HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 User manual

HP ProLiant BL p-Class
GbE2 Interconnect Switch
User Guide
August 2003 (First Edition)
Part Number 331399-001
HP CONFIDENTIAL Codename: Strawberry Part Number: 331399-001 Last Saved On: 7/17/03 2:12 PM

HP CONFIDENTIAL Codename: Strawberry Part Number: 331399-001 Last Saved On: 7/17/03 2:13 PM
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HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch User Guide
August 2003 (First Edition)
Part Number 331399-001

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Contents
About This Guide
Technician Notes..........................................................................................................................................ix
Where to Go for Additional Help..................................................................................................................x
Telephone Numbers................................................................................................................................x
Chapter 1
Introduction
Overview ................................................................................................................................................... 1-1
Additional References ............................................................................................................................... 1-1
HP ProLiant BL p-Class C-GbE2 Interconnect Kit................................................................................... 1-2
HP ProLiant BL p-Class F-GbE2 Interconnect Kit ................................................................................... 1-3
Features ..................................................................................................................................................... 1-4
Enterprise Class Performance ............................................................................................................. 1-4
GbE2 Interconnect Switch Redundancy .............................................................................................1-5
Configuration and Management ......................................................................................................... 1-5
Diagnostic Tools ................................................................................................................................. 1-6
GbE2 Interconnect Switch Architecture.................................................................................................... 1-7
GbE2 Interconnect Switch with the QuadT2 Interconnect Module.................................................... 1-7
GbE2 Interconnect Switch with the QuadSX Interconnect Module ................................................... 1-8
GbE2 Interconnect Switches............................................................................................................... 1-9
Redundant Crosslinks ......................................................................................................................... 1-9
Redundant Paths to Servers ................................................................................................................ 1-9
Supported Technologies .......................................................................................................................... 1-10
Layer 2 Switching............................................................................................................................. 1-10
IEEE 802.1Q-based Virtual Local Area Network ............................................................................ 1-10
Spanning Tree Protocol..................................................................................................................... 1-11
Simple Network Management Protocol............................................................................................ 1-11
Port Mirroring ................................................................................................................................... 1-11
Port Trunking and Load Balancing................................................................................................... 1-11
Trivial File Transfer Protocol Support.............................................................................................. 1-12
Store and Forward Switching Scheme..............................................................................................1-12
Bootstrap Protocol ............................................................................................................................ 1-12
Network Time Protocol..................................................................................................................... 1-12
Remote Authentication Dial-in User Service.................................................................................... 1-12
Secure Shell and Secure Copy .......................................................................................................... 1-13
XModem ........................................................................................................................................... 1-13
Jumbo Frames ................................................................................................................................... 1-13
Auto-MDI/MDIX.............................................................................................................................. 1-14
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Contents
Auto-negotiation of Duplex Mode and Speed...................................................................................1-14
Redundant Images in Firmware.........................................................................................................1-14
External Components...............................................................................................................................1-15
GbE2 Interconnect Switch Front Panel .............................................................................................1-15
QuadT2 Interconnect Module Panel..................................................................................................1-19
QuadSX Interconnect Module Panel .................................................................................................1-21
Chapter 2
Setting Up and Installing the GbE2 Interconnect Switch
Overview....................................................................................................................................................2-1
Installing the GbE2 Interconnect Switches and Interconnect Modules .....................................................2-1
HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Storage Connectivity Kit Option.......................................................2-2
Installation Guidelines.........................................................................................................................2-2
Installing a New GbE2 Interconnect Switch for a New Deployment..................................................2-3
Replacing an Existing GbE2 Interconnect Switch ..............................................................................2-4
Upgrading from an Existing GbE Interconnect Switch.......................................................................2-5
Upgrading from an RJ-45 Patch Panel or RJ-45 Patch Panel 2...........................................................2-6
Planning the GbE2 Interconnect Switch Configuration.............................................................................2-7
Default Settings ...................................................................................................................................2-7
GbE2 Interconnect Switch Security ....................................................................................................2-8
