HP Virtual Connect Enterprise Manager Software - Manual (Page 13)

NIC or HBA addresses. Even if a server is replaced, the MAC and WWN assignments for the enclosure will
remain the same, and changes are invisible to the network. Virtual Connect provides the following benefits:
•
Significantly reduce cabling and server connection complexity.
•
Maintain constant end-to-end connections to preferred networks and fabrics.
•
Separate server administration from LAN and SAN administration.
•
Enable system administrators to be more self-sufficient, so they can add, replace, or modify servers in
minutes without impacting production LANs and SANs.
•
Relieve LAN and SAN administrators from server-centric maintenance.
Figure 1-1 HP Virtual Connect technology
Virtualized server connectivity to LANs and SANs increases productivity and reduces complexity and costs.
Managing HP Virtual Connect
A Virtual Connect server profile is a logical grouping of server connection attributes that can be assigned
to any bay in a BladeSystem enclosure—also called a VC Domain. When assigned to an enclosure bay,
the server in that bay assumes the attributes of the profile which can include:
•
MAC addresses for all NICs
•
WWNs for all Host Bus Adapters (HBAs)
•
Fibre Channel SAN boot parameters
•
Logical Serial Numbers
To configure and manage Virtual Connect resource assignments, HP provides options for bvoth small and
large Virtual Connect environments.
HP Virtual Connect Manager
Virtual Connect Manager is a simple web console built into the firmware of Virtual Connect Ethernet modules,
and is designed to configure and manage a single VC Domain. This option is ideal for environments with
up to 4 enclosures that have no plans to expand further.
Typical environment
Small environments with up to 4 Virtual Connect domains that have no plans to expand further.
Architectural overview 13