System information

Chapter 1. Introduction to IBM eServer BladeCenter technology and its advantages 13
Figure 1-10 BladeCenter 4-Port Ethernet Switch Module
In Figure 1-10, the two LEDs at the top of the switch module indicate power-on and Ethernet
switch errors. There are also LEDs next to each port which indicate Ethernet link and activity.
1.2.7 BladeCenter Layer 2-7 GbE Switch Module
The Ethernet switch module (Figure 1-11 on page 14) has several purposes. In addition to
providing network connectivity for the BladeCenter unit and blade servers, it also provides
interconnectivity between the blades and management modules. The Layer 2-7 GbE Switch
Module does not come standard with the IBM Eserver BladeCenter. It is available for
purchase as an option, but it is required in most cases and should be installed in switch bay 1.
This module is a fully functional Ethernet switch that has four 1000 Mbps ports externally, two
internal 10/100 Mbps links to the Management Modules and 14 1000 Mbps links to the
blades, which are also internal. Two of these switch modules can be added for redundancy.
The switch module is configured via the Management Module. For a more in-depth look at
Layer 2-7 Switching, refer to the Redpaper IBM Eserver BladeCenter Layer 2-7 Network
Switching, REDP3755.