Cat5e T-Adaptor - Would this work??

Angelos_n · 21 Nov 2011 at 10:20

Hey all,

im about to fit a new rack, and have a question about a way to provide network redundancy, lets say i have 2 EXACTLY the same managed switches, config and all. Would it be possible to have 1 network cable from each server/device, go into a T-adaptor (like this http://www.trinetusa.com/cat5_5e/085_T_C5E.htm) and then into both switches(1 being off) so that if the first switch fails and is being replaced, i can simply turn on the 2nd switch as if nothing happened? Reason i ask is because a lot of the websites says that you need 2 of these, then again most of them are about connecting 1 switch to 2 computers, i need the other way round. If you guys can think of another way to increase network redundancy let me know, another way i was thinking, is to run 2 cables to each server and label them, but then swapping them out takes more time that switching a switch on

Regards

Phemo · 21 Nov 2011 at 10:56

No that would not work at all. The idea of those things is to plug one into a port at each end so you effectively create two sockets at each end of a single piece of cable. It doesn't work like a mini switch.

Angelos_n · 21 Nov 2011 at 10:57

ok thanks, so i better be cabling 2 cables to each server and labelling them 1/2 and swapping them out if the switch fails(it shouldnt fail, im just being cautious)

Regards

3dcandy · 21 Nov 2011 at 13:37

that's a lot of redundancy in case of a switch failure. 2 of everything will double the cost whilst one switch will not be used. Perhaps you are being too cautious

jimjamuk · 21 Nov 2011 at 13:38

Are you able to set up redundancy on the server as well??

So Nic1 goes to SW1 and NIC2 to SW2 ?? Of do you just have the one port on the server?

Angelos_n · 21 Nov 2011 at 14:04

yes, each server will have dual NIC's im just wondering if im being a bit to cautious.

@3dcandy, your right it is double the cost, but i just dont want any problems

This will be in a datacentre environment, so perhaps im being to cautious, as im sure they will have spare switches on site, do you think i should only purchase 1 switch and relax a bit?

Regards

PistolPete · 21 Nov 2011 at 14:14

3dcandy said:
that's a lot of redundancy in case of a switch failure. 2 of everything will double the cost whilst one switch will not be used. Perhaps you are being too cautious

Try working for a telco where everything is duplicated - front end, backend and management connections, THEN the system is duplicated in a second datacentre.

You can never be too careful.

Angelos_n · 21 Nov 2011 at 14:19

what should i do then

So confusing !!!

a1ex2001 · 21 Nov 2011 at 14:21

Angelos_n said:
yes, each server will have dual NIC's im just wondering if im being a bit to cautious.

@3dcandy, your right it is double the cost, but i just dont want any problems This will be in a datacentre environment, so perhaps im being to cautious, as im sure they will have spare switches on site, do you think i should only purchase 1 switch and relax a bit?

Regards

Only you can answer the questions about caution, the real question that would help people advise you is what is it these servers will be running and why is it important to have minimal downtime?

The best solution for your situation techically is two nics in each server one connected to switch A and the other to Switch B then provided you configure the switches and the NIC's right the user will not even notice when one of the switches goes down.

Angelos_n · 21 Nov 2011 at 14:23

Its a rack that will be rented out to corporate clients, which is why i kept thinking i need more redundancy.
I think im going to go for the dual switch, dual cable, dual NIC scenario.

Thanks for you help guys.

carte_blanche · 24 Nov 2011 at 16:36

imo a server always has two nics minimum, whether you bond them for throughput or use them for resiliency is up to you. but I think the main thing to look for here is that the moment you link two switches you run the risk of switching loops (stp is your friend if used carefully)

Caged · 24 Nov 2011 at 19:16

No offense but if you thought you could Y-split a ethernet link into two switches then you should probably get someone else to build this rack for you if you're worried about reliability and performance.

MikeHiow · 24 Nov 2011 at 19:22

Two switches, 2xnics setup in failover.

Unless it's in a high availability environment, I can't see the point though.

jimjamuk · 24 Nov 2011 at 21:58

Hi - you need to get those requirements pinned down - if you need network redundancy then its the suggested 2 Nics in failover mode - one in each switch or if you are allowed an amount of downtime then you could have a cold or hot standby - either way though your going to have to buy two switches so you may as well go wit the first option - that way if it fails you wont get dragged in when you least expect it to swap the switches over. And if you are going into a datacenter it looks more professional to have it that way