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Figure 6 shows the 2560 node.
Figure 6. The 2560 node
Virtual Fabric configuration with IBM System x servers using the Emulex Virtual Fabric Adapter
The following example describes an IBM Virtual Fabric implementation:
IBM Virtual Fabric for IBM System x is built using industry standards and is the ideal solution for
customers that require more than two NICs per server. Over the past couple of years many clients
have seen their I/O requirements per server increase anywhere from 4 to 6 to 8 or even more
NICs per server, especially with the adoption of virtualization. What IBM Virtual Fabric does is
provide clients with the ability to leverage a virtual NIC approach leveraging 10 Gb Ethernet
technology to help reduce cost and complexity while also achieving better performance and more
flexibility. It provides the following benefits:
o
Reduced costs
Acquisition and operating by using fewer adapters, cables, and upstream switch ports.
o
Reduced complexity
Fewer items to manage, based standards, making management easier with the addition of
high availability and better security.
o
Better performance
A significant amount more I/O bandwidth per server and lower latency than traditional 1-Gb
Ethernet.
o
Flexibility
The ability to carve up a dual-port 10 Gb adapter into 4 - 8 virtual NICs and create virtual
pipes between the adapter and switch for higher availability and security. Not only can
customers dynamically allocate I/O bandwidth to each virtual NIC, Virtual Fabric also provides
the ability to change those allocations as needed. For example, a customer might have one
configuration for workload during the day and another during the evenings. Virtual Fabric has
the ability to make those changes on the fly without downtime.
IBM Virtual Fabric is designed in partnership with Emulex. This solution requires the following
components:
o
Emulex 10 Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter for IBM System x
For more details, see
http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/tips0762.html?Open
o
IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264
IBM System Networking RackSwitch G8264
Emulex 10Gb Virtual Fabric Adapter for IBM System x
, TIPS0762 at:
15
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