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BMD00082, February 2009 25
CHAPTER 3
Switch Virtualization
The following virtualization features are included in the VSE SmartConnect software:
VMready
The switch’s VMready software makes it virtualization aware. The switch automatically
discovers the Virtual Machines (VMs) of hypervisors connected to internal ports on the
switch. The VSE SmartConnect software accepts up to 1024 VMs.
Virtual aggregation
Switch resources can be pooled together, combining their capacity while at the same time
simplifying their management. This can be accomplished on a number of levels:
Grouping multiple internal and external switch ports into a single, logical switching
entity with shared bandwidth capacity. Up to 32 such Virtual Switch Groups (VSGs)
can be configured on the switch or stack.
Trunking multiple switch ports into a single, high-bandwidth link to other networking
devices. Each VSG supports up to two external trunks which can be used indepen-
dently, or as a primary and backup.
Stacking multiple switches from the same or different chassis into a single super-
switch. VSE SmartConnect software supports one stack with up to eight switches.
Stacking also permits the use of up to 56 internal port trunks.
Virtual segmentation
VSGs act as independent logical units. Traffic assigned to different VSGs is thoroughly
separated within the switch, essentially dividing the switch into smaller switch entities.
VSG segmentation occurs internally within the switch, requiring no support changes to the
broader network configuration (such as VLANs). Internal and external switch ports, as
well as any attached VMs, can be independently assigned to VSGs.
ServerMobility
™
The ServerMobility feature allows server IP addresses to be assigned based on their phys-
ical location in a blade server chassis. Then, if a server fails, a replacement server (in the
same or different slot) can assume the identity (and configuration) of the failed unit.
By combining virtualization features, VSE SmartConnect software provides a highly-flexible
framework for allocating and managing switch resources.