These daughter cards provide the following two functions:

∙Interface to the backplane segments

To be able to communicate with devices attached to any of the backplane segments, DMM requires an interface to that segment. The interface to the Ethernet segments on the backplane is provided to DMM via E-MAC, whereas T-MAC allows DMM to interface with the token-ring segments on the ShuntBus. Note that DMM requires one MAC daughter card for each network on the backplane thru which DMM is going to communicate with the other devices.

DMM will use the interface to the backplane segments to communicate with the devices attached to these segments using IP. For example, to be able to manage the 8260 via an SNMP manager, DMM must have an interface to a network thru which the SNMP manager can be accessed.

∙Network monitoring

Daughter cards attach to the appropriate backplane segment (token-ring or Ethernet) and listen to the traffic flow and pass all the information back to DMM.

Note: Ethernet MAC daughter cards can be installed on EC-DMM or Ethernet media modules, whereas token-ring MAC daughter cards must always be installed on token-ring media modules.

The combination of DMM and daughter cards provides a cost efficient management architecture that consolidates media management into a single card, while distributing network monitoring across a series of protocol dependent daughter cards. The DMM is a generic (protocol independent) module that can be used for both in-band and out-of-band management. As mentioned above, when used for in-band management, DMM requires a daughter card. The flexibility and reduction in cost is achieved by distributing the network monitoring function to daughter cards which can be mounted on EC-DMM (E-MAC only) or media modules, so they do not use any valuable payload slots. This also means you only need one DMM to manage the entire 8260. If your network grows and you need to invest in more network monitoring function, you can install additional daughter card(s) matching the protocol of your new network(s) by just mounting them on the existing media module or EC-DMM (E-MAC only).

The MAC daughter cards will be assigned to the token-ring or Ethernet backplane using DMM commands. Once assigned to a backplane segment, they will be able to monitor the traffic on that segment and pass the collected information to the DMM. Note that the MAC daughter cards installed on the media modules will communicate with the DMM (or EC-DMM) using the MLAN, as shown in Figure 14 on page 37. The E-MACs installed on the EC-DMM, however, will use the onboard circuitry of the EC-DMM to communicate with DMM.

36 8260 Multiprotocol Intelligent Switching Hub

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IBM manual 36 8260 Multiprotocol Intelligent Switching Hub
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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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