* Dr. Internet columnist Steve Blass discusses the issues involved in connecting multiple servers to the same disk space * Help Desk columnist Ron Nutter discusses backup Internet connections for remote-office connectivity
* Can you connect array to Fibre Channel switch and share RAID storage?
By Steve Blass
Q: We have a RAID array connected to a file server through a Fibre Channel switch. We want to add a second server. Can we just plug the new server into the Fibre Channel switch and share the RAID storage between the two servers?
A: Directly connecting multiple servers to the same disk space can lead to data corruption, because the servers treat the disk as their own directly connected storage resource. Safely connecting two servers to the RAID storage through the Fibre Channel switch is a little more complicated than plugging them both into the Fibre Channel switch and using the same disk volumes from the two servers.
To read Steve’s response in its entirety, please click here.
* Backup Internet services for remote-office connectivity
By Ron Nutter
Q: We have several remote offices that are totally dependent on their local Internet connection for the VPN connection back to us for corporate e-mail and VoIP services. I have been asked to look into a backup Internet connection. Any suggestions on what type of connections would be the best to use?
A: Having a backup Internet connection is always a good thing. Since you are also running VoIP back to the main corporate office, this becomes even more important. Having a backup Internet connection from your current provider shouldn’t be that expensive as they can keep it turned down until you advise or they detect a problem with your primary connection. The downside here is that the local loop is always going to be a weak point that you may not be able to have a backup for. In some of your locations you may be able to get a local loop installed that comes from a different central office than your current connection does but it is still possible that some part of the copper connection coming to the local building will travel the same path as your current setup does.
To read Ron’s response in its entirety, please click here.
