NC-SI Shared Port Support for Mellanox ConnectX-3 Pro ML2 (00FP650)

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H213797

Symptom

The Mellanox ConnectX-3 Pro ML2 (00FP650 adapter option, replacement part number 00FP652), is supported for Network Controller Sideband Interface (NC-SI) for shared port with its port 1 (via channel 64) for all supported System x rack and tower server models.

To enable shared port, follow the following procedure via the system UEFI F1 setup menu:

1. From F1 main page, go to System Settings.
2. Then to Integrated Management Module (IMM) and select Network Configuration.
3. Next select Network Interface Port and change 'Dedicated' to 'Shared'.

After saving the setting and exit F1 to boot the server into operation, the adapter port 1 will function and connected as a shared port.

Note that if the system is shut down or restarted and cycled through Power On Self Test (POST), the adapter port 1 will not be continuously linked for shared port during this initialization period. This is working as expected.

The shared port will be fully established and linked after the system power or reset cycle initialization.

Affected configurations

The system is configured with one or more of the following IBM Options:

• Mellanox ConnectX-3 Pro ML2 2x40GbE/FDR VPI Adapter for IBM System x, Option 00FP651, any model

This tip is not system specific.

This tip is not software specific.

Workaround

Not applicable.