HP Virtual Connect for c-Class BladeSystem Setup and Install Guide

Installation 26
Single enclosure stacking diagram Modules (top to
bottom)
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HP Virtual Connect
FlexFabric
10Gb/24-port
Modules
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HP Virtual Connect
FlexFabric
10Gb/24-port
Modules
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HP Virtual Connect
Flex-10 10Gb
Ethernet Modules
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HP Virtual Connect
Flex-10 10Gb
Ethernet Modules
•
HP Virtual Connect
FlexFabric
10Gb/24-port
Modules
•
HP Virtual Connect
FlexFabric
10Gb/24-port
Modules
•
HP Virtual Connect
Flex-10 10Gb
Ethernet Modules
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HP Virtual Connect
FlexFabric-20/40 F8
Modules
The 1000BASE-T links can be used as stacking links of up to 100 m (328 ft). Ports with different connector
types can be aggregated if the link speed is the same. For example, CX4 and SFP+ ports both running at
10G can be aggregated to provide enhanced throughput for the stacking link.
NOTE: The CX4 interface uses the same physical connector as InfiniBand, but InfiniBand cables
are tuned differently and will not perform as well in CX4 applications. HP recommends
purchasing CX4 cable assemblies that meet the IEEE CX4 specifications and support 10-Gigabit
communication at distances from 3 m to 15 m (9.84 ft to 49.20 ft).
For information on supported cables, see the module QuickSpecs on the HP website
(http://www.hp.com/go/vc/manuals).
HP recommends fully redundant interconnection of VC-Enet modules. The recommended stacking
configurations have redundant connections. If a stacking cable is disconnected or fails, the Ethernet packets
within the Virtual Connect domain are automatically re-routed to the uplink through the redundant path. This
configuration also helps preserve network connectivity if an Ethernet interconnect module fails or is removed.
Network loop protection
To avoid network loops, Virtual Connect first verifies that only one active uplink exists per network from the
Virtual Connect domain to the external Ethernet switching environment. Second, Virtual Connect makes sure
that no network loops are created by the stacking links between Virtual Connect modules.