Specifications

HP Virtual Connect for Cisco Network Administrators (version 1.2x) page 3
Abstract
This whitepaper discusses the networking technology behind Virtual Connect Ethernet as it relates to
interoperability with a Cisco network infrastructure. Since Virtual Connect represents a new way of
interconnecting HP Blade servers to external networks, many implementers have questions about
how Virtual Connect will integrate into their existing Cisco network infrastructure. This whitepaper
specifically addresses the core Ethernet networking technologies used by Virtual Connect Ethernet
and how they interoperate with a Cisco network infrastructure.
Disclaimer, Prerequisites, and Versioning
The purpose of this whitepaper is to provide a technical discussion of the Virtual Connect
components, and their operation, with specific attention given to interoperability with Cisco
switches and routers. This paper does not provide an exhaustive discussion of all aspects of Virtual
Connect operation and configuration and this paper is not a competitive analysis between Virtual
Connect and other vendor’s Ethernet solutions.
It is assumed that the reader is already familiar with Cisco terminology and device operation and
that the reader is familiar with the basics of HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosures, HP BladeSystem c-
Class blade servers, and HP BladeSystem Virtual Connect. For additional information on these HP
BladeSystem c-Class components, please visit:
http://www.hp.com/go/bladesystem &
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/blades/components/c-class-interconnects.html.
Recommended Prerequisite Reading:
•
Non-technical Summary of Virtual Connect Technology
•
White Paper: How to implement Virtual Connect
•
Virtual Connect User Guide (version 1.2x)
This whitepaper was written based on the features provided in Virtual Connect firmware version 1.2x
and earlier. Newer releases of firmware may introduce new features or may introduce changes to
the way existing features work. For any discrepancies between the information in this paper and
actual operation, it is recommended that the Administrator refer to the Virtual Connect manuals
and release notes matching the firmware version being used. Both can be found online at
www.hp.com/go/bladesystem/documentation under the “Install Your Solution tab”.
Introduction
Virtual Connect is an innovative networking product for HP BladeSystem c-Class customers that has
been shipping since February 2007. Virtual Connect was designed and engineered as a direct result
of customer requests for a better way to manage blade server network connections. As with any
new product that introduces a better way of solving old problems, it is very important for the
Administrator to fully understand the impact of the new product and for them to feel comfortable
with its introduction into their environment. Virtual Connect’s implementation into a customer
environment will not only positively affect the Server Administrators, but also the LAN and SAN
Administrators. More specifically, because of this impact on LAN Administrators, a thorough
discussion of Virtual Connect and its operation and interoperability with the existing Cisco network
infrastructure is very important.
While this whitepaper assumes the reader is familiar with the basics of the HP BladeSystem c-Class
architecture, it will review some of the important aspects that are key to understanding Virtual
Connect technology. It will begin with a list of definitions for terms that will be used extensively within
the paper. Next, a brief overview of the core networking components of the HP BladeSystem c-
Class architecture will be covered, followed by an in-depth discussion of the Virtual Connect