User guide

1–FastFabric Overview
FastFabric Architecture
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FastFabric Architecture
Figure 1-1. FastFabric Architecture
FastFabric is typically installed on one or more InfiniBand Management Nodes.
The InfiniBand Management Node must be connected to the rest of the cluster
through InfiniBand and a management network. The management network may
be the primary InfiniBand network (IPoIB) or Ethernet. The management network
will be used for FastFabric host setup and administration tasks. It may also be
used for other aspects of server administration or operation.
Depending on cluster size and design, the InfiniBand Management node may also
be used as the master node for starting Message Passing Interface (MPI) jobs. It
may also be used to run a QLogic Host Fabric Manager (including the Subnet
Manager) and other management software. Consult the QLogic Fabric Manager
User Guide for details and what combinations are valid.
NOTE:
When InfiniBand is used as the management network, FastFabric will not be
able to install host InfiniBand software or configure IPoIB. However in this
configuration, FastFabric is able to support host InfiniBand software
upgrades, verification and all its other features.