Installing the switch

In this section

 

Planning the switch configuration

16

Installing the switch

18

Accessing the switch

19

Logging on and configuring the switch

20

Cabling the switch

21

Supporting software and special considerations

21

Planning the switch configuration

Before configuring the switch, HP recommends planning the configuration. Consider the default settings, security issues and privileges, and whether to configure each switch manually or configure multiple switches at the same time.

Default settings

The switch ships with a default configuration in which all downlink and uplink ports are enabled and assigned a default VLAN with a VID equal to 1. This default configuration simplifies the initial setup by allowing use of a single uplink cable (from any external Ethernet connector) to connect the server blade enclosure to the network. By default, the X-connect ports (17 and 18) are disabled. Assess the particular server environment to determine any requirements for other considerations.

The switch does not affect or determine NIC numeration and the associated mapping of NIC interfaces to switch ports. The numbering of the NICs on the server (for example, NIC 1, NIC 2, NIC 3) is determined by the server type, the server operating system, and what NICs are enabled on the server.

The Onboard Administrator module controls all port enabling. Enabling is based on matching ports between the server and the interconnect bay. Before power up, the Onboard Administrator module verifies that the server NIC option matches the switch bay that is selected and enables all ports for the NICs installed.

NOTE: Port 19 is reserved for connection to the Onboard Administrator module for switch management. This allows a user to enable the functionality of future firmware upgrade releases.

For detailed port mapping information, see the HP BladeSystem enclosure installation poster or the HP BladeSystem enclosure setup and installation guide on the HP website (http://www.hp.com/go/bladesystem/documentation).

When planning the configuration, consider the default settings for these parameters:

Switch IP settings

VLAN settings

STP settings

Port names and types

Port trunking settings

Interswitch X-Connect port settings

Installing the switch 16

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HP GbE2c manual Installing the switch, Planning the switch configuration, Default settings

GbE2c specifications

The HP GbE2c is a high-performance Ethernet Switch designed to meet the increasing demands of data center environments. As a critical component in Hewlett-Packard's networking lineup, the GbE2c provides a seamless blend of speed, reliability, and advanced networking capabilities, making it an essential tool for enterprises aiming to enhance their network infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the HP GbE2c is its support for Gigabit Ethernet, which allows for high-speed data transmission and reduced latency. This switch is designed to support the growing bandwidth needs of modern applications, ensuring that data is transmitted quickly and efficiently across the network. The GbE2c is particularly beneficial for organizations implementing virtualization technologies, as its Gigabit interfaces help in optimizing data flow between virtual machines.

The GbE2c also incorporates advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities. This ensures that it can handle both basic and more complex networking tasks, such as routing traffic between different VLANs and enabling Internet Protocol (IP) addressing. The switch supports various protocols, enabling seamless integration into a wide range of network environments.

Additionally, the HP GbE2c is equipped with a robust management system that allows network administrators to easily configure and monitor network settings. With its user-friendly interface, administrators can gain insights into traffic patterns, performance metrics, and potential issues, helping to maintain optimal network performance.

Power efficiency is another key characteristic of the HP GbE2c. The switch is designed to minimize power consumption without sacrificing performance, making it a more sustainable choice for data centers aiming to reduce their carbon footprint. This energy-efficient design is crucial for enterprises looking to lower operational costs while maintaining a high level of service.

The HP GbE2c also boasts high availability features, including redundant power supplies and failover options, ensuring that the network remains operational even in the event of a component failure. This reliability is critical for businesses that require uninterrupted network access for their daily operations.

In summary, the HP GbE2c Ethernet Switch combines speed, versatility, and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking to enhance their networking capabilities. Its robust feature set, advanced management options, and focus on energy efficiency position it as a top-tier solution in the competitive networking landscape. Organizations can rely on the GbE2c to deliver high performance and reliability, thus meeting the demands of today's data-intensive environments.