Question about switch configuration in relation to server NIC teaming
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I've been having intermittent network performance issues for a while now. I think spanning tree may be needing some attention; but one other thing I have considered is that I have NIC teaming enabled on some of our servers, but there are no corresponding port configs on the switch on the other end. They are just regular ports, waiting to be used.
My servers with teams are 2012 R2 and their properties are always set to:
- Teaming Mode: Switch Independent
- list itemLoad Balancing: Dynamic
Now I was wondering, do you guys also usually configure the ports on your switches as a link aggregation/channel-group with witch to connect those server teams?
Currently, I am running all Dell N3000 switches and they all connect to each-other via trunked channel port-channels. So I am familiar with setting up port groups, just not for server teamed NICs. I have never used LACP before and am still pretty fuzzy on what that's for.
Anyway I just thought I would get some input from you guys on this.
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I only use switch independent mode. Because it is simpler for people following behind and none of my clients have so much data on the infrastructure that it matters anyway.
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@jaredbusch said in Question about switch configuration in relation to server NIC teaming:
I only use switch independent mode. Because it is simpler for people following behind and none of my clients have so much data on the infrastructure that it matters anyway.
That mode doesn't care about port configs right? That seems to be how I understood it based on research and whatnot.. and I'm not sure if connecting it to a channel group would mess with that..
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@jaredbusch said in Question about switch configuration in relation to server NIC teaming:
I only use switch independent mode. Because it is simpler for people following behind and none of my clients have so much data on the infrastructure that it matters anyway.
This is how I do it as well. For the same reasons.
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@penguinwrangler said in Question about switch configuration in relation to server NIC teaming:
@jaredbusch said in Question about switch configuration in relation to server NIC teaming:
I only use switch independent mode. Because it is simpler for people following behind and none of my clients have so much data on the infrastructure that it matters anyway.
This is how I do it as well. For the same reasons.
I do agree with that.. it's going to suck if someone has to figure out each and every port that something plugs into..
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Switch independent works pretty good. Also take a look into SET (Switch Embedded Teaming), which moves teaming one layer up. It's basically the next logical step.
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@thwr said in Question about switch configuration in relation to server NIC teaming:
Switch independent works pretty good. Also take a look into SET (Switch Embedded Teaming), which moves teaming one layer up. It's basically the next logical step.
Meh, my bad. SET requires Windows Server 2016
