Network Connections

Illumina systems are designed to stream data at a regular cadence during the sequencing activity. Depending on the off-load rate, this data transmission may persist for some time after the completion of sequencing. Illumina instruments assume a mostly-up network. Network outages may impact data transmission. In the event of a network outage, the instruments are designed to cache all data locally, however such caching may delay the start of the next sequencing run, depending on storage space on instrument. The instruments are designed to reinitiate data transfer upon restoration of the network. Refer to the site prep guide for your instrument for specific bandwidth requirements.

Review network maintenance activities for potential compatibility risks with the Instrument System.

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

Use a dedicated connection between the instrument and data management system. Make this connection directly or through a network switch.
Managed switches are recommended.
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 CAT-6 cables (minimum requirement is CAT-5e). A shielded network cable that is 3 meters (9.8 feet) long is provided with the instrument for network connections.