topic Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else in BladeSystem - General

Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

PDP-Fan — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 10:08:37 GMT

I'm relatively new to VC-Flex... I'm working in the repair shop and I have to test some VC-Flex10d modules. I managed it to establish a link between two servers in two blade enclosures. Fo far so good...

But I can't get a working link between the VC-Flex and any other ethernet device (a switch for example). I don't have a 10GB switch to play with but I assume that the VC 10GB ports can also handle a 1GB link and thep down. Or am I wrong??

I have a 10GB Short Range SFP+ in both VC modules. Port speed ist set to AUTO.

Do I need special "VC compatible" switches for that?

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

TVVJ — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 10:47:43 GMT

Hi,

The VC Flex-10/10D quickspecs does not state any restrictions on switches compatiblity for uplink connectivity. Any combination of 1Gb and 10Gb cables can be used to interconnect the Virtual Connect Modules.

However the following provides recommended configurations (note that a built-in 10Gb link is provided between modules in horizontally adjacent bays).

Supported cable lengths on 10Gb uplinks are 3 to 15 meters and supported 10Gb stacking links (connecting between two HP Virtual Connect Ethernet Modules) are 0.5 to 7 meters.

Interconnecting the modules allows all Ethernet NICs on all server blades in the Virtual Connect domain to have access to any Virtual Connect uplink port.

By using these module-to-module links, a single pair of uplinks can be used as the data center network connections for the entire Virtual Connect domain, and allows any server blade to be connected to any Ethernet network.

Regards,

Vijayasarathy

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

Jimmy Vance — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 12:34:32 GMT

Looking at the specs comparing the HP Virtual Connect FlexFabric 10 Gb/24-port Module to the

HP Virtual Connect Flex-10/10D Module, it appears the Flex 10/10D module only supports 10GbE uplinks

HP Virtual Connect and networking for BladeSystem

http://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/getpdf.aspx/4AA4-8302ENW.pdf?ver=4

I also notice in the qucikspecs between the two modules, the FlexFabric 10Gb/24 has an option SFP+ RJ45 module available, and the Flex-10/10D doesn't offer this option

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

PDP-Fan — Tue, 07 Apr 2015 06:45:40 GMT

That would explain why no other connection works since I don't have a 10GB switch here...

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

Ken Henault — Thu, 09 Apr 2015 18:24:09 GMT

It does support 1Gb connections, but you'll need one of the following SFPs.

HP BladeSystem c-Class Virtual Connect 1G SFP SX Transceiver PN: 453151-B21
HP BladeSystem c-Class Virtual Connect 1G SFP RJ-45 Transceiver PN: 453154-B21

I am an HP Employee

Ken

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

PDP-Fan — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 07:38:55 GMT

Funny... I thought it would switch down to 1Gb automatically like most other devices do.

So the speed is determined by the SFP you use? Is this a general rule that 10Gb devices only can do 10Gb?

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

Ken Henault — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 08:58:16 GMT

Correct, Ethernet Optical media speed is controlled by the SFP/SFP+ module. You need different modules for different speeds.

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

BK_HPE — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 15:11:04 GMT

Hello @PDP-Fan

First of all I want to tank Ken Henault for the excellent information. You can purchase both the HP BladeSystem c-Class Virtual Connect 1G SFP SX Transceiver (453151-B21) and the HP BladeSystem c-Class Virtual Connect 1G SFP RJ-45 Transceiver (453154-B21) directly through the HP Small and Medium Business website to be able to connect the HP Virtual Connect Flex-10/10D Module to support 1Gb connections.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

PDP-Fan — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 11:07:18 GMT

Already ordered.... thanks for all the information!

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

Jimmy Vance — Sat, 18 Apr 2015 07:13:33 GMT

Thanks Ken, I wasn't sure if the RJ-45 SFP transcievers were an option since they were not listed in the quickspec and I didn't have any Flex10d modues in my lab to test

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

BK_HPE — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 16:36:14 GMT

Hello @PDP-Fan

I am delighted that you have ordered the items you need to connect your HP Virtual Connect Flex-10/10D to 1GB connections. Please let me know if I can be of more assistance.

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

PDP-Fan — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 06:21:11 GMT

Amazing... I installed the new 1Gb SFP's and it works!

I just wonder why the 10Gb Ethernet links can not slow down to 1Gb like the 1/2/4/8 Gb Fibrechannel links can do.

Re: Problem connecting VC-Flex10d to anything else

BK_HPE — Tue, 21 Apr 2015 16:20:21 GMT

Hello @PDP-Fan

I am so pleased HP was able to help you with your needs, as with your question on why the 10Gbps Ethernet links cannot slow down to 1Gbps like the 1/2/4/8Gbps Fibrechannel links can do. Unfortunately I do not have the information but if you would like to talk to an HP Server specialist for more information on fiberchannel I am happy to arrange a meeting. Please let me know if you would like that arrangement or any other issue I may be able to help you with.