10GB ethernet - NIC recommendations

[jrmunday]

Hi All,

I am currently planning to upgrade our VMware network infrastructure from 1GB to 10GB and am after some recommendations on what NIC's to concider.

I have a few requirements;

1. Must be supported on the Vmware HCL
2. I'm after Low latency
3. Ideally from a reputable manufacturer (example, Intel)
4. The cost should be justified by the benefits

I'd appreciate any feedback from your own experiences - thanks.

Some additional information regarding the setup;

Current 1GBe config (per host);

2x Management interfaces

2x vMotion interfaces

2x IPStorage interfaces (NFS)

2x Guest Networking - general purpose servers

2x Guest Networking - IIS farm / F5 load balancers

Planned 10GBe config (per host);

Options to consider;

A) 2x dual port 10GBe - to be used for both Management Services and Guest Traffic

B) 2x single port 10GBe - to be used for Management Services only

C) 1x dual port 10GBe  - to be used for Management Services only

** With options B and C, I will need to retain some 1GB links for Guest Networking - overall cost benifit will help decide this.

** Security insists that Management Services and Gust Networking are segregated on seperate vSwitches.

Additionally, I plan to migrate to DVS (with physical load ballancing) and imlement jumbo frames as part of the overall improvement.

Look forward to any feedback or advice.

Thanks,

Jon

[BenLiebowitz]

We currently use the Intel X520-2 Adapters in our hosts.

Intel® Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X520 Product Family

As for setup, we use A, Mgmt and Guest traffic on the two 10GbE uplinks.  We use the Nexus 1000V distributed switch, and the storage is Fiber so there are separate HBAs for the storage.  

As long as you have the proper trunking setup on the switch side, you could start with standard switches and migrate to DVS later.

Good luck!

[Hiront]

I suggest you plan A.

And using VDS with NIOC.

vMotion Traffic can`t  set limit with Standard switch, But VDS with NIOC can share network bandwidth.