Manually Configuring a GbE2 Interconnect Switch ...........................................................................2-9
Configuring Multiple GbE2 Interconnect Switches ............................................................................2-9
Cabling the GbE2 Interconnect Switch....................................................................................................2-10
Powering Up the GbE2 Interconnect Switch ...........................................................................................2-11
Accessing the GbE2 Interconnect Switch................................................................................................2-12
Logging On and Configuring the GbE2 Interconnect Switch..................................................................2-13
Supporting Software and Special Considerations....................................................................................2-14
Appendix A
HP ProLiant BL p-Class C-GbE2 Interconnect Kit Regulatory Compliance Notices
Class A Equipment............................................................................................................................. A-1
Modifications...................................................................................................................................... A-1
Canadian Notice (Avis Canadien)............................................................................................................. A-1
Class A Equipment............................................................................................................................. A-1
European Union Notice............................................................................................................................. A-2
BSMI Notice ............................................................................................................................................. A-2
Japanese Notice......................................................................................................................................... A-2
Korean Notice ........................................................................................................................................... A-2
Appendix B
HP ProLiant BL p-Class F-GbE2 Interconnect Kit Regulatory Compliance Notices
Class A Equipment............................................................................................................................. B-1
Modifications...................................................................................................................................... B-1
Canadian Notice (Avis Canadien)............................................................................................................. B-1
Class A Equipment............................................................................................................................. B-1
European Union Notice............................................................................................................................. B-2
BSMI Notice ............................................................................................................................................. B-2
Japanese Notice......................................................................................................................................... B-2
Korean Notice ........................................................................................................................................... B-3
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Contents
Laser Compliance......................................................................................................................................B-3
Appendix C
Technical Specifications
Appendix D
Runtime Switching Software Default Settings
Switch A and Switch B: General Default Settings................................................................................... D-1
Switch A: Port Names, VLANs, Trunking Default Settings.................................................................... D-6
Switch B: Port Names, VLANs, Trunking Default Settings .................................................................... D-8
Appendix E
Performing a Serial Download
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................E-1
Serial Upgrade of Boot Code Firmware Image Procedure........................................................................E-1
Serial Upgrade of Operating System Firmware Procedure .......................................................................E-4
Appendix F
SNMP MIBs Support
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... F-1
SNMP Manager Software.......................................................................................................................... F-1
Supported MIBs ........................................................................................................................................ F-2
Supported Traps ........................................................................................................................................ F-3
Appendix G
Safe Mode Configuration
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. G-1
User Account Information........................................................................................................................ G-1
Safe Mode................................................................................................................................................. G-2
GbE2 Interconnect Switch Replacement Scenario using a Safe Mode Configuration............................. G-3
Safe Mode Configuration File Templates ................................................................................................ G-3
Safe Mode Configuration File Template Modification...................................................................... G-3
Applying the Safe Mode Template Configuration File ..................................................................... G-4
Appendix H
Electrostatic Discharge
Overview .................................................................................................................................................. H-1
Grounding Methods.................................................................................................................................. H-1
Appendix I
RJ-45 Pin Specification
Appendix J
Troubleshooting
Index
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About This Guide
This guide can be used for reference when servicing the HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2
Interconnect Switches.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury from electric shock and hazardous
energy levels, only authorized service technicians should attempt to repair this
equipment. Improper repairs can create conditions that are hazardous.
Technician Notes
WARNING: Only authorized technicians trained by HP should attempt to repair this
equipment. All troubleshooting and repair procedures are detailed to allow only
subassembly/module-level repair. Because of the complexity of the individual boards
and subassemblies, no one should attempt to make repairs at the component level or
to make modifications to any printed wiring board. Improper repairs can create a safety
hazard.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury from electric shock and hazardous
energy levels, do not exceed the level of repairs specified in these procedures.
Because of the complexity of the individual boards and subassemblies, do not attempt
to make repairs at the component level or to make modifications to any printed wiring
board. Improper repairs can create conditions that are hazardous.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the equipment:
• Disconnect power from the system by unplugging all power cords from the power
supplies.
• Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important
safety feature.
