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Chapter 5. Configuring the GbE switch module
The GbE switch module has an internal Ethernet path to the management
module, four external Ethernet ports, and a serial console port. The GbE switch
module supports two remote-access modes for management through Ethernet
connections. You can select the mode that is best suited for your BladeCenter
environment.
v Default mode: The default mode uses the internal path to the management
module only. In this mode, the remote-access link to the management
console must be attached to the Ethernet connector on the management
module. The IP addresses and SNMP parameters of the GbE switch modules
can be automatically assigned by the IBM Director BladeCenter Deployment
wizard (when available), or you must assign them through the BladeCenter
Management and Configuration Program. This mode enables the system
administrator to provide a secure LAN for management of the BladeCenter
subsystems that is separate from the data network. See “Establishing a
TCP/IP session using the management module” on page 27 for more
information.
v Remote management mode: The system administrator can choose to enable
remote management of the GbE switch module through the four external
ports, instead of or in addition to access through the management module.
This mode can be enabled only through the management module
configuration interface. When this mode is enabled, the external Ethernet
ports will support both management traffic and BladeCenter application
data traffic.
This mode enables the use of additional GbE switch module IP addresses on
different IP subnets than the management modules. This is useful when the
GbE switch modules are to be managed and controlled as part of the overall
network infrastructure, while secure management of other BladeCenter
subsystems is maintained through the management module. See “Enabling
management over external ports” on page 28 for additional instructions
about configuring the GbE switch module for this mode of operation.
The RS-232 console port provides an alternative path to manage and configure
the switch for local access.
Important:
v Before you configure the GbE switch module, make sure that the
management modules in the BladeCenter unit are correctly configured. See
the Installation and User’s Guide for your BladeCenter unit type for more
information about configuring the GbE switch module.
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