S2D 2-Node Cluster - RoCE

SDS 216 Reputation points
2021-03-24T10:45:00.947+00:00

Hello,

when configuring a switchless 2-node-cluster with network adapters that solely supports RoCE (no iWARP), do I have to create PFC and SMB Direct policies as it is mentioned in the deployment guides from DELL and HP? Or is this just needed if there is a switch in between?

Thank you!

Azure Stack HCI
Azure Stack HCI
A hyperconverged infrastructure operating system delivered as an Azure service that provides security, performance, and feature updates.
263 questions
Windows Server Storage
Windows Server Storage
Windows Server: A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.Storage: The hardware and software system used to retain data for subsequent retrieval.
630 questions
0 comments
Accepted answer
  1. Trent Helms - MSFT 2,381 Reputation points Microsoft Employee
    2021-03-24T18:23:25.713+00:00

    Hi,

    Yes, you still need to configure the PFC and SMB Direct policies even when configuring switchless RDMA environments. The reason for this is because the purpose of PFC is to pause the specific SMB traffic flow before saturation and packet loss were to occur. Also keep in mind that the PFC information is stored in the VLAN header, so this traffic will need to be tagged (even if it isn't going onto a switch) so it will have the correct PFC information.

    You can also refer to our Converged NIC Configuration Guide at aka.ms/ConvergedNICConfig for our recommendations on configuring RDMA for converged network setups.

    You can also help to validate your configuration using the PowerShell module Validate-DCB.

    Hope this helps!

0 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest