FlexAddress Plus

FlexAddress

The FlexAddress feature allows server modules to replace the factory assigned World Wide Name and Media Access Control (WWN/MAC) network IDs with WWN/MAC IDs provided by the chassis. FlexAddress is delivered on a Secure Digital (SD) card that must be inserted into the CMC to provide the chassis-assigned WWN/MAC IDs.

Every server module is assigned unique WWN and MAC IDs as part of the manufacturing process. Before the FlexAddress feature was introduced, if you had to replace one server module with another, the WWN/MAC IDs would change and Ethernet network management tools and SAN resources would need to be reconfigured to be aware of the new server module.

FlexAddress allows the CMC to assign WWN/MAC IDs to a particular slot and override the factory IDs. If the server module is replaced, the slot-based WWN/MAC ID remains the same. This feature eliminates the need to reconfigure Ethernet network management tools and SAN resources for a new server module.

Additionally, the override action only occurs when a server module is inserted in a FlexAddress enabled chassis; no permanent changes are made to the server module. If a server module is moved to a chassis that does not support FlexAddress, the factory assigned WWN/MAC IDs are used.

Prior to installing FlexAddress, you can determine the range of MAC addresses contained on a FlexAddress feature card by inserting the SD card into an USB Memory Card Reader and viewing the file pwwn_mac.xml. This clear text XML file on the SD card contains an XML tag mac_start, which is the first starting hex MAC address that will be used for this unique MAC address range. The mac_count tag is the total number of MAC addresses that the SD card allocates. The total MAC range allocated can be determined by:

<mac_start> + 0xCF (208 - 1) = mac_end

For example:

(starting_mac)00188BFFDCFA + 0xCF = (ending_mac)00188BFFDDC9

NOTE: To prevent modifying any of the contents accidentally, you must lock the SD card prior to inserting in the USB "Memory Card Reader". You must then unlock the SD card before inserting it into the CMC.

For more information on the FlexAddress feature, see the following resources:

•The CMC Secure Digital (SD) Card Technical Specification document at support.dell.com/manuals

•The Help link in the CMC web interface

•The FlexAddress information in the CMC User’s Guide at support.dell.com/manuals

FlexAddress Plus expands the number of MAC addresses to 3136 from the original FlexAddress pool of 208. FlexAddress Plus is provided on the FlexAddress Plus Secure Digital (SD) card along with the FlexAddress feature.

NOTE: The SD card labeled FlexAddress only contains FlexAddress and the card labeled FlexAddress Plus contains FlexAddress and FlexAddress Plus. The card must be inserted into the CMC to activate the feature.

M1000E specifications

The Dell M1000E blade enclosure is a robust and versatile platform designed to optimize data center efficiency and streamline server management. A fundamental component of Dell's PowerEdge series, the M1000E is engineered to house multiple server blades in a compact, modular chassis, enabling organizations to conserve space and reduce power consumption while enhancing performance.

One of the main features of the Dell M1000E is its ability to accommodate up to 16 half-height server blades or 8 full-height server blades. This flexibility allows for a diverse range of configurations tailored to specific workloads, whether for virtualization, database management, or application hosting. The chassis provides shared power supplies and cooling, further contributing to the enclosure's efficient operation.

In terms of connectivity, the M1000E includes integrated high-speed networking capabilities. It can support multiple generations of networking technologies, ranging from Gigabit Ethernet to 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and offers options for Fibre Channel and InfiniBand connections. This extensive range of networking options ensures that organizations can integrate the M1000E into existing infrastructures seamlessly.

The Dell M1000E also utilizes advanced management tools to simplify administration and monitoring. One of the standout features is the Dell OpenManage suite, which provides a comprehensive set of tools for hardware management and system updates. Users gain insights into system health, performance, and power usage, enabling proactive maintenance and optimization of resources.

The enclosure is designed with scalability in mind. As businesses grow, the M1000E can be expanded easily by adding more blades without the need for significant reconfiguration. This scalability ensures that IT departments can respond rapidly to changing demands, ensuring that resources align with organizational requirements.

From a security standpoint, the M1000E provides multiple layers of protection, including secure access controls and configurable management interfaces. This helps safeguard sensitive information and ensures compliance with stringent data protection regulations.

Overall, the Dell M1000E blade enclosure represents a compelling solution for modern data centers, merging performance, efficiency, and scalability into a single chassis designed to meet the demands of today’s enterprise environments. Its advanced technologies and features make it a valuable asset for organizations looking to enhance their IT infrastructure.