Operating instructions

Chapter 1. Executive summary

IBM and Cisco have committed to a strategic alliance to address customer requirements

regarding the integration of server and networking technology. The Cisco Systems Intelligent

Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module for IBM Eserver BladeCenter (Cisco Systems IGESM)

represents an important initial step in this alliance. This BladeCenter switch module offers

BladeCenter customers Cisco’s world-class copper Ethernet switching technology integrated

into the BladeCenter chassis. It further enhances the BladeCenter value proposition by

seamlessly interfacing to a customer’s existing data network using industry-pervasive,

SNMP-based management tools such as CiscoWorks.

When installed in the BladeCenter chassis, Cisco Systems IGESM provides both basic L2

switching capabilities and significant added value not found in commodity switching solutions.

This value includes:

BackboneFast To aid in the rapid convergence of layer 2 networks

UplinkFast To aid in the rapid convergence of layer 2 networks

UDLD UniDirectional Link Detection, to reduce the possibility of Spanning

Tree Protocol (STP) loops

CDP Cisco Discovery Protocol (to aid in management and troubleshooting)

ISL VLAN Trunking (Cisco proprietary)

PAgP Port Aggregation Protocol (Cisco EtherChannel)

VTP VLAN Trunking Protocol (similar to GVRP)

DTP Dynamic Trunking Protocol (to auto-negotiate trunk type and state)

RADIUS Centralized administrative control of access to the switch

TACACS+ Centralized administrative control of access to the switch

VMPS VLAN Management Policy Server (only on some Cisco switches)

PVST+ Per-VLAN Spanning Tree

802.1w Rapid Reconfiguration Spanning Tree (enhancement to 802.1D)

802.1s Multiple Spanning Trees (enhancement to 802.1Q)