• Plug the power cord into a grounded (earthed) electrical outlet that is easily
accessible at all times.
CAUTION: To properly ventilate the system, you must provide at least 7.6 cm (3.0 in.) of
clearance at the front and back of the switch.
CAUTION: The computer is designed to be electrically grounded (earthed). To ensure proper
operation, plug the AC power cord into a properly grounded AC outlet only.
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About This Guide
NOTE: Any indications of component replacement or printed wiring board modifications may void any
warranty.
Where to Go for Additional Help
In addition to this guide, the following information sources are available:
• HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch Application Guide
• HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch Command Reference Guide
• HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch Browser-based Interface Reference
Guide
• HP ProLiant BL p-Class C-GbE2 Interconnect Kit Quick Setup Instructions
• HP ProLiant BL p-Class F-GbE2 Interconnect Kit Quick Setup Instructions
• HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Storage Connectivity Kit Quick Setup Instructions
• Service training guides
• Service advisories and bulletins
• QuickFind information services
• Insight Manager software
Telephone Numbers
For the name of your nearest HP authorized reseller:
• In the United States, call 1-800-345-1518.
• In Canada, call 1-800-263-5868.
For HP technical support:
• In the United States and Canada, call 1-800-652-6672.
• Outside the United States and Canada, refer to
www.hp.com
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1
Introduction
Overview
This user guide provides installation and reference information for the following kits:
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HP ProLiant BL p-Class C-GbE2 Interconnect Kit
HP ProLiant BL p-Class F-GbE2 Interconnect Kit
Additional References
Once the GbE2 Interconnect Switch is installed, you are ready to configure it. Detailed
information about how to configure the GbE2 Interconnect Switch is available in the
following reference guides. These guides are located on the ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2
Interconnect Switch Management Utilities and User Documentation CD.
HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch Application Guide
HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch Command Reference Guide
HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch Browser-based Interface Reference
Guide
HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch User Guide 1-1
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Introduction
HP ProLiant BL p-Class C-GbE2 Interconnect Kit
The HP ProLiant BL p-Class C-GbE2 Interconnect Kit contains two HP ProLiant BL p-Class
GbE2 Interconnect Switches and two QuadT2 Interconnect Modules.
The HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switches and QuadT2 Interconnect Modules
use 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T Gigabit Layer 2 switching technology to provide
between 32-to-1 (blocking) to 32-to-12 (blocking) reduction in the number of networking
cables per BL p-Class server blade enclosure.
Each HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch and QuadT2 Interconnect Module
reduces sixteen 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T server networking ports to one to four
RJ-45 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T ports (located on the removable interconnect
module) and one to two RJ-45 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T ports (located on the front
of the HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch).
Figure 1-1: HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch
and QuadT2 Interconnect Module
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Introduction
HP ProLiant BL p-Class F-GbE2 Interconnect Kit
The HP ProLiant BL p-Class F-GbE2 Interconnect Kit contains two HP ProLiant BL p-Class
GbE2 Interconnect Switches and two QuadSX Interconnect Modules.
The HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switches and QuadSX Interconnect
Modules use 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T and 1000Base-SX Gigabit Layer 2
switching technology to provide between 32-to-1 (blocking) to 32-to-12 (blocking) reduction
in the number of networking cables per BL p-Class server blade enclosure.
Each HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch and QuadSX Interconnect Module
reduces sixteen 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T server networking ports to one to four
LC 1000Base-SX ports (located on the removable interconnect module) and one to two RJ-45
10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T ports (located on the front of the HP ProLiant BL
p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch).
Figure 1-2: HP ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch
and QuadSX Interconnect Module
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Introduction
Features
The ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch and interconnect modules are designed
for easy installation and high performance in an environment where traffic on the network
and the number of users increases continually.
