3 Cabling
The following topics are addressed in this chapter:
• “Network Overview ” (page 15)
• “Cabling for the Administration Network” (page 15)
• “Cabling for the Console Network” (page 16)
• “Cabling for the Interconnect Network” (page 17)
• “Cabling for the External Network” (page 19)
3.1 Network Overview
An HP XC system consists of several networks: administration, console, interconnect, and external
(public). In order for these networks to function, you must connect the enclosures, server blades,
and switches according to the guidelines provided in this chapter.
The HP XC Hardware Preparation Guide guide describes specific instructions about which ports
on each ProCurve switch are used for specific node connections on non-blade server nodes.
A hardware configuration with server blades does not have these specific cabling requirements;
specific switch port assignments are not required. However, HP recommends a logical ordering
of the cables on the switches to facilitate serviceability. Enclosures are discovered in port order,
so HP recommends that you cable them in the order you want them to be numbered. Also, HP
recommends that you cable the enclosures in lower ports and cable the external nodes in the
ports above them.
Appendix A (page 43) provides several network cabling illustrations based on the interconnect
type and server blade height to use as a reference.
3.2 Cabling for the Administration Network
The HP XC administration network is a private network within an HP XC system that is used
primarily for administrative operations. The administration network is created and connected
through ProCurve model 2800 series switches. One switch is designated as the root administration
switch and that switch can be connected to multiple branch administration switches, if required.
NIC1 on each server blade is dedicated as the connection to the administration network. NIC1
of all server blades connects to interconnect bay 1 on the enclosure.
The entire administration network is formed by connecting the device (either a switch or a
pass-thru module) in interconnect bay 1 of each enclosure to one of the ProCurve administration
network switches.
Non-blade server nodes must also be connected to the administration network. See the HP XC
Hardware Preparation Guide to determine which port on the node is used for the administration
network; the port you use depends on your particular hardware model.
Figure 3-1 illustrates the connections that form the administration network.
3.1 Network Overview 15
