Note: When failover occurs on a blade server, the secondary Ethernet controller
takes over network communication, using the I/O module associated with
that controller.
v Install a pair of Ethernet switch modules in I/O-module bays 1 and 2.
Note: You can install a pass-thru module that is connected to an external
Ethernet switch in either or both of these I/O-module bays.
v Configure the Ethernet switch modules and your network infrastructure so that
they can direct traffic to the same destinations.
Configuring the Ethernet controllers in the blade servers
Note: The BladeCenter unit does not include an Ethernet switch module; this is an
optional feature that must be purchased separately. An Ethernet switch
module or a pass-thru module that connects to an external Ethernet switch
must be installed in the BladeCenter unit in I/O-module bay 1 or 2, or both,
before the Ethernet controllers integrated on each blade server system board
can be used.
The Ethernet controllers are integrated on each blade server system board. The
Ethernet controllers provide 1000-Mbps full-duplex capability only, which enables
simultaneous transmission and reception of data to the external ports on the
Ethernet switches. You do not need to set any jumpers or configure the controller
for the blade server operating system. However, you must install a device driver in
the blade server to enable the blade server operating system to address the
Ethernet controller. For blade server device drivers and information about
configuring the Ethernet controllers, see the Broadcom NetXtreme Ethernet
Software CD that comes with the BladeCenter unit.
BladeCenter networking guidelines
Your networking administrator should assist in the configuration of the network
infrastructure prior to connecting the BladeCenter unit to the LAN switch or similar
network device. This section provides additional guidelines that might be useful in
setting up your system.
A BladeCenter chassis with two Ethernet switch modules and one management
module has the following internal configuration:
48 BladeCenter Type 8677: Installation and User’s Guide