Configuring network links

If you do not want to use the default configuration for the four 10/25-GbE ports on the SG6000-CN controller, you must configure the link settings. These ports are used to connect the appliance to the Grid Network and the optional Client Network. You can set the link speed as well as the port and network bond modes.

Before you begin

If you plan to use the 25-GbE link speed:

You are using SFP28 TwinAx cables, or you have installed SFP28 transceivers in the 10/25-GbE ports you plan to use.
You have connected the 10/25-GbE ports to switches that can support these features.
You understand how to configure the switches to use this higher speed.

If you plan to use Aggregate port bond mode, LACP network bond mode, or VLAN tagging:

You have connected the 10/25-GbE ports on the appliance to switches that can support VLAN and LACP.
If multiple switches are participating in the LACP bond, the switches support multi-chassis link aggregation groups (MLAG), or equivalent.
You understand how to configure the switches to use VLAN, LACP, and MLAG or equivalent.
You know the unique VLAN tag to use for each network. This VLAN tag will be added to each network packet to ensure that network traffic is routed to the correct network.

About this task

This figure shows how the four 10/25-GbE ports are bonded in fixed port bond mode (default configuration).
Image showing how the 10/25-GbE ports on the SG6000-CN controller are bonded in fixed mode

Image showing how the 10/25-GbE ports on the SG6000-CN controller are bonded in fixed mode

Callout	Which ports are bonded
C	Ports 1 and 3 are bonded together for the Client Network, if this network is used.
G	Ports 2 and 4 are bonded together for the Grid Network.

This figure shows how the four 10/25-GbE ports are bonded in aggregate port bond mode.
Image showing how the 10/25-GbE ports on the SG6000-CN controller are bonded in aggregate mode

Image showing how the 10/25-GbE ports on the SG6000-CN controller are bonded in aggregate mode

Callout	Which ports are bonded
1	All four ports are grouped in a single LACP bond, allowing all ports to be used for Grid Network and Client Network traffic.

The table summarizes the options for configuring the four 10/25-GbE ports. The default settings are shown in bold. You only need to configure the settings on the Link Configuration page if you want to use a non-default setting.

Port bond mode	Network bond mode	Client Network disabled (default)	Client Network enabled
Fixed (default)	Active-Backup (default)	Ports 2 and 4 use an active-backup bond for the Grid Network. Ports 1 and 3 are not used. A VLAN tag is optional.	Ports 2 and 4 use an active-backup bond for the Grid Network. Ports 1 and 3 use an active-backup bond for the Client Network. VLAN tags can be specified for both networks for the convenience of the network administrator.
Fixed (default)	LACP (802.3ad)	Ports 2 and 4 use an LACP bond for the Grid Network. Ports 1 and 3 are not used. A VLAN tag is optional.	Ports 2 and 4 use an LACP bond for the Grid Network. Ports 1 and 3 use an LACP bond for the Client Network. VLAN tags can be specified for both networks for the convenience of the network administrator.
Aggregate	LACP (802.3ad) only	Ports 1-4 use a single LACP bond for the Grid Network. A single VLAN tag identifies Grid Network packets.	Ports 1-4 use a single LACP bond for the Grid Network and the Client Network. Two VLAN tags allow Grid Network packets to be segregated from Client Network packets.

See "10/25-GbE port connections for the SG6000-CN controller" for more information about port bond and network bond modes.

Steps

From the menu bar of the StorageGRID Appliance Installer, click Configure Networking > Link Configuration.
The Network Link Configuration page appears. The first time you access this page:
- Link Speed is set to 10GbE.
- Port bond mode is set to Fixed.
- Network bond mode is set to Active-Backup.
- The Admin Network is enabled.
- The Client Network is disabled.
If you plan to use the 25-GbE link speed for the 10/25 GbE ports, select 25GbE from the Link speed drop-down list.
The network switches you are using for the Grid Network and the Client Network must also support and be configured for this speed. You must use SFP28 TwinAx cables or optical cables and SFP28 transceivers.
Enable or disable the StorageGRID Webscale networks you plan to use.
The Grid Network is required. You cannot disable this network.
1. If the appliance is not connected to the Admin Network, unselect the Enable network check box for the Admin Network.
2. If the appliance is connected to the Client Network, select the Enable network check box for the Client Network.
  
  The Client Network settings for the 10/25-GbE ports are now shown.
Refer to the table, and configure the port bond mode and the network bond mode.
This screen shot shows Aggregate and LACP selected for the Grid and the Client networks. You must specify a unique VLAN tag for each network. You can select values between 0 and 4095.
When you are satisfied with your selections, click Save.

Note: You might lose your connection if you made changes to the network or link you are connected through. If you are not reconnected within 1 minute, re-enter the URL for the StorageGRID Appliance Installer using one of the other IP addresses assigned to the appliance: http://SG6000-CN_Controller_IP:8080