Overview - IBM Flex System I/O Options

Content

Planned availability date: 10 September 2013

Overview

IBM Flex System Fabric is an interconnect technology that optimizes systems for maximum performance, automates network deployment, and offers integrated management via the Flex System Manager.

The IBM Flex System Fabric SI4093 System Interconnect Module offers a simple unmanaged device in the chassis. This module offers layer 2 function in the chassis for highest performance but reduces management by enabling 'End Host Mode' operation. In this mode, this module is transparent to the upstream Top Of Rack switches. This module comes preconfigured to reduce management and setup. The base module supports 14 internal 10 Gb ports and 10 external SFP+ 10 Gb ports and can be expanded with two upgrade options. This module will also support enhanced features like IBM Virtual Fabric and convergence.

Clients requiring the highest bandwidth and lowest latency can leverage the 40 Gb solution. Additional Fibre Channel 2-port and 4-port adapters are available. Clients can connect to their SAN infrastructure at 8 Gb or 16 Gb speed for highest performance and maximum reliability.

The IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis is a rack-optimized, 10U modular design enclosure that holds up to 14 nodes. A new model includes a standard 2100W Power Module.

Key prerequisites

• Appropriate PDUs and main power distribution
• Monitor, keyboard, and mouse for setup
• 200 to 240 V ac power source

At a glance

IBM Flex System is a new category of computing that integrates multiple server architectures, networking, storage, and system management capability into a single system.

Warranty

• Three years
• Optional features - One year

Note: For configurations that support the RAID battery, the RAID battery will be warranted for 1 year effective on its "Date of Installation". All other product warranty terms for the machine remain unchanged.

An IBM part or feature installed during the initial installation of an IBM machine is subject to a full warranty effective on the date of installation of the machine. An IBM part or feature which replaces a previously installed part or feature assumes the remainder of the warranty period for the replaced part or feature. An IBM part or feature added to a machine without replacing a previously installed part or feature is subject to a full warranty effective on its date of installation. Unless specified otherwise, the warranty period, type of warranty service, and service level of a part or feature are the same as those for the machine in which it is installed.

The following have been designated as consumables, supply items, or structural parts and therefore not covered by this warranty:

• System batteries
• Air baffle
• Fillers
• Shelf
• Cable-management arm
• Lift handle kit
• Rail kit
• Brackets
• Filters
• Front bezel
• Miscellaneous kit

Physical Specifications

The new chassis model, 8721LRY, supports two standard 2100W Power Modules. Up to four additional 2100W Power Modules can be added.

Dimensions:

• Height: 440 mm (17.32 in) (10 EIA rack standard units)
• Width: 447 mm (17.60 in) (EIA 19-inch rack standard width)
• Depth: 800 mm (31.50 in) (measured from front bezel to rear of chassis), 840 mm (33.07) (measured from node latch handle to the power supply handle)

Weight (Chassis) :

• (minimum configuration) 96.62 kg (213 lb)
• (maximum configuration) 220.45 kg (486 lb)

Approximate Shipping dimensions and weight for the chassis model:

• Single Pack Dimensions : 610 x 1016 x 957 mm
  
• Single Pack Weight : 187.47 kg
  
• Quantity per Pallet : 1
  
• Estimated Safe Stacking : 2 high .

• Temperature:
  • 5 - 40 degrees C (41 to 104 degrees F) at 0 - 914 m (0 to 3,000 ft)
  • 914 m to 3048 m, the maximum ambient temperature drops 1C for every additional 178 m increase in altitude until the maximum temperature is 28 C at 3048 m
• Relative humidity: 8% to 85%
• Maximum altitude: 3,048 m (10,000 ft)
• Electrical power:
  • 200 - 240 V ac (nominal), 50 or 60 Hz
  • Minimum configuration: 0.51 kVA (two power supplies)
  • Maximum configuration: 13 kVA (six power supplies)
• Power consumption: 12,900 watts maximum
• Thermal output:
  • Ship configuration - 500 watts (1,700 Btu/hr)
  • Full configuration - 12,900 watts (43,900 Btu/hr)
• Acoustical noise emissions for Flex Chassis:
  • 7.5 bels operating
  • 7.5 bels idling

Note: The noise emission level stated is the declared (upper limit) sound power level, in bels, for a random sample of machines. All measurements are made in accordance with ISO 7779 and reported in conformance with ISO 9296.  

Rack Installation

Installation Kit:

• Rails are adjustable for front to rear EIA Rack flange distance variation between 609 and 762 mm (24 and 30 inches).
  • Rails are not compatible with racks with threaded (pretapped) front and rear EIA flanges.
  • For racks with threaded front and rear EIA flanges, a support shelf which will occupy EIA U space below the chassis is required (not supplied by IBM).
• Three brackets are needed: left and right rear brackets and a lower rear bracket.

Installation into a Rack

• Lift handles are provided (4x) in a box within the accessory pack.
• Due to chassis weight, chassis components must be removed prior to lift, or mechanical assist must be used.

Hardware Requirements

None

Software Requirements

None

Compatibility

The IBM Flex System Enterprise Chassis (8721) is designed to maintain compatibility with the following IBM products. As a part of the ServerProven program, System x server compatibility listings are updated on the World Wide Web. Detailed information relative to IBM and non-IBM vendor devices, adapters, software and network operating systems supported with System x servers can be accessed via the Web : http://www-03.ibm.com/servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/