BNT Layer 2/3 Copper and Fiber Gigabit Ethernet Switch Modules for IBM BladeCenter
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with a new unit, this new unit will have the same IP address as the failed server. Alternatively, if the server
fails, then the other server in the chassis gets the IP address of the failed server. A Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server is required for ServerMobility operations.
Specifically, the following functions are supported in SmartConnect mode:
Port groups
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Virtual LAN (VLAN) and VLAN tagging
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Trunking (link aggregation)
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Layer 2 Failover (Switch Failover)
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IGMP snooping
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Web-based or command-line interface (CLI)-based management interface
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Support for SSH
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RADIUS/ access control to the switch
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Port monitoring
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ServerMobility
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Notes:
When the switch operates in SmartConnect mode, do not connect the host devices, such as
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workstations or servers, to the external ports because this leads to problems with network traffic flow.
The Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is not supported in SmartConnect mode. By using the color-based
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BNT configuration tool, it is simple to build a loop-free layer 2 topology. The software also avoids
basic mistakes that lead to these events .
Benefits
The BNT Layer 2/3 Copper and Fiber Gigabit Ethernet Switch Modules offer the following benefits:
Integration and consolidation : These modules offer integration within the BladeCenter chassis,
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enabling clients to consolidate full Layer 2-3 LAN switching and routing capabilities into a single
chassis. This consolidation helps flatten the data center infrastructure and reduces the number of
discrete devices, management consoles, and equipment that administrators must deal with, helping to
lower costs and simplify deployment.
Layer 3 functionality: The BNT Layer 2/3 Copper and Fiber Gigabit Ethernet Switch Modules are two
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of only a few switch modules in the blade market that include Layer 3 functionality as standard, which
provides security and performance benefits as inter-VLAN traffic stays within the chassis. These
switches also provide the full range of industry-standard Layer 3 protocols from static routes for small
and medium business (SMB) customers to technologies, such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), for enterprise customers.
Fiber offering: The fiber switch module is ideal for those clients who require fiber for high data rate
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systems that demand high bandwidth over long distances and require complete immunity to electrical
interference.
Interoperability: BNT switches interoperate seamlessly with the upstream switches of other vendors.
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Management: These switches are designed to support multiple CLIs, which allows IT staff to select
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one with which they are most comfortable: BLADEOS CLI for those who have a Nortel switch
background, industry based CLI (Cisco-like) for those who are familiar with IOS, and a full-function
Web-based GUI for the latest in simplicity.
Fault tolerance: These BNT switches automatically learn alternate routes and perform faster
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convergence in the unlikely case of a link, switch, or power failure. The switch uses proven
technologies such as L2 trunk failover, advanced VLAN-based failover, Virtual Router Redundancy
Protocol (VRRP), IGMP V3 snooping, and OSPF.
