Replacing teamed NIC's in SQL server DB 2-node cluster

Question

I currently have a 2-node MSSQL cluster, each with 2 x Broadcom 5709C Dual 1Gbps NIC's with TOE and iSCSI offload, teamed together to provide connectivity to the network and the supporting SAN, running Windows Server 2008 R2.

This was intended to be a production server, however since we got these set up we've had nothing but trouble with packet loss and high latency with these NIC's, and even our supplier has pretty much come up with a blank as to why this is happening (multiple firmware updates etc have either failed or had no effect, nor has switching the cards out/around)

Since this has now been going on for a few months, my IT manager has said it's time to stop mucking around and replace them, so does anyone have any suggestions for dual port 1Gbps NIC's with TOE and iSCSI offload capabilities?

Answer 1

We're currently using Intel PRO/1000 PT Dual Port PCI-E NICs on our servers with TOE enabled. They've worked well for the past year or so. Additionally, our servers have Broadcom 5709C LOM NICs which we use for SAN connections (but only have TOE enabled as the Broadcom iSOE is not compatible with our HP P4000 SANs).

There are not too many vendors that offer iSOE functionality (the only ones that come to mind are Broadcom, HP, QLogic and maybe Brocade), so that immediately limits your choices.

Assuming that iSOE is a must-have feature, I would first check with your SAN vendor for recommendations, as they all have required NICs for iSOE compatibility with their DSM.