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Network Wiring for MacPro SmallTree Network
Currently working as a networking consultant that has a MacPro managing a expandable SAS-connected array as well as a SmallTree Gigabit 6-Port card that is connected directly to 6 machines via Cat6. Recently added two more machines and issues have started to appear. As a temporary fix I have the ethernet ports connecting these two additional machines to the network.
Quick specs:
Mac Pro 2.66 GHz Quad-Xeon (Single)
16 GB RAM (Max)
10.9.3 MavericksMachines are now experiencing random disconnects to the server and the array. I have updated firmware on all cards and performed the OSX driver fix for the SmallTree card. The network addressing was configured as such:
Server-end (Manual addressing)
10.0.0.1x | Subnet: 255.255.0.0Machine-end (Manual addressing)
10.0.0.2x | Subnet: 255.255.0.0Current resolve to the problem is a full disconnect/reboot on both sides but I seem to experience issues after 4+ machines start connecting to the array.
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Trying to plan for future-proofing as well. I need to expand the number of machines able to connect to the array. I assume I will need a 10Gbe card in the MacPro running to 10Gbe switch that will distribute Cat6 to each of the machines. Any further recommendations on this matter would be greatly appreciated.Dylan Harrelson
Digital Media Professional -
4 Replies
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Dylan, give us a call. We’ll help you out.
1-866-782-4622 Option 1
Tim Ward
Small Tree Communications
tim@small-tree.com
http://www.small-tree.com -
SmallTree Gigabit 6-Port card that is connected directly to 6 machines via Cat6. Recently added two more machines
How did you add two more machines? Did you have four and now you have six or did you connect to another ethernet port for a total of eight clients?
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Hi Dylan
I imagine you got this answer already, but I think Apples old 82546 driver (PCIX) is jumping in and grabbing our card. It seems to grab our intel chipset because the vendor ID matches (8086 is the Intel vendor ID. That’s really funny if you’re old enough to remember the first Intel cpus 🙂
Anyhow, we have a KB entry on this problem here with a solution:
https://www.small-tree.com/kb_results.asp?ID=44
Steve
Steve Modica
CTO, Small Tree Communications -
Hi Dylan,
I am looking to put together a very similar setup. Other than this driver issue, how do you find the performance for the client machines?
Scott Goddard
Neo Verite Limited
https://neoverite.com
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