level of support for a number of users. The IEEE 802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) support can be enabled or disabled on a
Adding full Layer 3 routing to the integrated switch module adds more power, flexibility, and security capabilities to the IBM Eserver BladeCenter. With the integrated switch module in
the BladeCenter, network traffic can be managed much more efficiently. Broadcast traffic can be contained in the blade server by placing the 14 blade servers on different subnets while allowing communication between each without using the bandwidth of the external ports to send traffic to and from an external Layer 3 device.
Security features provide added protection for switch configuration data, while packet filtering helps secure and segment sensitive traffic or network access. Support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMPv3), Secure Shell (SSHv2), and Hypertext Transfer Protocol over Secure Socket Layer (HTTPS) supply protection for sensitive switch configuration data. Multilevel access and defined access policies help secure the switch against unauthorized management access. Support for Remote Authentication and Remote Authentication
Layer 3 filtering (IP and application type) at line rate in the chassis enhances security and simplifies provisioning. The risk of traffic finding a route to a denied destination is reduced if Layer 3 routing is contained in the switch module in the chassis. Without Layer 3 filtering, several external switches might need configuration to filter traffic to limit access between one server blade and another if the traffic flows through upstream devices.
The following routing standards are supported:
Routing Information Protocol version 1 (RIPv1), and version 2 (RIPv2)
Border Gateway Protocol version 4 (BGPv4)
Open Shortest Path First version 2 (OSPFv2)
Maximum bandwidth and network flexibility with uplink support for six Gigabit Ethernet ports/switch (fiber or copper). The Nortel Networks L2/3 GbESM is designed to be able to route, filter, and queue traffic so that no data is lost, dropped, or delayed. Applications get the bandwidth they need, when they need it, with little or no delay or jitter.
Even with all the value that an integrated switch module can provide, performance for a BladeCenter can be limited if the switch module cannot provide adequate ingress and egress bandwidth. The Nortel Networks L2/3 GbESM is the only BladeCenter switch module that offers six Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports for maximum throughput, supporting full Layer 2 through Layer 3
Unmatched High Availability support and field proven Resiliency High availability support is built in at both Layer 2 and Layer 3 in the Nortel Networks L2/3 GbESM to reduce single points of failure when it comes to enabling reliability and performance of the network.
At Layer 2 Link Aggregation Control (802.3), Rapid Spanning Tree, Fast Uplink Convergence, Port Fast Forwarding, 802.1Q VLANs, Broadcast Storm Control, and Native Link Failover with NIC teaming are supported.
