IBM L2/3 7.5 Base configurations for examples in this document

66 Nortel Networks L2/3 Ethernet Switch Module for IBM Eserver BladeCenter

The fiber connectors on the Nortel Networks Layer 2/3 Fiber Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module

for IBM Eserver BladeCenter must be Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF). Either 50 or 62.5 micron

fiber can be used. Single-Mode (9 micron) fiber is not supported. The fiber should be

terminated with LC connectors on both ends.

The decision to allow a port to negotiate its speed and duplex automatically or to force it to a

set value is a subject of frequent debate. Testing in the lab has shown that the Nortel

Networks L2/3 GbESM can negotiate the link correctly when attaching to external switches. In

particular, with Gigabit connections, we strongly recommend that you use auto-negotiation.

7.5 Base configurations for examples in this document

Before discussing the specifics of each configuration, it is necessary to outline the hardware

and software used during the experiments.

It should be noted that the choice of the 3560Gs and their components was made based on

the assumption that the IBM Eserver BladeCenter is being deployed in a mission-critical

data center environment, where high availability and performance are of utmost importance.

Also, the 3560G Cisco switch supports the standards that are used in each experiment for

Layer 2 and 3 switching.

The IBM Eserver BladeCenter was configured as follows:

򐂰One BladeCenter chassis (8677-1XZ) with:

– Four HS20 blades (8678-2ZZ) in slots 1 through 4

• One 2.4 GHz CPU

• One 40 GB hard disk

• 2560 MB of memory

• BIOS build BRE134AUS, version displayed is 1.09

• Diagnostic build BRYT18AUS

• Integrated System Management Processor (ISMP) build BR8T35A

• Windows 2003 Standard Edition operating system

• Broadcom firmware version 3.21

• Broadcom driver version 8.22.1.0

• BASP software version 8.1.4

– One HS40 blade (8839-7HX) in slot 5

• Four 3.0 GHz CPUs

• One 40 GB hard disk

• 2 GB of memor y

Important: Although you can attach the Nortel Networks Layer 2/3 Copper Gigabit

Ethernet Switch Module for IBMEserver BladeCenters to external switches at 10 or

100 Mb, in production environments we strongly recommend that you use 1 Gb

connections. When using the Nortel Networks Layer 2/3 Fiber Gigabit Ethernet Switch

Module for IBM Eserver BladeCenter, you must use 1 Gb connections because that is

the only speed that is supported.