IBM BladeCenter Networking with the 4-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module

This IBM Redpaper will help you install, tailor and configure IBM BladeCenter in various network environments. We discuss the IBM BladeCenter 4-Port Gb Ethernet Switch Module. We discuss the features and functions of the Ethernet module and how the switch is managed.

This paper is designed to help you with the initial network configurations to ensure that your Ethernet Switch Module is configured correctly and operable so that you can begin immediate communications across the network. In this Redpaper, you will find working configurations that have been specified and tested in our labs. Also featured in this Redpaper are several configuration examples of the Ethernet Switch Module deployed in Cisco and Nortel environments.

The intent of this Redpaper is to introduce networking terms and concepts to the users and administrators of the IBM BladeCenter product. Our explanations of these terms and concepts are meant to give the non-networking professional an overall view of the switching and bridging environment and not substitute in-depth training for networking fundamentals. The examples illustrated in this paper are meant to provide real “working” examples of networking configurations where an IBM BladeCenter chassis is deployed; of course, many other configurations are possible.

Chapter 1. Introduction to the IBM BladeCenter 4-Port Gb Ethernet Switch Module
Chapter 2. ESM management and initial configuration
Chapter 3. Ethernet switching fundamentals
Chapter 4. Supported protocols and standards
Chapter 5. Deploying IBM BladeCenter in a Cisco environment
Chapter 6. Deploying IBM BladeCenter in a Nortel environment

Related product families

Product families related to this document are the following:

• 1 Gb Embedded Connectivity
• Blade Networking Modules