SmartConnect User’s Guide

The VSE SmartConnect software permits the uplink ports to auto-negotiate the flow-control settings of each link (the default setting). Port characteristics can also be configured to speci- fied values. All of the trunked uplink ports in each VSG must be configured to the same port characteristics in order to participate (form an active link) in the trunk.

Note – In the default switch configuration in which all external ports (even those of different physical types) belong to one trunk, some external ports may be automatically disabled by the switch to satisfy general trunking restrictions. See “Trunking Rules” on page 32 for details.

With Network Adaptor Teaming configured on the server blade Ethernet NICs, the servers can maintain redundant links to multiple switches within the blade chassis to provide enhanced reliability. The L2 Failover option allows the VSE SmartConnect software to disable the server-blade ports when all of its external uplinks are inactive. This causes the Network Adap- tor Teaming software to failover to the other switch(es) in the blade server chassis.

The VSE SmartConnect software permits effective management of the server blades using the Serial Over LAN (SOL) feature over a VLAN dedicated to the blade chassis management sys- tem. If no external ports are enabled, Layer 2 Failover must be disabled to use SOL.

Most administrators will find the Browser-based Interface (BBI) adequate for configuring and using the VSE SmartConnect software. However, a command-line interface (CLI) is available for users familiar with the CLI, or who want to use scripting facilities. Other interface prod- ucts, such as the IBM Director or Blade Harmony Manager, may also be used for managing some or all switch functions.

14 „ Chapter 1: VSE SmartConnect Software Operation

BMD00082, February 2009

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IBM Partner Pavilion BMD00082 manual 14 „ VSE SmartConnect Software Operation