Enterprise Class Performance
The ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch features include:
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Up to a 16-to-1 reduction in networking cables and connections; concentration of sixteen
10/100/1000 Ethernet networking ports down to as little as one Gigabit Ethernet port, or
up to six Gigabit Ethernet ports for additional bandwidth and redundant connections to
the network backbone
Multi-layer switching upgradeability with future Layer 3-7 routing and Internet Protocol
(IP) load balancing content delivery switching
Support for a future 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplink upgrade for bandwidth intensive
applications and convergence of IP-based network and storage systems
Pass-through ProLiant BL20p G2 Fibre Channel storage signals via the optional GbE2
Storage Connectivity Kit
Fully supported on the existing ProLiant BL p-Class server blade enclosure, and
infrastructure compatible with any combination of ProLiant server blades
Ability to upgrade from an existing GbE Interconnect Switch or Patch Panel interconnect
without having to power down the server blades and the server blade enclosure
Pre-configured for immediate use with the ProLiant BL p-Class server blade enclosure
System security including Secure Shell (SSH), Secure Copy (SCP), 255 port-based IEEE
802.1Q tagged Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) per GbE2 Interconnect Switch,
RADIUS user authentication and authorization, and more
An extensive list of industry standard protocol support, compatible with widely-used
networking components
9K jumbo frames that improve performance by increasing application throughput and
decreasing server processor utilization
Robust configuration and management from any switch port using the included
browser-based and scriptable command line user interfaces
Support for Telnet, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), SCP and Trivial File
Transfer Protocol (TFTP) file transfer, human read/write configuration file, XModem, an
extensive list of Management Information Base objects (MIBs), and more, further
enhance the management capabilities
Fully end-to-end redundant architecture maximizing network availability
Designed with unmatched user-friendly serviceability features including the rip-n-replace
switch that can be hot-swapped in seconds via the unique modular design eliminating all
cabling/re-cabling
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Introduction
GbE2 Interconnect Switch Redundancy
The ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch offers several redundancy and failover
features. With these features, the network configuration can be designed to allow for
continued network access to each server blade in case of a component or link failure. GbE2
Interconnect Switch redundancy and failover features include:
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Two separate rip-n-replace GbE2 Interconnect Switches per one ProLiant BL p-Class
server blade enclosure
Four Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports in the back and two Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports in
the front, per GbE2 Interconnect Switch, for designing fully meshed uplink paths to the
network backbone
Server networking connections routed to each of the separate GbE2 Interconnect
Switches for redundant paths to tolerate a switch or port malfunction
Redundant data path 10/100/1000 Ethernet cross connections between GbE2 Interconnect
Switches
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) support that eliminates potential problems caused by
redundant networking paths and provides for failover with a secondary path in case of
primary path failure; supports IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol and is compatible
with Cisco® PVST+ and Cisco PVST, when the other device is configured as untagged
or configured to use 802.1q tagging
Redundant power supplies and redundant cooling fans within the server blade enclosure
Redundant firmware images and configuration settings in memory
Redundant, configurable Domain Name System (DNS) clients, syslog servers, gateways,
and community strings and SNMP trap manager hosts
Configuration and Management
The ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch provides the following configuration and
management interfaces and tools:
A scriptable command line interface (CLI) allows local, Telnet, or Secure Shell (SSH)
access.
A browser-based interface (BBI) allows remote access using a Web browser such as
Microsoft® Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator.
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) manageability and monitoring are
supported.
The GbE2 Interconnect Switch functionality allows you to upload and download
interconnect switch configurations via Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) and Secure
Copy Protocol (SCP), thus allowing the rapid deployment of multiple server blade
systems, and providing robust backup and restore capabilities.
Network Time Protocol (NTP) is supported, allowing the GbE2 Interconnect Switch to
display and record the accurate date and time as provided by an NTP server.
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Introduction
• Two firmware images, either of which can be selected to be the current runtime image,
can be held in memory.
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Remote authentication dial-in user service (RADIUS) provides support for user
authentication and authorization.
The user interfaces provide multi-level password protected user accounts.
The setup utility allows step-by-step tailored configuration.
IP settings can be set manually or obtained automatically from a Bootstrap Protocol
(BOOTP) server.
A text-based, human read/write configuration file provides viewing, printing, and editing
capabilities.
