Setup and Install

Planning the installation 10
• Stacking cables are used to connect multiple enclosures. This allows all VC-Enet modules to be
interconnected and redundantly stacked.
• When the domain stacking mode is configured, stacking cables connect the primary slice of each
enclosure. The primary slice is the primary and standby interconnect modules for the enclosure.
• All enclosures must have the same FC, FlexFabric, or Flex-10/10D module configuration.
For example, if bays 1 and 2 of the Primary Enclosure contain FlexFabric-20/40 F8 modules, then bays
1 and 2 of Remote Enclosures 1, 2, and 3 must also contain FlexFabric-20/40 F8 modules.
• A total of 16 Ethernet and 16 VC-FC type modules can be installed in a multi-enclosure domain.
Each FlexFabric module counts as one Ethernet and one VC-FC module. Combinations of FlexFabric,
VC-Enet and VC-FC modules are allowed as long as the 16-module limit for each module type (Ethernet
and FC) is not exceeded in the domain.
• VC-FC or FlexFabric modules must be in the same bay of all enclosures and connected to the same FC
switch to enable profile mobility.
• All FC-capable modules in the same horizontally adjacent bay pair (bays 1-2, 3-4, and so on) must be
of the same type and position in all enclosures.
• Multi-enclosure double-dense domains require similar and compatible VC-FC modules in bays 5, 6, 7,
and 8 in all enclosures when FC connectivity is required. If a multi-enclosure double-dense configuration
contains incompatible VC-FC modules in bays 5, 6, 7, or 8 in any of the enclosures, some or all of the
compatible VC-FC modules in the remote enclosures might be designated INCOMPATIBLE after import.
• Be sure all Onboard Administrator and VC module management interfaces within the same VC domain
are on the same lightly loaded subnet and highly reliable network.
If the management network is overloaded, configuration attempts may be disabled until the connectivity
is re-established and synchronized with the domain.
• HP recommends using a static IP address for Onboard Administrator.
• Be sure all Onboard Administrators use the same user credentials. VCSU uses the primary credentials
for the remote enclosures to propagate firmware updates to all VC modules in each enclosure.
• When both Primary and Standby modules in the base enclosure are taken down for maintenance or
lose power and are no longer present in the domain, the management capabilities in the VC domain
are lost. Both the Primary and Standby modules in the base enclosure must be recovered to regain
management access to the VC domain.
If network and fabric uplinks are defined on the remaining enclosures, the servers continue to have
network and storage access.
Pre-deployment planning
During the planning phase, the LAN and server administrator must determine how each server blade will
connect to the network and on which IP network and VLAN the server will reside. In a traditional network,
these connections are established through physical cables. If a move from one network to another is required,
the cables must also be moved. Virtual Connect provides a wire-once implementation when VC modules are
connected to upstream or core switches and the VC networks and server profiles are defined. Assigning a
server profile to a server blade completes the physical connection to the core network. If a server blade fails
or moves, all of the configuration parameters can be transferred easily to the new server.
Before beginning installation, complete the following tasks: