IBM Nortel Networks L2/3, Manual

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Nortel Networks L2/3 Ethernet Switch Module for IBM
Eserver
BladeCenter
Fiber connections
The fiber connectors on the Nortel Networks Layer 2/3 Fiber Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module
for IBM
Eserver
BladeCenter must be Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF). Either 50 or 62.5 micron
fiber can be used. Single-Mode (9 micron) fiber is not supported. The fiber should be
terminated with LC connectors on both ends.
Speed or duplex selection
The decision to allow a port to negotiate its speed and duplex automatically or to force it to a
set value is a subject of frequent debate. Testing in the lab has shown that the Nortel
Networks L2/3 GbESM can negotiate the link correctly when attaching to external switches. In
particular, with Gigabit connections, we strongly recommend that you use auto-negotiation.
7.5 Base configurations for examples in this document
Before discussing the specifics of each configuration, it is necessary to outline the hardware
and software used during the experiments.
7.5.1 Hardware and software used for lab environment
It should be noted that the choice of the 3560Gs and their components was made based on
the assumption that the IBM
Eserver
BladeCenter is being deployed in a mission-critical
data center environment, where high availability and performance are of utmost importance.
Also, the 3560G Cisco switch supports the standards that are used in each experiment for
Layer 2 and 3 switching.
IBM
Eserver
BladeCenter configuration
The IBM
Eserver
BladeCenter was configured as follows:
򐂰
One BladeCenter chassis (8677-1XZ) with:
– Four HS20 blades (8678-2ZZ) in slots 1 through 4
• One 2.4 GHz CPU
• One 40 GB hard disk
• 2560 MB of memory
• BIOS build BRE134AUS, version displayed is 1.09
• Diagnostic build BRYT18AUS
• Integrated System Management Processor (ISMP) build BR8T35A
• Windows 2003 Standard Edition operating system
• Broadcom firmware version 3.21
• Broadcom driver version 8.22.1.0
• BASP software version 8.1.4
– One HS40 blade (8839-7HX) in slot 5
• Four 3.0 GHz CPUs
• One 40 GB hard disk
• 2 GB of memory
Important: Although you can attach the Nortel Networks Layer 2/3 Copper Gigabit
Ethernet Switch Module for IBM
Eserver
BladeCenters to external switches at 10 or
100 Mb, in production environments we strongly recommend that you use 1 Gb
connections. When using the Nortel Networks Layer 2/3 Fiber Gigabit Ethernet Switch
Module for IBM
Eserver
BladeCenter, you must use 1 Gb connections because that is
the only speed that is supported.