HP Virtual Connect for c-Class BladeSystem Version 4.01 User Guide

Virtual Connect networks 117
9.
Select the speed and duplex (where applicable) of the uplink ports. Click the pull-down box under
Speed/Duplex, and then select a setting. Half-duplex operation is not supported by the VC-Enet
module.
IMPORTANT: Be sure that the uplink interface port speed matches the speed set on the
corresponding network switch port. If using autonegotiation, both ports must be configured to use
autonegotiation or they might not link.
10. Select the Connection Mode:
o Auto (recommended)—This mode enables the uplinks to attempt to form aggregation groups using
IEEE 802.3ad link aggregation control protocol, and to select the highest performing uplink as the
active path to external networks.
Aggregation groups require multiple ports from a single VC-Enet module to be connected to a single
external switch that supports automatic formation of LACP aggregation groups, or multiple external
switches that utilize distributed link aggregation. HP has guidelines available for users who prefer
to connect to external switches that support distributed link aggregation capabilities.
Multiple aggregation groups may be formed from the ports selected for the network. The highest
performing aggregation group is selected as active, with other aggregation groups and individual
links used as standby connections.
o Failover—If this mode is selected, set the port to Primary or Secondary. Only a single link is used as
the active link to the external networks, with other ports used as standby connections.
11. Select the LACP Timer, if the Connect Mode is Auto:
o Domain Default—If this mode is selected, the network uses the domain-wide LACP timer
configuration setting. The current setting is displayed as a part of the radio button label. See the
descriptions for Short and Long.
o Short—If this mode is selected, VC requests short (every 1 second) LACP control messages on a LAG
that is formed with the uplink ports.
o Long—If this mode is selected, VC requests long (every 30 seconds) LACP control messages on a
LAG that is formed with the uplink ports.
12. In the Network Access Groups field, begin typing the name of a Network Access Group that should
include this network. When the Network Access Group name appears, select the name.
To use a network access group, it must already be defined. For more information, see "Define Network
Access Group screen (on page 89)."
13. Click Apply. The network is now defined and available for use in creating server profiles.
To define a network that uses an existing Shared Uplink Set, either use the Define/Edit Shared Uplink Set
screen, or define the additional network as follows:
1. Enter the network name.
2. Select the Use Shared Uplink Set box.
3. Select an existing Shared Uplink Set from the pull-down list.
4. Enter an external VLAN ID.
5. Click Apply.
IMPORTANT:
For best performance, HP recommends limiting the number of shared uplinks sets
in one domain to two. There is a 1000 network limit per Virtual Connect domain.