Network Port question

[featured_spectre]

I am a bit stuck on this

 

Our server has 4 network ports (2 built in, 2 on PCI Express card)

 

2 of them are currently in use, 1 as an incoming, 1 as an outgoing, my question is, is there a way to get all 4 to work as if they were 2 (effectively doubling the capacity)? Our previous NM had this set up on our old server but I dont know how he did it. I was thinking about bridging the connections but not 100% about it, hence my question.

 

Many thanks

 

Neph

[localzuk]

You'd need to enable link aggregation on the server and the switch. Enabling IEEE 802.3ad on the switch for those 4 ports, and then using whatever tool comes with the server to do it too should normally work.

[featured_spectre]

care to elaborate?

[localzuk]

It really depends on what make of network card you have in the server, and what model of switch it is plugged into.

[pantscat]

NIC teaming is what you want (plus link aggregation or etherchannel as Cisco like to call it... or confusingly HP Procurve call it trunking...).

 

What make is the server/NIC?

[featured_spectre]

Intel PRO/1000 EB Network Connection with I/O Acceleration (Onboard)

Intel PRO/1000 EB Network Connection with I/O Acceleration (Onboard)

Intel PRO/1000 PT Dual Port Server Adaptor (PCI Card)

Intel PRO/1000 PT Dual Port Server Adaptor (PCI Card)

 

 

All plugged into a 3com 2928SFP switch

[pantscat]

Okey-dokey.

 

This is basically what you want to do:

 

1. Get the Intel Proset utility and install it.

2. Setup NIC teaming - e.g. two ports will be seen as one.

3. On your 3Com switch set the two ports as a "link aggregated group" (I think that's the 3Com terminology... and without LACP).

4. Connect it all up.

5. That's it.

 

Edited to say... do this at your own risk, your server/coffee supply may be at risk if you do not keep up repayments etc.

[featured_spectre]

+Rep thanks

[localzuk]

You will need the Intel 'Advanced Network Teaming' tool - Network Connectivity — How do I use Teaming with Advanced Networking Services (ANS)?

 

And then on your 3com switch (which is the same as the HP V1910-24G now), you need to look at the info on page 237 of the manual available here: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/CoreRedirect.jsp?redirectReason=DocIndexPDF&prodSeriesId=4218346&targetPage=http%3A%2F%2Fbizsupport2.austin.hp.com%2Fbc%2Fdocs%2Fsupport%2FSupportManual%2Fc02581837%2Fc02581837.pdf

[featured_spectre]

+Rep Thanks

[IanT]

Yup, my last place I had 2x Intel Gig built in and 4x Intel Gig PCI Express, Teamed them all using the intel software.