HP X5000 G2 Network Storage System Administrator Guide

step to deploy one or more file servers on the cluster. You may also wait and create file servers
later using Server Manager.
The ICT is intended for initial setup, so once it is complete, you may select the Do not show this
window at the next logon box. If you do want to launch the ICT at a later time, you may do so
from Server Manager or by typing oobe from a Windows command prompt.
When the HP ICT window is closed, Server Manager is launched automatically. Use Server Manager
for further customization of the storage system, such as adding roles and features, and share and
storage management. See the Getting Started node in the navigation tree of Server Manager for
more help on using the storage system.
NOTE: Although BitLocker is supported by the Windows operating system, it is not supported on
the X5000 G2 Network Storage System because BitLocker is not supported on clustered volumes.
For more information, see the following Microsoft article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947302
If encryption is required, the Encrypting File System (EFS) is supported on clustered volumes. For
more information on EFS, see the following Microsoft article:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/223316
Networking options
The large number of network adapters on each server in the X5000 G2 provides a number of
different options for networking. The network adapter named "Cluster Internal" is pre-configured
as a private cluster heartbeat and should be left as is, but all other adapters are available for use.
Use the guidelines below as an aid in making configuration choices.
Network teaming
Network teaming is a common use of multiple network adapters. Teaming is used to increase
available network bandwidth and provide fault tolerance. Teaming can be across multiple ports
in the same network adapter or across network adapters.
Multi-home
Distributing network workload across multiple network adapters is also commonly used. Placing
each network interface on a different subnet allows the workload on each subnet to be serviced
in parallel rather than through a single interface.
Dedicated networks
Implementing a unified storage solution requires that different protocols be used to access a storage
system. In one instance, a block protocol like iSCSI is used to present storage to a virtual machine
host. At the same time, a file protocol like SMB is used for sharing files for department or user
home directories. A dedicated storage network for each protocol allows the network traffic to be
kept separate to maximize performance. Similarly, one network interface can be used for system
management and monitoring while another interface can be used for data traffic.
10 GbE versus 1 GbE
Other than the obvious difference in speed, 10 GbE provides an order of magnitude difference
in lower latency. Lower latency is ideal for transactional database applications and virtualization.
Combining a 10 GbE dedicated storage network for a virtual machine infrastructure, and a 1 GbE
network for shared folder, takes the most advantage of the network offerings. A classic example
is thin clients whose resources are hosted on virtual machines (for example, the Citrix model).
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