TOC docs.hp
Chapter 1: Overview
The Voltaire InfiniBand interconnects provide the high-speed data network that is the core of an HP Cluster Platform configuration. Each node (server) in the cluster is connected to the interconnect by a multicore copper serial cable. The cable runs from a PCI host channel adapter (HCA) card installed in the node to a port in the interconnect. The interconnect ports are located on modular cards and the entire interconnect is a combination of modules with different functions.  
The HCA card contains a firmware on EEPROM and the interconnect provides a management firmware that is installed in a dedicated management module. You can connect this module via a terminal or over a Web link using a dedicated TCP/IP address.  This management lets you control and test all of the hardware components in the interconnect network. For a complete description of the hardware, see the InfiniBand Interconnect and User's Guide, part number A-CIPBI-ID or later.
Point-to-point cabling tables define a cable's origin ports at the InfiniBand switch module, which is installed in the server blade enclosure's rear I/O bays and destination ports at the interconnect. Each origin and destination is identified by a unique code, and the cables are labeled with this code.
Section 1.1 provides more information on enclosure and server configurations.
Section 1.2 describes the port labeling syntax.
Section 1.3 lists the required components for 489184-B21 interconnects with 3 server blade enclosures per cabinet, 2:1 QDR bandwidth (1:1 DDR bandwidth) between server blade enclosures and spine switches.
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Revision History
04/09 - First edition.