Active/active configurations

An active/active configuration is an Ethernet network configuration that allows active traffic on the same VLAN on multiple interconnect modules. The NICs on all the servers in the enclosure have their NICs connected to adjacent Virtual Connect modules. All uplinks are active to forward network traffic.

An active/active configuration:

  • Provides full use of all uplink ports (no uplink port in standby mode).

  • Allows all traffic to egress through the interconnect module connected to the NIC port without crossing the internal stacking link, if stacking is used.

  • Doubles the available bandwidth while maintaining redundancy (when combined with Smart Link).

The networks associated with an uplink set must be included in the server profile connection for the interconnect module. For example, if Net_101_A is in uplink set US_A, which has ports from the interconnect module in bay 1, Net_101_A must be associated with the downlink port connected to the interconnect module in bay 1 (for example, LOM1:1-a).

When setting up an active/active configuration in an enclosure, determine if you have a single logical interconnect group or a multiple logical interconnect group per enclosure configuration.

  • In a single logical interconnect group configuration, have at least two Ethernet interconnect modules with stacking links in the enclosure. All interconnects are defined in one logical interconnect in the single logical interconnect group. When you set up the active/active configuration, all networks are available on both interconnects, and subsequently to any server connected to these interconnects through the use of the stacking links. Networks are created in pairs for each VLAN you want to connect.

  • In a multiple logical interconnect group configuration, where you define each interconnect in a separate logical interconnect group, and subsequently separate logical interconnects, the interconnects are no longer stacked. Because you can use the same network in both logical interconnect groups, you can create an active/active configuration with twice as many available networks.