Chapter 4. 8260 Distributed Management Architecture

This chapter will provide an in-depth look at the distributed management architecture of the 8260. The items we will cover are:

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8260 distributed management architecture

The Distributed Management Module (DMM)

Ethernet Carrier - Distributed Management Module (EC-DMM)

Ethernet Medium Access Carrier (E-MAC) daughter board

Token-Ring Medium Access Carrier (T-MAC) daughter board

Command overview

Differences between using 8260 and 8250 management modules to manage the 8260

4.1 8260 Distributed Management Architecture

To fully manage the 8260 and the installed modules, the 8260 uses a distributed management architecture. In this architecture, the various tasks of managing the various elements of the hub are distributed across the following elements:

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Distributed management module

MAC daughter cards

Controller module

There are 2 types of distributed management module (DMM):

∙Stand-alone DMM

−The DMM is called a stand-alone card because it does not have any mounting facility for the daughter cards.

∙EC-DMM

−This module allows you to mount up to six Ethernet Medium Access Carrier (E-MAC) daughter cards on it. At the time of writing there is no carrier DMM available for mounting token-ring MAC (T-MAC) daughter cards.

In terms of management functions, DMM and EC-DMM are identical. The only difference between these two cards is their ability to house Ethernet MAC daughter cards. Therefore, as this section is discussing management in general, the term DMM will be used to refer to both 8260 management modules

(stand-alone DMM and EC-DMM). In the next section we will look at the specific management modules and discuss their capabilities and their differences.

The DMM, along with the fault tolerant controller module, manages and controls the 8260 hub and its modules. However, to perform certain management functions such as network traffic monitoring, there is a need for a daughter card to assist the DMM. There are two types of daughter cards:

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Ethernet Medium Access Carrier (E-MAC) daughter card

Token-ring Medium Access Carrier (T-MAC) daughter card

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1995

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8260 specifications

The IBM 8260 is a significant entry in the realm of enterprise servers, recognized for its performance, scalability, and robust features designed to cater to demanding business environments. It primarily serves as a high-capacity server for large organizations, capable of handling extensive workloads and complex applications without compromising speed or efficiency.

One of the standout features of the IBM 8260 is its powerful processing capabilities. It typically comes equipped with multiple processor units based on the IBM POWER architecture, which is renowned for its high-performance computing. This architecture allows the server to execute numerous simultaneous tasks, making it ideal for environments that require multitasking and high throughput.

Memory capacity is another key characteristic of the IBM 8260. Depending on the specific configuration, it can support substantial amounts of RAM, ensuring that applications can run effectively without the bottlenecks often associated with data-intensive tasks. This is crucial for enterprises that rely on real-time data analytics, large database management, and resource-heavy applications.

In terms of storage, the IBM 8260 offers flexible options. It supports a variety of storage solutions, including solid-state drives (SSDs) and traditional hard drives, catering to different performance and capacity needs. This scalability in storage helps organizations manage their data effectively while ensuring quick access and retrieval times.

Connectivity is also a prominent feature of the IBM 8260. The server includes advanced networking capabilities, supporting various protocols and technologies that facilitate fast data transfer and communication between devices. This enhances overall network performance, essential for businesses that depend on cloud computing and distributed computing environments.

Additionally, the IBM 8260 is designed with a focus on reliability and availability. It incorporates redundant components, such as power supplies and cooling systems, minimizing the risk of downtime. This is critically important for enterprises that require continuous availability of services.

The server’s management features are also noteworthy. IBM provides a suite of management tools that allow IT administrators to monitor performance, configure hardware settings, and troubleshoot issues seamlessly. This ease of management is bolstered by automation capabilities, enabling organizations to enhance operational efficiency.

In conclusion, the IBM 8260 stands out in the competitive server landscape due to its high processing power, extensive memory and storage options, advanced connectivity, reliability features, and robust management tools. Such attributes make it a viable choice for organizations seeking to enhance their IT infrastructure and streamline their operations effectively.
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