32 Nortel Networks L2/3 Ethernet Switch Module for IBM Eserver BladeCenter
Further configuration of the Nortel Networks L2/3 GbESM module is performed by using
Telnet (for the Command Line Interface) or a Web browser (for the Browser Based Interface)
and accessing the address of the MGT1 or 2 ports.

Serial port (Path 2)

The Serial port is used for out of band management of the switch. It is useful to allow access
to the CLI when all other paths are not working. It is possible to connect the serial port to a
terminal server if desired; this allows out-of-band access to be easily provided to multiple
devices.
The console cable that is required to use this port is included with the switch when it is
shipped. The cable has a RS232 USB-form plug on one end and a DB-9 plug on the other
end. The DB-9 is intended to be attached to a standard serial port such as on a mobile
computer or modem. Standard terminal emulation software should be used with these
settings: 9600 baud; no parity; 8 data bits; 1 stop bit (9600,N,8,1).
5.1.2 In-band management
The second mode of operation that is commonly used is in-band management. In this case,
the management traffic passes through the data traffic path (the Nortel Networks L2/3
GbESM EXTernal and INTernal ports).

External Ethernet ports (Path 3A)

The external ports can be used to provide management access to the switch from outside the
IBM Eserver BladeCenter chassis. In order to use this path, the “External management over
all ports” item in the Management Module configuration must be enabled (Figure5-3 on
page 33).
Note: It is recommended (and easier) to use a server or mobile computer that is external to
the IBM Eserver BladeCenter chassis to perform initial configuration of the Nortel
Networks L2/3 GbESM module. The server or mobile computer should be able to open the
Web interface of the Management Module. It then can reach the switch when the switch
has an appropriate IP address configured. This address must be within the same subnet
as both the internal and external IP addresses of the Management Module.