Joerg Moellenkamp has published an "IPMP - Tutorial Sneak Preview" for those interested in learning more about IP Multipathing (IPMP). Beginning with definitions and basic concepts, which are then followed through with more specific details, Moellenkamp offers insight into using IPMP, ending with tips and tricks even seasoned users may not know.

He discusses the IPMP implementation in both Solaris 10/older versions of OpenSolaris as well as the current releases of OpenSolaris (Build 107 and up). Although the basic mechanism in the "classic" and "new" versions of IPMP in Solaris/OpenSolaris are pretty much the same, internally it is a completely different implementation, Moellenkamp states.

Besides the above mentioned, the subject matter in the piece explains:

• Link based vs. probe based failure/repair detection
• Failure/Repair detection time
• IPMP vs. Link aggregation
• Loadspreading
• in.mpathd

The working aspect of this tutorial uses a system with three interfaces: two are Intel networking cards and a third is an onboard Realtek LAN adapter. Basic details of configuring the demonstrated network are provided with information on the IP network, subnet, router, host addresses, etc.

Moellenkamp then demonstrates in detail how to use the newer version of IPMP and then the classic version. He offers a comparative summary of the two to give users a better idea of the nuances in the technology.

In his tips and tricks section, Moellenkamp explains how to reduce the address sprawl of probe based failure detection, configure explicit target systems, migrate from the classic IPMP configuration, and set a shorter or longer failure detection time.

More Information

IPMP - Tutorial Sneak Preview

System Administration Guide: IP Services: Part VI IPMP - Sun docs [...read more...]

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