IBM Nortel 10 manual Configuring the GbE switch module

Chapter 5. Configuring the GbE switch module

The GbE switch module has an internal Ethernet path to the management module, four external Ethernet ports, and a serial console port. The GbE switch module supports two remote-access modes for management through Ethernet connections. You can select the mode that is best suited for your BladeCenter environment.

vDefault mode: The default mode uses the internal path to the management module only. In this mode, the remote-access link to the management console must be attached to the Ethernet connector on the management module. The IP addresses and SNMP parameters of the GbE switch modules can be automatically assigned by the IBM Director BladeCenter Deployment wizard (when available), or you must assign them through the BladeCenter Management and Configuration Program. This mode enables the system administrator to provide a secure LAN for management of the BladeCenter subsystems that is separate from the data network. See “Establishing a TCP/IP session using the management module” on page 27 for more information.

vRemote management mode: The system administrator can choose to enable remote management of the GbE switch module through the four external ports, instead of or in addition to access through the management module. This mode can be enabled only through the management module configuration interface. When this mode is enabled, the external Ethernet ports will support both management traffic and BladeCenter application data traffic.

This mode enables the use of additional GbE switch module IP addresses on different IP subnets than the management modules. This is useful when the GbE switch modules are to be managed and controlled as part of the overall network infrastructure, while secure management of other BladeCenter subsystems is maintained through the management module. See “Enabling management over external ports” on page 28 for additional instructions about configuring the GbE switch module for this mode of operation.

The RS-232 console port provides an alternative path to manage and configure the switch for local access.

Important:

vBefore you configure the GbE switch module, make sure that the management modules in the BladeCenter unit are correctly configured. See the Installation and User’s Guide for your BladeCenter unit type for more information about configuring the GbE switch module.

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