SX1012 in a SAN Environment Question

Infrastructure & Networking Switches and Gateways Ethernet Switches
#1

Hello,

I would like to start using Mellanox equipment with a new SAN upgrade I’m planning out. I have a couple of questions that hopefully someone might be able to help me with. I want to use 2 SX1012’s to connect 4 VMWARE hosts, a Nimble CS1000 SAN, and HP 5400zl core. I’d like to use the 40GBE to 10GBE breakout cables and have everything running Ethernet and SFP+. What would be the ideal connection to make between both SX1012’s? I didn’t know about InfiniBand until I started researching Mellanox, can that be used in conjunction with Ethernet protocol? Attached is a diagram of our setup. I appreciate anyone’s time and guidance.

Thanks!

Mellanox-SAN-SETUP.pdf (836 KB)

#2

Jason the SX1012 is an Ethernet switch. So Infiniband is not relevant here. To connect these switches between each other I suggest you use 2 cables type 40GbE DAC.

Cables are here LinkX™ - Mellanox Technologies http://www.mellanox.com/products/interconnect/ethernet-direct-attach-copper-cables.php

And spec sheet here http://www.mellanox.com/related-docs/prod_cables/PB_40GbE_Passive_Copper_Cables.pdf http://www.mellanox.com/related-docs/prod_cables/PB_40GbE_Passive_Copper_Cables.pdf

Then you can configure LAG/mLAG between switches for fail over. Start here MLAG Considerations for Mellanox VMS https://community.mellanox.com/s/article/mlag-considerations-for-mellanox-vms

To manage and configure switches you can use NEO which is free. Nice GUI and all. Mellanox NEO is now public!

Have fun!

#3

Thanks for this Lior,

It was EXACTLY what I was looking for and those extra links are extremely valuable. Have a great rest of the day!

Much appreciated,

Jason