Ethernet media module in slot 2 will also turn on to indicate those ports have been assigned to Ethernet_1. If there were more media modules with ports assigned to Ethernet_1 their port LEDs would also turn on. Because Ethernet_2, 3 and 4 are not being used, the next time the button is pressed the LCD display will jump to E5″, the DMM network status LED for Ethernet 5 will turn on and the LEDs for ports 15, 16 and 17 on the 8260 Ethernet media module in slot 4 will also turn on to indicate those ports are assigned to Ethernet_5.

To display the EC-DMM microcode version, press the button until the display reads Vers. One second after releasing the button the version will be displayed. Table 12 shows the possible states of the display.

Table 12.

EC-DMM LCD Display

 

 

 

Display

 

Definition

 

 

 

Diag

 

The EC-DMM is running diagnostics

 

 

 

Rdy

 

The EC-DMM is the active (master) management module

 

 

 

Stby

 

The EC-DMM is in standby mode

 

 

 

Dnld

 

New microcode is being downloaded

 

 

 

E1-E8,EI

 

Shows active networks only; EI for isolated

 

 

 

TR1-10,TRI

 

Shows active networks only; TRI for isolated

 

 

 

F1-F4,FI

 

Shows active networks only; FI for isolated

 

 

 

Vers

 

Microcode level of the DMM

 

 

 

LED

 

Displays when the controller LED test button is pressed

 

 

 

4.4 MAC Daughter Cards

To be able to monitor the network traffic activity on the backplane segments, as well as to be able to communicate with other stations using IP, DMM requires the services provided by MAC daughter cards.

These daughter cards connect to the networks, listen to the traffic flow and pass traffic information back to the DMM. They also provide the DMM with the interface to the networks on the backplane so that it can communicate with the other stations on that network.

The MAC daughter cards are protocol specific cards and at the time of writing this book the following two types of MAC daughter cards were available:

The E-MAC (Ethernet - Media Access Card)

The T-MAC (Token-ring - Media Access Card)

These daughter cards can be installed on the media modules that use the same protocol. That is, T-MACs can be installed on token-ring media modules, and E-MACs can be installed on Ethernet media modules. Each token-ring or Ethernet media module can accommodate installation of one MAC daughter card (Ethernet 40-port module allows the installation of two MAC daughter cards). Additionally, the E-MACs can be installed on the EC-DMM. Each EC-DMM can accommodate the installation of up to 6 E-MACs.

Regardless of where the MAC daughter cards are installed, they can be assigned to any of the backplane segments. However, to assign a MAC

Chapter 4. 8260 Distributed Management Architecture 61

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IBM 8260 manual MAC Daughter Cards

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.