Note: IEEE 802.1p tagging increases the size of the packets it tags. Some hubs and switches will not recognize the larger packets and will drop them. Check your hub or switch documentation to see if they support 802.1p. (You can configure the switch to strip the tags from the packets and send it on to the next destination as normal traffic.) If these devices do not support 802.1p or if you are not sure, use High Priority Queue (HPQ) to prioritize network traffic.

The requirements for effectively using IEEE 802.1p tagging are:

The other devices receiving and routing 802.1p tagged packets must support 802.1p.

The adapters on these devices must support 802.1p. The Ethernet controller in all IBM Netfinity 10/100 Ethernet Security Adapters and IBM 10/100 Ethernet Server Adapters support 802.1p.

The adapter cannot be assigned to an adapter team.

If you are setting up VLANs and packet tagging on the same adapter, 802.1p/802.1Q Tagging must be enabled on the IBMSet Advanced tab.

If your network infrastructure devices do not support IEEE 802.1p or you are not sure, you can still define filters and send packets as high priority. While High Priority Queue (HPQ) does not provide the precise priority levels of 802.1p tagging, it does assign traffic as either high or low priority and sends high priority packets first. Therefore, if there are multiple applications on a system sending packets, the packets from the application with a filter are sent out first. HPQ does not change network routing, nor does it add any information to the packets.

To assign HPQ, you can specify it using Priority Packet when you create or assign a filter.

To effectively use HPQ tagging, the adapter cannot be assigned to an adapter team.

Virtual LAN Mode: A virtual LAN (VLAN) is a logical grouping of network devices put together as a LAN, regardless of their physical grouping or collision domains. Using VLANs increases network performance and improves network security.

VLANs offer you the ability to group users and devices together into logical workgroups. This can simplify network administration when connecting clients to servers that are geographically dispersed across the building, campus, or enterprise network.

Normally, VLANs are configured at the switch and any computer can be a member of one VLAN per installed network adapter. Your Ethernet controller supersedes this by communicating directly with the switch, allowing multiple VLANs on a single network adapter (up to 64 VLANs).

To set up VLAN membership, your Ethernet controller must be attached to a switch that has VLAN capability. You also need to use Windows NT 4.0 or later, or Novell NetWare 4.1x or later.

Notes:

1.Windows NT versions prior to 4.0 do not support VLANs.

2.VLANs require NT 4.0 with Service Pack 3.0 and the NDIS driver hotfix from Microsoft.

3.In Windows NT, VLANs cannot be implemented on controllers that have been configured for teaming options. NetWare can support teaming options and VLANs on the same adapters.

To join a VLAN from Windows NT 4.0:

Chapter 5. Installing options 69

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IBM xSeries 330 manual Installing options

xSeries 330 specifications

The IBM xSeries 330 is a versatile and reliable server designed to meet the demands of small to medium-sized businesses and enterprise environments. This server model, part of IBM’s xSeries line, is known for its solid performance, expandability, and robust features.

One of the main highlights of the xSeries 330 is its scalability. The server supports multiple configurations, with options for single or dual Intel Pentium III processors, allowing it to handle various workloads efficiently. It can accommodate up to 8GB of RAM, which is essential for running memory-intensive applications smoothly. This capacity ensures that businesses can upgrade their systems rather than replace them, providing a cost-effective solution for managing growing data needs.

In terms of storage, the xSeries 330 offers flexible options with up to six hot-swap hard drives. This feature enhances the server's uptime, as drives can be replaced without shutting down the system. The server supports RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, and 5, enhancing data protection and performance.

Connectivity is another critical aspect of the xSeries 330. It comes equipped with multiple PCI slots, allowing for the addition of various expansion cards to improve functionality, such as network controllers, graphics cards, and storage controllers. The server also provides integrated network management tools, which enable efficient monitoring and comprehensive troubleshooting, reducing downtime and maintenance efforts.

The xSeries 330 is supported by IBM's advanced management technologies, including the IBM Director. This software simplifies remote management, enabling IT personnel to monitor system health, perform updates, and automate tasks without the need to be physically present at the server location. Additionally, the server includes features like Automatic Server Restart and Predictive Failure Analysis, which help to predict and prevent potential hardware failures.

The design of the xSeries 330 emphasizes ease of use, with tool-less access to components, making upgrades and maintenance straightforward. Its compact form factor ensures that it can fit into diverse server environments, from traditional server rooms to modern data centers.

In summary, the IBM xSeries 330 stands out for its powerful performance, scalability, and management capabilities. These features make it a valuable asset for businesses looking to enhance their operational efficiency and prepare for future growth. With its reliability and versatile architecture, the xSeries 330 continues to be a respected choice among IT professionals.