A Domain Name System (DNS) client supports primary and secondary DNS servers.
Any port may be enabled/disabled as desired.
Any GbE2 Interconnect Switch port can be used to perform switch management,
Integrated Lights-Out (iLO), and Preboot Execution Environment (PXE).
Diagnostic Tools
The hardware, software, and firmware diagnostic tools that are available include:
Insight Manager 7 automatic discovery and identification
Power-on self-test (POST) built into the GbE2 Interconnect Switch boot process
GbE2 Interconnect Switch port mirroring
GbE2 Interconnect Switch LED panel displaying per port status and speed
Interconnect module LEDs displaying per port status and speed
System, management, and option compatibility status LEDs
Front panel reset power switch, DB-9 port, and two Gigabit Ethernet ports
Statistic monitoring including port utilization, data packets received/transmitted, port
error packets, trunk utilization, and so on
Ping and trace route capability
Remote syslog with support for primary and secondary syslog server
Portable Diagnostic Station option to configure and diagnose a GbE2 Interconnect Switch
and server blade removed from the rack
The ability to return the GbE2 Interconnect Switch to known good condition in case of
firmware corruption
State information dump for tuning and debugging switch performance
Panic command for immediate state dump to flash memory and automatic switch boot
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Introduction
• Watchdog timer for automatic GbE2 Interconnect Switch reboot in case of switch
software “freeze”
• Ability to set NVRAM diagnostic flags
GbE2 Interconnect Switch Architecture
The ProLiant BL p-Class system provides integrated switching technology for network cable
reduction.
GbE2 Interconnect Switch with the QuadT2 Interconnect Module
The following Ethernet connectivity block diagram shows how the Ethernet ports are
connected within the server blade enclosure.
Figure 1-3: ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch with the
QuadT2 Interconnect Module
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Introduction
NOTE: The actual negotiated speed of any port is dependent upon the capability of the device to which
it is attached. For example, iLO typically operates at 100 Mb/s.
GbE2 Interconnect Switch with the QuadSX Interconnect Module
The following Ethernet connectivity block diagram shows how the Ethernet ports are
connected within the server blade enclosure.
Figure 1-4: ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch with the
QuadSX Interconnect Module
NOTE: The actual negotiated speed of any port is dependent upon the capability of the device to which
it is attached. For example, iLO typically operates at 100 Mb/s.
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Introduction
GbE2 Interconnect Switches
Two GbE2 Interconnect Switches in the ProLiant BL p-Class server blade enclosure provide
switch redundancy and redundant paths to the network ports on the server blades. Each GbE2
Interconnect Switch has six external Gigabit Ethernet ports and direct connections to two of
the four network controllers per server blade slot. The four network controllers per server
blade slot are NIC1, NIC2, NIC3, and Integrated Lights-Out (iLO).
Each pair of GbE2 Interconnect Switches consolidates up to thirty-two 10/100/1000 Ethernet
controllers on eight servers into one-to-eight Gigabit ports (on the back of the system) plus
four additional Gigabit Ethernet ports (on the front of the GbE2 Interconnect Switches). This
design eliminates up to 31 network cables from the back of the server blade enclosure.
Refer to the server Setup and Installation Guide for more information about Integrated
Lights-Out (iLO) management.
Redundant Crosslinks
The two GbE2 Interconnect Switches are connected through redundant 10/100/1000
crosslinks. These two crosslinks provide an aggregate throughput of 2 Gb/s for traffic
between the GbE2 Interconnect Switches.
Redundant Paths to Servers
The three 10/100/1000 NIC ports and the one 10/100 iLO controller per server blade slot are
routed through the enclosure backplane to different GbE2 Interconnect Switches. NIC1 and
NIC2 are routed to Switch A. NIC 3 and iLO are routed to Switch B. This configuration
provides redundant paths to each server.
On a heavily used system, using a single uplink port for all 24 NICs and 8 iLOs can cause a
traffic bottleneck. For optimum performance, HP recommends that at least one to all four
uplink ports per GbE2 Interconnect Switch be used.
