Network integration with the Flex System Manager

In Flex System Enterprise Chassis with the Flex System Manager management node, you have the option to configure separate management and data networks.

Note:

Management network

The Flex System Manager management node has two Ethernet interfaces which can be configured. The Eth0 port is connected to the Chassis Management Module (CMM) external Ethernet port through the chassis internal management network, effectively extending the chassis management network outside of the chassis. The CMM is connected to a top-of-rack switch that provides a central connection point for all chassis hardware to be managed by the Flex System Manager management software. These connections are referred to as the management network.

The management network is used to complete management-related functions for the various endpoints that are managed by the Flex System Manager management software, such as other Flex System Enterprise Chassis and compute nodes. During initialization the management software discovers any Flex System Enterprise Chassis on the management network. Note that the management node console can be connected to the management network or to the data network.

Note: If you want to configure your network so that the entire network is set up on a single IP subnet, configure just Eth0 on the Flex System Manager management node. If you choose to configure Eth0 and Eth1, you must configure them on different IP subnets.

Graphic of the Flex System Enterprise Chassis management and data networks

Data network

The Flex System Manager management node Eth1 port must be connected to the chassis switch modules that are installed in I/O bay 1 or bay 2. This is referred to as the data network. You can configure a switch module in bay 1 or bay 2 to map Eth1 to one of its external Ethernet ports, as you would configure the other nodes in the chassis that are connected to the external network. The data network is used by applications and operating systems and can support data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps if a chassis switch module that is capable of 10 Gbps is installed.

One of the key functions that the data network supports is discovery of operating systems on the various network endpoints. Discovery of operating systems by the Flex System Manager is required to support software updates on an endpoint such as a compute node. The Flex System Manager Checking and Updating Compute Nodes wizard assists you in discovering operating systems as part of the initial setup.

Single network configuration

You can also set up your environment so that the management network and data network are the same network. This is typically a simpler approach to network configuration and results in an easier setup process.

Note: When you are using a single network configuration, users and applications that have access to the data network also have access to the management network.If separating data and management access is important for security considerations, you should use separate data and management networks.

Graphic of the Flex System Enterprise Chassis single network configuration