PRIMECLUSTER Global Link Services Configuration and Administration Guide: Redundant Line Control Function 4.1 (for Solaris(TM) Operating System)

2.1.3 NIC switching mode

In this mode, duplicated NICs are connected to the same network and switching control of lines is performed based on the exclusive use (During normal operation, one NIC is made to go "up" for communication). A TCP/IP application can conduct communication with the remote system, irrespective of NIC switching, by using an IP address set in this "up" physical interface as its own local system IP address.

[Figure 2.11 Example of duplicated operation in NIC switching mode]

NIC switching mode handles logical interface as a takeover interface. When using physical interfaces hme0 and hme1, the takeover interface becomes hme0:1 and hme1:1. Note that it is possible to takeover physical interface without using logical interface. Look under section "2.1.3.2 Switching function" for details on NIC switching mode.

Connection type

Duplicated NICs are connected to the same network. The remote system with which communication is to be carried out can be connected to either the same network or a different network via routers.

Features

If each network device (such as the HUB and routers) has the duplicating function in a multi-vendor environment, this mode is effective when improving overall reliability in combination with these devices. In this case, the range of duplication is defined for each vendor.

Recommended application areas

This mode is appropriate, for example, to communications in a multi-vendor environment in which UNIX servers and PC servers of other companies are mixed.

System configuration

Figure 2.12 shows a system configuration for NIC switching mode:

[Figure 2.12 System configuration in NIC switching mode]

The following explains each component and its meaning:

Primary physical interface

Indicates, of the duplicated NICs, the physical interface to be used first by activating it.

Secondary physical interface

Indicates the physical interface to be used after switching when a line failure is detected in the Primary physical interface.

Physical IP

Indicates an IP address attached to the Primary or Secondary physical interface. This IP address is always active. IPv4 address can be used for a physical interface. In case of IPv6, a link local address is automatically set as a physical IP address.

Primary monitored IP

Indicates the IP address of a monitored device (HUB) obtained when the Primary physical interface is used. In NIC switching mode, it is possible to use both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses as an address form.

Secondary monitored IP

Indicates the IP address of a monitored device (HUB) obtained when the Secondary physical interface is used. In NIC switching mode, it is possible to use both IPv4 and IPv6 addresss as an address form.

Logical IP

Indicates a local IP address for communication with the remote device. In NIC switching mode, it is possible to use both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses as an address form. When using a physical IP address takeover function, it is not activated. Please refer to "2.1.3.2 Switching function" about an physical IP address takeover function.

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2.1.3.1 Fault monitoring function

2.1.3.2 Switching function

2.1.3.3 Connectable remote host

2.1.3.4 Available application

2.1.3.5 Notes