User Guide

Popular configurations
This section shows two popular configurations using the Ethernet Expansion Card (CIOv).
Adding two extra Ethernet ports per blade server
Most often, the Ethernet Expansion Card (CIOv) is used to expand the number of Ethernet ports per blade to
increase network bandwidth. This is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. The Ethernet Expansion Card (CIOv) provides two extra Ethernet ports per blade server
The components used in this configuration are listed in Table 3.
Table 3. Components used when connecting the Ethernet Expansion Card (CIOv) to external Ethernet network
Diagram
reference
Part number /
Machine type
Description Quantity
Varies BladeCenter HS22 or other supported server 1 to 14
44W4475 Ethernet Expansion Card (CIOv) 1 per
server
Varies BladeCenter E, BladeCenter H, or BladeCenter S* 1
Varies Any Ethernet-compatible switch module 1 or 2
*Note: The expansion card can be installed in servers in the BladeCenter S (8886). However, by doing so you will
lose the ability to connect to the BladeCenter S Disk Storage Modules (DSMs). The Ethernet expansion card will go
in the place of the SAS expansion card needed to connected to the DSMs. Instead, use the 2/4 Port Ethernet
Expansion Card (CFFh), part number 44W4479.
iSCSI SAN storage solution
In addition, this card can be used to connect to external iSCSI-based entry-level SAN, as shown in Figure 4.
Ethernet Expansion Card (CIOv) for BladeCenter (withdrawn product) 4