The two front panel 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T ports per GbE2 Interconnect Switch
may also be used for additional uplink bandwidth to the network.
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Introduction
Supported Technologies
The ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch supports the following technologies.
Layer 2 Switching
The ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch uses 10/100/1000 Gigabit Layer 2
switching technology. Layer 2 refers to the Data Link layer of the Open Systems
Interconnection (OSI) model, which is concerned with moving data packets across a network
by enforcing Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD). This layer
performs the following tasks:
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Ethernet packet framing
Medium Access Control (MAC) addressing
Physical medium transmission error detection
Medium allocation (collision avoidance)
Contention resolution (collision handling)
Layer 2 switching technology allows the GbE2 Interconnect Switch to look into data packets
and redirect them based on the destination MAC address. This reduces traffic congestion on
the network because packets, instead of being transmitted to all ports, are transmitted to the
destination port only.
IEEE 802.1Q-based Virtual Local Area Network
The ProLiant BL p-Class GbE2 Interconnect Switch provides support for a total of 255 IEEE
802.1Q Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) for server grouping and isolation. A VLAN is
a network segment configured according to a logical scheme rather than a physical layout.
VLANs can be used to combine any collection of local area network (LAN) segments into an
autonomous user group that appears as a single LAN.
VLANs also logically segment the physical network into different broadcast domains so that
packets are forwarded only between ports within the VLAN. This technology enhances
performance by conserving bandwidth and improves security by limiting traffic to specific
domains. For example, you may want to isolate the server blade iLO ports from the rest of the
NICs. The iLO ports on interconnect Switch B can be assigned to their own VLAN and go to
a dedicated uplink or share an uplink using VLAN tagging.
IMPORTANT: The greater the number of VLANs, the greater the GbE2 Interconnect Switch central
processing unit (CPU) utilization. For maximum interconnect switch performance, HP recommends that
you be judicious when configuring the number of VLANs.
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Introduction
Spanning Tree Protocol
The GbE2 Interconnect Switch supports IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), which
allows the blocking of links that form loops between switches in a network. When multiple
links between switches are detected, a primary link is established. Duplicated links are
blocked from use and become standby links. If the primary link fails, the standby link is
activated.
In addition, the GbE2 Interconnect Switch provides a spanning tree domain per VLAN. The
switch is compatible with Cisco® PVST+ and Cisco PVST, when the other device is
configured as untagged or configured to use 802.1q tagging. Sixteen spanning tree domains
are supported per GbE2 Interconnect Switch.
Simple Network Management Protocol
Each GbE2 Interconnect Switch can be configured and monitored remotely from a Simple
Network Management Protocol (SNMP)-based network management station. The GbE2
Interconnect Switch supports industry-standard SNMP Management Information Bases
(MIBs) and proprietary HP enterprise switch MIBs for fault detection and monitoring of
switch functionality. In addition, the GbE2 Interconnect Switch supports various
environmental traps such as temperature and fan failure traps.
To secure the management interface, the switch administrator can configure community
strings with two levels of access: Read and Read/Write. Access to the GbE2 Interconnect
Switch can also be restricted to only management stations that are members of a specific
Internet Protocol (IP) network. This can be achieved by configuring the address/mask of that
specific network as a restricted management network address/mask.
Port Mirroring
The GbE2 Interconnect Switch allows you to mirror one or multiple ports (source ports) to
another port (destination port) for network monitoring and troubleshooting purposes. This
technology offers a way for network packet analyzers to view the traffic moving through the
GbE2 Interconnect Switches by providing a copy of the traffic that is currently being passed
through any other port. The packets are normally sent to a network packet analyzer or other
monitoring device attached to the mirror port.
Port Trunking and Load Balancing
The GbE2 Interconnect Switch supports EtherChannel compatible IEEE 802.3ad (without
LACP) port trunking allowing several ports to be grouped together and act as a single logical
link called a trunk. This feature provides a bandwidth that is a multiple of the bandwidth of a
single link. It also improves reliability since load balancing is automatically applied to the
ports in the trunked group. A link failure within the group causes the network traffic to be
directed to the remaining links in the group.
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