8
Virtualization in converged networks
As enterprises attempt to better utilize existing computing resources, server and network virtualization
is growing rapidly. HP Virtual Connect (VC) is a set of interconnect modules and embedded software
for HP BladeSystem c-Class Enclosures that simplifies server connection setup and administration. HP
VC includes the HP 1/10G Virtual Connect Ethernet Module for c-Class BladeSystem, the HP Virtual
Connect Manager, and the HP Flex-10 Ethernet Interconnect Module. VC uses c-Class BladeSystem
adapters within the server and a new class of Ethernet interconnect modules to simplify connecting
those server NICs to the data center fabric. VC also extends the capability of standard server NICs by
securely administering Ethernet MAC addresses.
Server virtualization
As more virtual machines are loaded onto a physical server, the requirement for additional bandwidth
increases. VMware best practice calls for six 1-Gb NICs in each physical server running virtual
machines. Using this VMware guideline, just two physical servers loaded with virtual machines could
fully utilize a single 10-Gb NIC. More information about virtual machine technology is available in
the technology brief entitled “Server virtualization technologies for x86-based HP BladeSystem and HP
ProLiant servers” at
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c01067846/c01067846.pdf
.
NIC virtualization
For HP BladeSystem c-Class server blades, the HP VC Ethernet Modules allow IT administrators to
interconnect multiple modules and define uplinks to their data center Ethernet switches. The VC
Ethernet Modules allow the administrator to select which server NIC ports will be connected to each
external network.
Flex-10 for Virtual Connect
To help fully utilize 10GbE connection bandwidth, HP introduced Flex-10 technology in the
BladeSystem c-Class architecture. Using Flex-10, administrators can partition the bandwidth of a
single 10-Gb pipeline into multiple “FlexNICs.” The bandwidth of each partition can be set to a
user-defined portion of the total 10-Gb connection. Speed can be set from 100 megabits per second
to 10 gigabits per second in 100 megabit increments.
There are advantages to partitioning a 10GbE pipeline:
More NIC connections per server, which is especially important in a virtual machine environment
Ability to match bandwidths to network functions (for example, virtual machine migration,
management console, and production data)
More information about Flex-10 technology is available in the technology brief entitled “HP Flex-10
technology” at
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c01608922/c01608922.pdf
.
