Networking

The IBM Fusion HCI network architecture connects compute and storage nodes to your data center through high-speed switches, forming a switch-to-switch leaf topology.

The IBM Fusion HCI system contains two high-speed switches that connect to the data center network. The storage and compute nodes within the appliance are connected to the data center network indirectly through these high-speed switches, forming a switch-to-switch connection. This setup treats the appliance switches as leaf switches, recommending a connection to core switches for integration with the larger network.
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Planning a Connection between IBM Fusion HCI and Your Network

IBM Fusion HCI is a hyperconverged infrastructure solution that combines compute, storage, and networking resources into a single, integrated platform. To integrate IBM Fusion HCI with your existing network, you need to plan a connection that ensures seamless communication and data exchange between the two environments.

Before establishing a connection, ensure that you have:
  • A clear understanding of your network architecture and topology
  • The necessary network infrastructure, including switches, routers, and firewalls
  • IBM Fusion HCI hardware and software requirements met
  • A plan for network segmentation and security
You can connect IBM Fusion HCI to your network as follows:
  • Connect IBM Fusion HCI directly to your network by using a dedicated Ethernet cable.
  • Configure the network settings on IBM Fusion HCI to match your network configuration.

    After establishing a connection, you configure DHCP, DNS, and NTP server connections. For more information, see Planning and prerequisites.

Network connectivity for different storage options

The IBM Fusion HCI offers two storage options: Global Data Platform and Fusion Data Foundation. Understanding the network differences between these two options is crucial for effective planning.
Global Data Platform
  • The uplink carries only the OpenShift® Bare Metal VLAN.
  • In a multi-rack setup, internal storage and management traffic also use the spine switches.
    Important: Global Data Platform supports expansion multi-rack configurations only.
Fusion Data Foundation
  • The uplink carries both the OpenShift VLAN and the management or provisioning VLAN 4091.
  • No spine switches are present in a Fusion Data Foundation rack.
  • Fusion Data Foundation supports multiple rack configurations, including:
    • High-Availability (HA) multi-rack
    • Expansion multi-rack
    • 3 zone multi-rack
    • 2 zone + arbiter
For more information on Fusion Data Foundation network architecture, see Deployment configurations. For high-availability multi-rack and expansion racks with storage type FDF prerequisites (also applicable to multi AZ racks), refer to Network prerequisites for high-availability racks.

IBM Fusion HCI network configuration for SSR setup

After receiving the IBM Fusion HCI appliance, an IBM Systems Service Representative (SSR) visits your data center to set it up. To complete the setup, the SSR needs information about your internal network. Fill out the following Planning Worksheet and share it with your IBM representative.