NonStop NS-Series Planning Guide (H06.03+)

HP Integrity NonStop NS-Series Planning Guide—529567-004
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ServerNet Communications Network
The ServerNet communications network is a high-speed network within an Integrity
NonStop NS-series system that connects processor complexes to the ServerNet
adapters and system I/O such as disks and Ethernet LANs by way of the p-switches
and the IOAM switch boards or NonStop S-series IO enclosures.
This network uses the ServerNet architecture, which is full-duplex, packet-switched,
and point-to-point in a star configuration. This network offers low latency, low software
overhead, and high bandwidth.
The ServerNet architecture within the Integrity NonStop NS-series system employs two
independent I/O communications paths throughout the system: the X ServerNet and
the Y ServerNet. These dual paths ensure that no single failure disrupts
communications among the remaining system components.
This section provides an overview of the ServerNet network in the Integrity NonStop
NS-series systems. For further information on the ServerNet network, protocols, IP
addresses, and naming conventions see the Introduction to Networking for Integrity
NonStop NS-Series Servers.
ServerNet Concepts
ServerNet Link
A ServerNet link has two unidirectional point-to-point communication paths, one in
each direction. A ServerNet link connects a ServerNet router to:
•
A ServerNet node
•
Another ServerNet router
ServerNet Node
A ServerNet node is a system in a ServerNet cluster. ServerNet nodes send and
receive ServerNet packets.
ServerNet Router
A ServerNet router routes ServerNet packets along ServerNet links. Integrity NonStop
NS-series servers use the 2.5 Gbs, 32-port router 3.
ServerNet Fabric
A ServerNet fabric is a collection of connected routers and ServerNet links that form an
internal or external network. Two separate, identically configured fabrics, called the X