Implementing IBM System Networking 10Gb Ethernet Switches

Chapter 1. Introduction to IBM System Networking 10Gb Ethernet products 27

1.5.5 More information

For more about the IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264 and the LED status

information, see the following resources:

򐂰 IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264 Announcement Letter:

http://www.ibm.com/common/ssi/cgi-bin/ssialias?infotype=AN&subtype=CA&appname=g

pateam&supplier=872&letternum=ENUSAG11-0005&pdf=yes

򐂰 IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264/G8264T, TIPS0815

򐂰 IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264 Installation Guide:

https://www-304.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=isg3T7000294&aid=1

򐂰 IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264 Application Guide:

http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=isg3T7000326

򐂰 IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264 Browser-Based Interface Quick Guide:

http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=isg3T7000342

򐂰 IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264 ISCLI Command Reference:

http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=isg3T7000329

򐂰 IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264 Menu-Based CLI Reference Guide:

http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=isg3T7000328

1.6 IBM BladeCenter switches

This section describes the IBM BladeCenter switches, and then describes the two different

chassis that these switches can be implemented in.

Ensure that you check the IBM ServerProven® website for compatibility information for blade

servers, I/O adapters, and switches before implementation:

http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/

1.6.1 IBM Virtual Fabric 10Gb Switch Module for IBM BladeCenter

The IBM Virtual Fabric 10Gb Switch Module for IBM BladeCenter offers the most bandwidth

of any blade switch. It represents the perfect migration platform for clients who are still at 1

Gb either inside or outside the chassis by seamlessly integrating into the existing 1 Gb

infrastructure. This switch is the first 10 Gb switch for IBM BladeCenter that supports

converged networking (that is, the ability to transmit Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE) to

a Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)-capable, Top-of-Rack switch). This feature is available

with firmware release 6.1 and higher.

b. If service is required is because of a power supply failure, this LED Flash. Otherwise, it is solid

green.

c. If service is required because of a fan failure, this LED Flash. Otherwise, it is solid green.

d. If service is required because of a stacking error, this LED Flash or is solid green, depending

on its last known good state.

e. If an operations command is sent to the unit, this LED is solid blue. It can be used to locate

the device.

28 Implementing IBM System Networking 10Gb Ethernet Switches

Using the CEE and FCoE functionality, you can transfer storage, network, Voice over IP

(VoIP), video, and other data over the common Ethernet infrastructure. With the use of the

QLogic Virtual Fabric Extension Module, clients can achieve FCoE gateway functionality

inside the BladeCenter chassis.

The IBM Virtual Fabric 10Gb Switch Module can be used both in IBM Virtual Fabric Mode and

Switch Independent Mode. The switch module can be managed by using a command-line

interface (CLI) or web browser interface.

If you have a chassis with multiple servers, several operating at 1 Gbps, several at 10 Gbps,

and several transmitting converged packets, this single switch can handle all of these

workloads and can connect to a 1 Gb infrastructure, to a 10 Gb infrastructure, or both. Also

after initial installation, this switch, along with all other IBM System Networking RackSwitches

or IBM BladeCenter Switches, can be managed through IBM System Networking

Element Manager.

With the extreme flexibility of this switch, you can take advantage of the technologies that are

required for multiple environments. For 1 Gbps uplinks, they can take advantage of SFP

transceivers. For 10 Gbps uplinks, they have a choice of either SFP+ transceivers (short

range or long range for longer distances, or direct-attached copper (DAC) cables (also known

as Twinax active cables) for shorter distances. DAC cables are more cost-effective, consume

less power, and can be up to 7 m in length. They are ideal for connecting chassis together,

connecting to a Top-of-Rack switch, or even connecting to an adjacent rack.

Figure 1-16 shows the IBM Virtual Fabric 10Gb Switch Module.

Figure 1-16 IBM Virtual Fabric 10Gb Switch Module

Table 1-9 lists the part number and feature code to use to order the module.

Table 1-9 IBM Virtual Fabric 10Gb Switch Module part number and feature code

The part number includes the following items:

򐂰 One IBM Virtual Fabric 10Gb Switch Module

򐂰 One 3 m mini-USB-to-DB9 serial console cable

򐂰 One filler module

򐂰 Virtual Fabric 10Gb Switch Module Installation Guide

򐂰 User license agreement

Description Part

number

Feature

code

IBM Virtual Fabric 10Gb Switch Module for IBM BladeCenter 46C7191 1639