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Dual Ethernet
Most of our MacPros have dual GigaEthernet connectors on the back. I am thinking about adding a second switch and use one for internet connections and the other for file transfer/editing between systems. We currently have a working network doing everything on one switch/router. But it seems we could distribute networking for file transfers on one Ethernet and internet on the other using two separate switches.
Anyone else set up like this and do you find that the effort to set up the two networks is worth it? Again, not having issues but trying to maximize our editing between systems for the future.
We are all Mac and all Tiger (no Snow Leopard machines yet.)
Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media Inc.
Video Production, Post, Studio Sound Stage
Founder/President/Editor/Designer/Animator
https://www.tiltmedia.com -
4 Replies
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Hi Rich,
sure this would work. Why are you still on Tiger – that is ancient !
On our typical shared storage systems, we use one switch (the generic cheapo) for house network (internet, email, etc.) and the second switch (which is a managed switch) for shared storage – of course, we have more than just a switch going on – we have a multiport ethernet card in the server and use LACP to get greater bandwidth – but yes, this is a typical workflow.Most modern Macs have 2 ethernet ports in them. If you have older MAC’s, and need a dual NIC card for a MAC with 2 ethernet ports that work with PCI-X machines, this is what you need –
https://www.small-tree.com/Dual_Port_Copper_PCI_X_Gigabit_Ethernet_Server_p/pxg2.htmBob Zelin
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Actually we are all 10.5.8….Leopard? Right, Leopard.
So you would agree that there would be a bandwith improvement enough to justify the setup (not that it is complicated, just doubles the network wired coming off the machines and a little hardware.)
Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media Inc.
Video Production, Post, Studio Sound Stage
Founder/President/Editor/Designer/Animator
https://www.tiltmedia.com -
One more question….it looks like the LACP uses 2 ethernet ports to aggregate them for higher bandwidth. I am just trying to use the 2 Ethernet ports we have in our machines and use one for internet access (uploading and downloading files, email etc) and the other only for in-house file transfers, editing between machines etc on the other port. I don’t think this requires an LACP setup, but rather just requires two switches and a little setup.
That sound about correct?
Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media Inc.
Video Production, Post, Studio Sound Stage
Founder/President/Editor/Designer/Animator
https://www.tiltmedia.com -
this does NOT require a LACP setup. But it will keep traffic (like downloading files from the web) off of your switch that you are using for local file transfers !
Rich –
you should post questions like this on the SAN networks forum.Bob Zelin
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