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Cabling Your Cluster Hardware 23
Cabling Your Private Network
The private network connection to the cluster nodes is provided by a second or subsequent
network adapter that is installed in each node. This network is used for intracluster
communications. Table 2-3 lists the required hardware components and connection method for
three possible private network configurations.
NOTE: On certain Microsoft
®
Windows
®
2000 Advanced Server, Windows Server™ 2003
configurations, using an Ethernet cable in a point-to-point connection can impact node-to-node
communications. See Microsoft Knowledge Base articles 239924, 242430, 254651, and 258750 at
www.microsoft.com for more information. This issue has been corrected in Windows Server 2003.
NIC Teaming
Network Interface Card (NIC) teaming combines two or more NICs to provide load balancing
and/or fault tolerance. Your cluster supports NIC teaming, but only in a public network;
NIC teaming is not supported in a private network.
You should use the same brand of NICs in a team, and you cannot mix brands of
teaming drivers.
Table 2-3. Private Network Hardware Components and Connections
Method Hardware Components Connection
Network switch Fast Ethernet or Gigabit
Ethernet network adapters and
switches
Connect standard Ethernet cables from the
network adapters in both cluster nodes to a
Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet switch.
Point-to-Point
Fast Ethernet
Fast Ethernet network adapters Connect a crossover Ethernet cable between
the Fast Ethernet network adapters in both
cluster nodes.
Point-to-Point
Gigabit Ethernet
Copper Gigabit Ethernet
network adapters
Connect a standard Ethernet cable between
the Gigabit Ethernet network adapters in both
cluster nodes.
se500wbk1.book Page 23 Thursday, June 16, 2005 4:19 PM