Creating an access network

If you have enabled Provide block storage for clients on the cluster Settings > Block storage page, and there is no access network in the cluster, you can create an access network.

Precaution

• When creating an access network, it must meet the requirements for associating a virtual distributed switch with VM networks and system networks.

• Once the access network is created, the system automatically adjusts the port connectivity test feature of the associated virtual distributed switch. Details are as follows:

  • The virtual distributed switch is already associated with the storage network: The network connectivity is tested using L2 Ping. After an access network is created, the port connectivity test method remains unchanged.
  • The virtual distributed switch is not associated with the storage network:
    • If port connectivity test is enabled: The method for testing network connectivity is carried out using broadcast packets. After the virtual distributed switch is associated with an access network, the method for testing network connectivity will be switched to L2 Ping.
    • If port connectivity test is not enabled: After an access network is created, port connectivity test will be automatically enabled and the method for testing network connectivity will be switched to L2 Ping.

Procedure

1. On the AOC cluster page, select a cluster, click Create in the upper right corner, and select Create access network to open the Create access network dialog box.

2. Configure the basic information for the access network and enable static route as needed.

   For detailed parameter descriptions, refer to the Basic information section in the System network details section.

3. (Optional) Enable the QoS policy as needed.

   For detailed parameter descriptions, refer to the QoS policy section in the Basic concepts section.

4. Set an access IP address for each host. You can enter a Start access IP, and the system will automatically fill in the rest of the IP addresses in an incremental manner.

5. Click Confirm.

   After the creation, you can view the access network details in the system network list.

Related step

• After creating the access network, you also need to configure the access virtual IP address to ensure high availability of the block storage service.

• When Provide block storage for clients is enabled, deleting an existing access network is not allowed. To perform the deletion, you need to first disable this feature, then click the ellipsis (...) on the right side of the access network to be deleted and select Delete to delete the access network. If the virtual distributed switch of the access network is not associated with the storage network, deleting the access network will automatically disable the port connectivity test on the virtual distributed switch. However, you can re-enable it as needed.