IBM RS/6000 SP, Handbook

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Chapter 5. The Switch
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each SP node to the SP Switch subsystem. One adapter of the required type
must be ordered for each node in a switch-configured SP system. If you are
using switch expansion frames, the SP Switch subsystem will allow you to scale
your SP system up to 128 nodes.
When you order F/C 4011, you receive one 16-port SP Switch and all of the
switch-to-node cables you need to connect the switch ports to up to sixteen
nodes, both within the switch-equipped frame and in any non-switched
expansion frames. You must specify the length of all switch-to-switch cables that
make the connections between switch-equipped frames and to an SP Switch
Frame.
5.4 SP Switch-8 (F/C 4008)
Eight port switches are a lower-cost alternative to the full-size 16 port switches.
The 8-port SP Switch-8 (F/C 4008) provides switch functions for up to eight
processor nodes in Model 500 and Model 550 systems. N+1 internal power for
the SP Switch-8 is available using F/C 1212.
When you order F/C 4008, you receive one 8-port SP Switch and all of the
cables you need to connect the switch ports to up to eight nodes, both within the
switch-equipped frame and in any non-switched expansion frames.
SP Switch-8 can be configured in one of two ways:
򐂰
1. In a Model 500 (1.25 m) frame with up to four F/C 1500 (1.25 m)
non-switched expansion frames attached.
򐂰 2. In a Model 550 (1.93 m) frame with F/C 1550 a non-switched expansion
frame supporting up to a total of eight nodes.
The SP Switch-8 has two active switch chip entry points. Thus, your ability to
create system partitions is restricted with this switch. With the maximum of eight
nodes attached to the switch, you have two possible system configurations:
򐂰 A single partition with up to eight node system
򐂰
Two system partitions, with up to four nodes each
Note:
򐂰 An SP Switch Router adapter is needed to connect the RS/6000 SP Switch
Router to the SP Switch.
򐂰 An RS/6000 SP System Attachment adapter is needed to connect the
SP-attached server and Clustered Enterprise Servers to the SP Switch.