support.dell.com Getting Started 1-3
NOTE: For more information on failover, failback, and groups, see “Configuring
Failover and Failback Support” in Chapter 6, “Configuring the System Software.”
SAN-Attached Cluster Configuration
A PowerEdge Cluster FE100/FL100 Datacenter Server configuration is a SAN-attached
cluster configuration where all four cluster nodes are attached to a single
PowerVault™ storage system or to multiple PowerVault storage systems through a
Dell PowerVault SAN using a redundant Fibre Channel switch fabric.
NOTE: A PowerEdge Cluster FE100/FL100 Datacenter Server configuration cannot
coexist on the Fibre Channel switch fabric with other clusters or stand-alone servers.
A Fibre Channel switch fabric is an active, intelligent, and private connection of one or
more fibre channel switches that provide high-speed, point-to-point connections
between servers and storage devices. Using instructions that are programmed into
the switch, the switches in a Fibre Channel fabric provide point-to-point connection
through inbound and outbound points from one device (sender) to another device or
switch (receiver) on the network. If the data is sent to another switch, the process
repeats itself until a connection is established between the sender and the receiver.
One or more PowerVault Fibre Channel switches make up a Fibre Channel fabric.
Figure 1-1 shows an advanced SAN-attached cluster configuration.