Networking requirements for ESS

This topic describes the networking requirements for installing ESS.

Networking requirements

The following networks are required:
  • Service network

    This network connects the flexible service processor (FSP) on the management server and I/O server nodes as shown in blue in Figure 1.

  • Management and provisioning network

    This network connects the management server to the I/O server nodes (and HMCs, if available) as shown in yellow in in Figure 1. The management server runs DHCP on the management and provisioning network. If a management server is not included in the solution order, a customer-supplied management server is used.

  • Clustering network

    This high-speed network is used for clustering and client node access. It can be a 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), 40 GbE, or InfiniBand network. It might not be included in the solution order.

  • External and campus management network

    This public network is used for external and campus management of the management server, the HMC (if available), or both.

Figure 1, Network Topology, is a high-level logical view of the management and provisioning network and the service network for an ESS building block.

Figure 1. The management and provisioning network and the service network: a logical view
The management and provisioning network and the service network: a logical view (PPC64LE)

The management and provisioning network and the service network must run as two non-overlapping networks implemented as two separate physical networks or two separate virtual local-area networks (VLANs).

The HMC, the management server, and the switches (1 GbE switches and high-speed switches) might not be included in a solution order in which an existing or customer-supplied HMC or management server is used. Perform any advance planning tasks that might be needed to access and use these solution components.