Chapter 1: Overview of the Server Blade Gigabit Ethernet Interconnect Cabling Tables

HP Cluster Platform using c-Class server blades offer several optional methods to configure the
high-speed gigabit Ethernet interconnect. This chapter provides an overview of these options. For more information on the model and type of gigabit Ethernet switch used in your cluster, see the HP Cluster Platform Gigabit Ethernet Interconnect Guide, part number A-CPGBI-1D or later revision.

It is assumed that you have read the user documentation for your model of gigabit Ethernet-based HP Cluster Platform.

Understanding Interconnect Models

For c-Class server blade enclosures, the gigabit Ethernet interconnect options are as follows:

• Three embedded options (cards installed in the rear of the enclosure), as follows:

― A 16-port patch panel providing external links for links all 16 half-height blades installed in
the enclosure.

― An 8-port Cisco gigabit Ethernet switch module in 8, 4, or 1 uplink configurations.

― A 5-port Nortel gigabit Ethernet switch module in either 4 or 1 uplink configurations.

• Three model series of rack-mounted HP ProCurve gigabit Ethernet switches, as follows:

― HP ProCurve 2824 and ProCurve 2848.

NOTE: For configurations that support 8 uplinks, L3 IP routing is not supported on HP ProCurve 2800-series switches in HP Cluster Platform.

― HP ProCurve 3500yl-24 and ProCurve 3500yl-48.

― HP ProCurve 5406zl and ProCurve 5412zl. (When ProCurve 5412 interconnects are aggregated,
the configuration employs only the 4-port 10-GbE CX4 modules.)

Section 1.1 provides more information on enclosure and server configurations.

Section 1.2 describes how to use the cabling tables.