Cabling your cluster

Step 3: Cabling the nodes together

Cluster cabling differences

Your cluster arrives with one of three different types of cluster adapters, depending on the configuration you are installing. The following table lists the different supported cluster adapters and the major differences between them.

Cluster adapter type	General characteristics
Cluster interconnect adapter	No longer shipped with new systems. The adapter does not support mirrored clusters.
IB cluster adapter	Uses an optical cable up to 500 meters long. The adapter can be used in standard or mirrored clusters. Requires two SC/SC cables and GBICs for distances over 30 meters. These cables are not included.
VI cluster adapter (Rev B)	Uses an optical cable up to 500 meters long. Can be used in mirrored clusters and non-switched MetroClusters. Requires an LC/LC cable for distances over 30 meters. This cable is not included.
VI-MC cluster adapter	Used for long-distance Fabric Attached MetroClusters. Connects directly to Fibre Channel switches. Requires two SC/SC cables. These cables are not included. See Chapter 7, Cabling a MetroCluster, for more information.

See the System Configuration Guide on the NOW Web page at http://now.netapp.com for current information about supported cluster adapters for specific filers.

Cabling the VI cluster adapter

To cable the VI cluster adapters, complete the following steps, using the diagram for reference.

Step	Action
1	Plug one end of the optical cable into the GBIC of the local node's VI cluster adapter, then plug the other end into the partner node's VI cluster adapter. Note You must not cross-cable the cluster interconnect adapter. Cable the local node X port only to the partner X port and cable only the Y ports together.
2	Go to Step 4: Completing the Channel B loop.

Step

Action

Plug one end of the optical cable into the GBIC of the local node's VI cluster adapter, then plug the other end into the partner node's VI cluster adapter.

Note
You must not cross-cable the cluster interconnect adapter. Cable the local node X port only to the partner X port and cable only the Y ports together.

Go to Step 4: Completing the Channel B loop.

Cabling the IB cluster adapter

To cable the IB cluster adapters, complet the following steps.

Step	Action
1	Plug one end of the optical cable into one of the local node's IB cluster adapter ports, then plug the other end into the corresponding partner node's IB cluster adapter port. Repeat for the second cable.
2	Gently pull on the cable ends to ensure that they are properly seated.
3	Go to Step 4: Completing the Channel B loop.