Specifications

124 IBM Flex System p260 and p460 Planning and Implementation Guide
Implementing a dual VIOS solution is the best way to achieve a high availability
(HA) environment. This environment allows for maintenance on one VIOS
without disrupting the clients, and avoids depending on just one VIOS to do all of
the work functions.
5.2 Network connectivity
Network connectivity in Power Systems compute nodes is provided by the I/O
adapters installed in the nodes. The adapters are functionally similar to the CFFh
cards used in BladeCenter servers.
The Ethernet adapters currently supported by compute nodes are listed in
Table 5-1. For more details about the supported expansion cards, see 4.9, “I/O
adapters” on page 99.
Table 5-1 Supported Ethernet adapters
5.2.1 Ethernet switch module connectivity
There are a number of I/O modules that can be used to provide network
connectivity. These modules include Ethernet switch modules that provide
integrated switching capabilities for the chassis, and pass-through modules that
make internal compute node ports available external to the chassis. Using the
Ethernet switch modules might provide required or enhanced functions, and
simplified cabling. However, in some circumstances (for example, specific
security policies or certain network requirements), it is not possible to use
integrated switching capabilities, so pass-through modules are required.
Make sure that the external interface ports of the switches selected are
compatible with the physical cabling used or planned to be used in your data
center. Also, make sure that the features and functions required in the network
are supported by the proposed switch modules.
Dual VIOS: If you want a dual VIOS environment, external disk access is
required, as the two internal disks are connected to the same SAS/SATA
controller. The two internal disks are used for the rootvg volume group on one
VIOS only.
Feature Code Supported Ethernet adapters
1762 IBM Flex System EN4054 4-port 10Gb Ethernet Adapter
1763 IBM Flex System EN2024 4-port 1Gb Ethernet Adapter