Quadrics QsNetII Interconnect

About This Manual
This manual describes how to install, operate, and manage the Quadrics
®
QsNet
II
™ interconnect that is used as a system interconnect for certain models of
HP Cluster Platform.
Read this entire manual before beginning the installation. Familiarity with the
general sequence of installation steps can save time and prevent problems.
This manual limits detailed information and procedures for cluster components
that have their own documentation, such as the cluster nodes, network switches,
and system racks. This manual contains frequent references to the original
component documentation, which should be readily available during the
installation procedure.
Audience
This guide is intended for experienced hardware administrators of large-scale
computer systems, and for HP Global Service representatives. This guide
references skilled tasks and describes important safety considerations and is not
intended as a training aide for untrained personnel. The information in this
manual assumes that the reader has the following abilities:
• Is familiar with HP rack-mounted servers and associated rack hardware.
• Is familiar with basic networking concepts, network switch technology, and
network cables.
• Is familiar with the theory and implementation of the high-speed system
interconnect technology used to create clusters.
• Has read the
Cluster Platform Overview and Site Preparation Guide, and is
familiar with HP Cluster Platform architecture and concepts.
Organization
The information in this guide is organized as follows:
Chapter or
Appendix
Description of Content
Safety Consid-
erations
Provides important safety information.
Chapter 1
Provides an overview of HP Cluster Platforms employing
Quadrics system interconnects.
Chapter 2
Provides an overview of the Quadrics interconnect architecture.
Chapter 3 Provides an overview of the modular 128-port Quadrics model
used in HP Cluster Platform, and explains the different modules
used, depending on the cluster configuration.
Chapter 4 Provides an overview of the 16 or 32 port Quadrics interconnect
model used in smaller clusters.
Chapter 5 Describes the QM500 host-bus adapter (HBA) that is
installed in the cluster nodes.
Chapter 6 Describes the QM508 clock distribution box and the clock network.
Chapter 7 Explains how to install the QS64A 128-port chassis and install
field-replaceable modules in the interconnect chassis.
About This Manual iii