HP XC System Software 3.2.1 manual Administration Network Console Branch, Interconnect Network

HP XC system, the administrative tools probe and discover the topology of the administration network. The administration network requires and uses Gigabit Ethernet.

The administration network has at least one Root Administration Switch and can have multiple Branch Administration Switches. These switches are discussed in “Switches” (page 46).

1.7 Administration Network: Console Branch

The console branch is part of the private administration network within an HP XC system that is used primarily for managing and monitoring the consoles of the nodes that comprise the HP XC system. This branch of the network uses 10/100 Mbps Ethernet.

During the installation and configuration of the HP XC system, the administrative tools probe and discover the topology of the entire administration network including the console branch.

A (nonblade) HP XC system has at least one Root Console Switch with the potential for multiple Branch Console Switches. Figure 1-11shows a graphical representation of the console branch.

Figure 1-11 Administration Network: Console Branch (Without HP Server Blades)

Specialized Role Nodes

Head

Node

Root Console

Switch

Root Administration Switch

Branch Console Switches

Compute Nodes

1.8 Interconnect Network

The interconnect network is a private network within the HP XC system. Typically, every node in the HP XC system is connected to the interconnect.

The interconnect network is dedicated to communication between processors and access to data in storage areas. It provides a high-speed communications path used primarily for user file service and for communications within applications that are distributed among nodes of the cluster.

Table 1-4lists the supported interconnect types on each cluster platform. The interconnect types are displayed in the context of an interconnect family, in which InfiniBand products constitute

one family, Quadrics® QsNetII® constitutes another interconnect family, and so on. For more information about the interconnect types on individual hardware models, see the cluster platform documentation.

1.7 Administration Network: Console Branch 31