
Usable upper protocol
TCP/IP
Data distribution system
MAC address distribution
Before data is transmitted, the transmission destination NIC is determined based on the remote MAC address.
Round-robin distribution
Data is transmitted by distributing it evenly to component NICs.
Destination IP address distribution
Before data is transmitted, the transmission destination NIC is determined based on the remote IP address.
Destination/Source IP address distribution
Before data is transmitted, the transmission destination NIC is determined based on the remote IP address and the local IP address
Fault monitoring system
Fault monitoring
If an abnormal transmission path or abnormal packet is detected by the transmission path monitoring daemon, another online NIC is selected.
Switching time
About 10 seconds
Detectable failure
NIC, cable, and switch failures
Fault monitoring start/stop
The fault monitoring system is started at system initiation and stopped with system termination.
Switching function
Behavior at switching
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
This operation is not meaningful.
NIC sharing capability
NICs configured for Multipath functions cannot be shared by operations of other types or by the 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 1.4 Multilink Ethernet media support]
Media type
Driver name
Supported
Ethernet
le driver
Not supported
FastEthernet
hme driver
Supported
eri driver
Not supported
fjfe driver
Supported
ce 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
Not supported
ATM
ba driver
Not supported
li driver
Not supported
1.1.2.1 MAC address distribution method1.1.2.2 Round-robin distribution method1.1.2.3 Destination IP address distribution method1.1.2.4 Destination/Source IP address distribution method|
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