Technical information

57 EqualLogic Configuration Guide | Version 15.2 | August 2014
10 Mixed speed environments - Integrating 1GbE and 10GbE
SANs
With the introduction of 10GbE, there will be situations that require 1Gb arrays and 10Gb arrays coexisting
in the same SAN infrastructure. EqualLogic PS Series arrays support operation of 1Gb and 10Gb arrays
within the same group. This section summarizes mixed speed SAN design guidelines that are presented in
much more detail in the following publications:
 Best Practices for Deploying Mixed 1Gb/10 Gb Ethernet SANs using Dell EqualLogic Storage Arrays
and separate 1Gb and 10Gb switches :
http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/storage/w/wiki/2640.deploying-mixed-1-gb-10-gb-
ethernet-sans-using-dell-equallogic-storage-arrays-by-sis.aspx
 Best Practices for Deploying a Mixed 1 Gb/10 Gb Ethernet SAN using Dell EqualLogic Storage Array
with Dell Networking 8100 :
http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/storage/w/wiki/4419.mixed-speed-devices-within-a-10-
gb-equallogic-san-using-pc-8100-series-switches-by-sis.aspx
 Best Practices for Deploying a Mixed 1 Gb/10 Gb Ethernet SAN using Dell EqualLogic Storage Array
with Dell Networking s4820T :
http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/extras/m/white_papers/20384458.aspx
The potential advantages in running a mixed speed (1GbE and 10GbE) EqualLogic SAN include:
 Not all of the application workloads on a SAN will require storage I/O performance that the 10Gb
arrays provide. Thus, SAN administrators will have additional storage tiering flexibility based on array
I/O performance.
 The PS Series Group Manager will allow the SAN administrator to still manage both types of arrays
within the same SAN group.
 The ability to mix 1Gb and 10Gb arrays supports seamless operational coexistence during migration
to a 10Gb SAN.
10.1 Mixed speed SAN best practices
The following list summarizes the important SAN design considerations for integrating 10Gb EqualLogic
arrays into existing 1Gb EqualLogic SANs.
 When integrating 10Gb switches into your existing 1Gb switching environment, how you
interconnect the mixed speed switches (split vs. straight uplink) does not have a significant impact
on performance as long as the uplinks are sized appropriately to your workloads.
- If your 1Gb switches are configured as a stack then you should use the split interconnect pattern
as described in Best Practices for Deploying a Mixed Speed 1Gb/10Gb Ethernet SAN using Dell
EqualLogic Storage Arrays
- If your 1Gb switches are not stacked, then you must use the straight interconnect pattern