HP Cluster Platform Overview

Figure 2 Console Network connections

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1. Console Root switch

2. Console Leaf switches

Administrative Network

HP Cluster Platforms use a 1 gigabit/second Ethernet (GbE) network to manage and administrate

the cluster at the operating system level, for example, image distribution or job management. All

nodes are connected to the Administrative Network using a GbE port. The Administrative Network

is implemented with one or more GbE switches distributed in the racks with the nodes. If there are

two or more switches, one switch is designated the Administrative Root switch and the remaining

switches are designated Administrative Leaf switches. The Administrative Root switch aggregates

the Administrative Leaf switches in a two-level tree topology. The Control Node is connected to the

Administrative Root switch. The Console Root switch can also be connected to the Administrative

Root switch. Application Nodes are typically connected to Administrative Leaf switches. However,

if the console port of an Application Node is connected to the Console Root switch, that Application

Node is also connected to the Administrative Root switch. Figure 3 (page 6) illustrates the

Administrative Network connections.

Figure 3 Administrative Network

1. Administrative Root switch

2. Administrative Leaf switches

6 Concepts