10.5 HP StoreVirtual Storage User Guide (AX696-96269, March 2013)

Figure 33 Active-Passive failover in a four-switch topology
1. Servers
2. HP StoreVirtual Storage systems
3. Storage cluster
4. GigE trunk
5. Active path
6. Passive path
Figure 33 (page 62) illustrates the Active-Passive configuration in a four-switch topology.
How link aggregation dynamic mode bonding works
Link Aggregation Dynamic Mode allows the storage system to use both interfaces simultaneously
for data transfer. Both interfaces have an active status. If the interface link to one NIC goes offline,
the other interface continues operating. Using both NICs also increases network bandwidth.
Requirements for link aggregation dynamic mode
To configure Link Aggregation Dynamic Mode:
• Both NICs should be enabled.
• NICs must be configured to the same subnet.
• NICs must be connected to a single switch that is LACP-capable and supports 802.3ad link
aggregation.
Which physical interface is preferred
Because the logical interface uses both NICs simultaneously for data transfer, neither of the NICs
in an aggregation bond is designated as preferred.
Which physical interface is active
When the Link Aggregation Dynamic Mode bond is created, if both NICs are plugged in, both
interfaces are active. If one interface fails, the other interface continues operating. For example,
suppose Interface:Port1 and Interface:Port2 are bonded in a Link Aggregation Dynamic Mode
bond. If Interface:Port1 fails, then Interface:Port2 remains active.
Once the link is fixed and Interface:Port1 is operational, it becomes active again. Interface:Port2
remains active.
62 Managing the network