HP 1.10GB Virtual Connect Ethernet Module for c-Class BladeSystem - Manual (Page 24)

Domain management 24
Domain management
Domain overview
A basic Virtual Connect domain includes a single HP c-Class BladeSystem c7000 Enclosure for a total of 16
servers (or up to 32 servers if the double-dense option is enabled), or a single HP c-Class BladeSystem c3000
Enclosure for a total of 8 servers (or up to 16 servers if the double-dense option is enabled). Within the
domain, any server blade can access any LAN or SAN connected to a VC module, and a server blade can
be used as a spare for any server blade within the same enclosure.
Version 2.10 and higher supports multiple enclosures, allowing up to four c7000 enclosures to be managed
within a single Virtual Connect domain for a total of 128 servers. Multiple enclosure domains are not
supported on c3000 enclosures.
By stacking (cabling) the Ethernet modules within the domain and connecting the FC modules to the same set
of FC SANs, every server blade in the domain can be configured to access any external network connection.
With this configuration, the Virtual Connect Manager can deploy and migrate a server blade profile to any
server in the Virtual Connect domain without the need to change external LAN or SAN configurations.
Back up the Virtual Connect domain configuration each time changes are made. While the configuration is
saved in non-volatile memory and check-pointed to the neighboring module, HP recommends saving the
configuration external to the enclosure.
When adding VC interconnect modules to a VC managed enclosure, wait until the modules have been fully
integrated into the current domain before attempting to make configuration changes to the VC domain. These
changes include adding or editing networks, fabrics, profiles, and shared uplink sets. Verify that the domain
status is clear for the newly added interconnect module before making any changes to the configuration.
Modifying the configuration before the integration is complete can cause unexpected behavior such as
incorrect/invalid connections in a profile.
After a configuration is changed, VCM can take up to 90 seconds to save the new information to non-volatile
storage. If power is removed, the module is reset through the OA interface, or the module is removed from
the enclosure during this update, configuration information might be lost. An icon on the Virtual Connect
Manager banner line indicates that a configuration update is in progress or that the backup module has not
been updated to the current configuration changes.
Enclosure serial numbers
The enclosure serial number is used by the Virtual Connect Manager to associate a Virtual Connect domain
with a particular enclosure. The enclosure serial number can be altered for maintenance purposes, such as
replacement of the enclosure midplane. For more information, see SET ENCLOSURE SERIAL_NUMBER in
the HP BladeSystem Onboard Administrator Command Line Interface User Guide.
• Enclosure serial numbers are unique as shipped from the factory, and must remain unique for proper
Virtual Connect Manager operation. Use care when altering the enclosure serial number to ensure that
serial numbers are unique within the management network.