Operating instructions

Chapter 7. Cisco Systems IGESM configuration and network integration 199
As noted, for a more detailed description of Serial over LAN, reference the SoL Configuration
Guide (link provided in the online resources section later in this document).
Some general rules for Serial over LAN
򐂰 Not all operating systems support SoL:
– W2K Server not supported
– Most Linux and W2K3 supported on HS series
– AIX® and Linux on JS20 is supported
򐂰 Requires OS and BIOS configuration steps on some blade server models (e.g. HS20
running Linux or W2K3). See IBM SoL configuration guide for details.
򐂰 Some blade server models may not be supported, such as the original HS 20 (model
8678).
򐂰 JS20 requires SoL for initial OS install:
– JS20 has no KVM interface.
– After is OS installed, it can use the Ethernet interface to administer JS20.
򐂰 HS series have built in KVM interface making SoL optional.
򐂰 May require firmware upgrades on some server blades. For example, JS20 requires
Broadcom firmware 2.30 or higher to use SoL with IGESM. This is available at:
http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-56012
򐂰 Upgrading all firmware (for Management Module, IGESM and blade servers) and OS
drivers to latest releases is recommended:
http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/bladecenter/chassis/downloadinghwonly.html
Specific rules for selecting the SoL VLAN for use with the IGESM
򐂰 It must be a VLAN ID from 1 to 4094 (inclusive).
– The SoL VLAN ID cannot be 1002 through 1005 (reserved by the IGESM).
– To use VLANs above 1005, must be in VTP Transparent mode (default for IGESM).
򐂰 VLANs 1 and 2 are both default VLANs on the IGESM, and unless otherwise changed,
should not be used for the SoL VLAN.
򐂰 It can not be a VLAN that is being used to carry user data between the blade servers and
the IGESM uplink ports.
򐂰 It cannot be the management VLAN between the IGESM and the Management Modules.
The default VLAN for the IGESM to Management Module traffic is VLAN 1, but can be
changed by the user.
򐂰 It must match the VLAN configured for SoL use on the Management Module.
򐂰 The SoL VLAN must be carried to the blade server.
򐂰 If the blade server will be on a single VLAN, do not set port for Access if you need SoL:
– Set port to trunk and set Native VLAN to desired access VLAN.
– Set SoL VLAN to be allowed on trunk to blade server.
Important: The version of the Serial over LAN configuration guide available at the time
of this writing incorrectly indicates this is limited to a max of 1001.