Network Connections

The NovaSeq X and NovaSeq X Plus Sequencing Systems require a dedicated network connection. The systems are not intended to store run data.

An external internet connection is optional. However, uploading instrument performance data to Illumina Proactive and remote assistance from Illumina Technical Support requires an external internet connection. Uploading sequencing data to BaseSpace Sequence Hub also requires an external internet connection.

Illumina does not install or provide technical support for network connections. For network security guidelines for Illumina systems, refer to Illumina Product Security Portal.

Use the following guidelines to install and configure a network connection:

•

The NovaSeq X Series allows for dual network configuration. Illumina recommends the following connections:

–

Connect LAN1 to the internet using a 1 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) connection.

–

Connect LAN2 to your network server using a 10 GbE connection.

•

Use a dedicated connection between the instrument and data management system using the RJ-45 cable included with the instrument. Make this connection directly or through a network switch.

–

A 10 gigabit (Gb) intranet connection (instrument to network storage and boundary firewall) is required to maintain data transfer times. Lower connection speeds result in reduced instrument availability, increased data transfer times, and might impact sequencing run performance.

–

An internet connection is optional.

•

Illumina recommends managed switches.

•

Calculate the total capacity of the workload on each network switch. The number of connected instruments and ancillary equipment, such as a printer, can impact capacity.

•

If possible, isolate sequencing traffic from other network traffic.

•

Illumina recommends the use of at least a CAT-6 cable. An unshielded network cable that is 3 m (9.8 ft) long is provided with the instrument for network connections. A CAT-6A cable is recommended for cables longer than 50 m (164 ft).

•

To connect with local networks, the instrument includes two RJ-45 copper interfaces for use with the cables provided. Direct fiber connections to the instrument are not possible.

•

A 10 gigabit (Gb) intranet connection to network storage is required. Lower connection speeds result in reduced instrument availability, increased data transfer times, and might also impact sequencing run performance.

•

Switches must be non-blocking with full duplex ports and link speed auto-negotiation turned on.

Use the following recommended network bandwidth per instrument for connections, based on 85–90% network efficiency.

•

800 megabits per second (Mb/s) (primary analysis only) or ~3.5 gigabits per second (Gb/s) (primary and secondary analysis) sustained network bandwidth for storing data to local network storage.

•

800 Mb/s network bandwidth for uploading primary analysis data to the cloud.

•

15 Mb/s network bandwidth for run monitoring or Illumina Proactive Support only.

Primary analysis files include BCL files and ancillary files generated by RTA4. Secondary analysis files include on-instrument DRAGEN output files.