Implementing IBM System Networking 10Gb Ethernet Switches

2 Implementing IBM System Networking 10Gb Ethernet Switches

1.1 Overview

In today’s infrastructure, it is common to build networks based on 10 Gb Ethernet technology.

The IBM portfolio of 10 Gb systems networking products includes Top-of-Rack switches, and

the embedded switches in the IBM BladeCenter family. In 2010, IBM formed the IBM System

Networking business (by acquiring BLADE Network Technologies), which is now focused on

driving data center networking by using the latest in Ethernet technologies.

The main focus of this publication is the IBM System Networking 10Gb switches, which

include both embedded and Top-of-Rack (TOR) models. After reading this book, you can

perform basic to advanced configurations of IBM System Networking 10Gb switches.

1.1.1 Product information and features

The IBM System Networking portfolio of products includes 10 Gb switch models in both

embedded and Top-of-Rack (TOR) types. In this chapter, we introduce the various switch

models that are available today and then describe in detail the features that are applicable to

these switches in Chapter 2, “IBM System Networking Switch 10Gb Ethernet switch features”

on page 51.

1.1.2 Reference architecture

In Chapter 3, “Reference architectures” on page 107, we present two architectures that are

used throughout this book. The designs are based on preferred practices and the experience

of the authors of this book. Our intention is to show the configuration of the different features

available with the switches. We follow the three-tier Data Center design, focusing on the

access and aggregation layers, because those layers are the layers IBM System Networking

products use.

Both designs differ in how the Access Layer is implemented:

򐂰 The Top-of-Rack architecture uses a pair of stand-alone switches as the access layer.

򐂰 The BladeCenter architecture uses a pair of Virtual Fabric 10Gb Switch Modules in the

IBM BladeCenter chassis as the access layer.

򐂰 The architectures share a common aggregation layer.

1.1.3 Initial configuration

In Chapter 4, “Initial configuration: IBM System Networking 10Gb Ethernet switches” on

page 123, we describe the initial configuration steps you must perform to activate the TOR

and embedded switches.

This chapter also provides basic introduction to the architecture of IBM System Networking

Element Manager (SNEM) and then provides links to the appropriate documentation.

The steps in this chapter cover the following elements for the hardware:

򐂰 Terminal connection

򐂰 Setting up the IP address of the switch

򐂰 Configuring date and time

򐂰 Security