April 3, 2017 update notes for Visio by DPTPB stencil collection.
With most 40GbE switches there is possibility to split a single 40GbE port to four 10GbE ports by using breakout cable with one QSFP+ connector at one end of the cable and four 10GbE SFP+ connectors at the other end of the cable.
Available both for fiber and direct-attached connectivity. Fiber connection has separate transceivers + a breakout cable with 1x 40G MPO connector / 4x10G LC connectors. DAC cable is a single piece of hardware.
Continue reading “Visio by DPTPB: 40GbE to 4x10GbE breakout cable shapes”
LAN & SAN switches are typically available in both “Fan Side Intake” / “Port Side Exhaust” and “Port Side Intake” / “Fan Side Exhaust” versions. If sourcing switches from NetApp typically correct airflow is selected, in case of sourcing switches directly from switch vendors, take care to order correct airflow option. With wrong airflow you might end up overheating your switch and cause it to shut down: been there, done that, no t-shirt 🙂
Continue reading “Visio by DPTPB: 40GbE / 32 GB FC Switch shapes”
This is became quite lengthy post or in fact series of posts due to new NetApp AFF A700s platform, which is very different “beast” than any other NetApp AFF / FAS platform:
This in turn required additional new shapes for 40GbE / 32G FC switches (part 2) and 40GbE to 4x10GbE breakout cables (part 3). Sample drawings for NetApp AFF A700s are available in the last post of this series, (part4).
While Nutanix has only few types of cables to use and has way simpler cabling schematic than traditional 3-tier architectures, there are still cautions with cabling, especially with 10GbE cabling.
If I had to name one type of IT equipment that I really dislike, the award would definitely go to 10GbE DAC or TwinAx-cables. This dislike is not specific only towards Nutanix 10GbE DAC cabling, regardless of which vendor I happen to be working with, I usually feel pinch in my stomach, when someone suggest using DAC cables.
Continue reading “Nutanix + 10GbE Switches + DAC cables: Working Combinations”
DontPokeThePolarBear 