Configuring cluster networks for CSV redirected access

When System Center Data Protection Manager 2010 (DPM) is protecting Hyper-V guests using the Microsoft Software Shadow Copy provider (the VSS provider), DPM will be using software snapshots when backing up guests located on Cluster Shared Volume (CSV) disks. While the backup is in progress, the CSV will remain in re-directed access mode for the duration of the guest backup.  This means all disk I/O for Guests located on that CSV will be in redirected mode and be going over the network instead of direct access to the CSV and performance may be affected. 

In an article titled “System Center Data Protection Manager 2010 Hyper-V protection: Configuring cluster networks for CSV redirected access”  Microsoft  describes how to properly configure the cluster networks so redirected I/O goes thru a dedicated network for CSV traffic and not over a normal client access or the cluster heartbeat network.

Very important reading to clearly understand what is going on under the hood !!