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HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch - questions & answers


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The HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch is a high performance, low latency 10Gb Layer 3 switch optimized for bandwidth intensive applications while providing resiliency. high availability and fault tolerance at an affordable price.
Product information
» Overview
» Specifications
» Key benefits
» Model comparison
» Questions & Answers

Questions

General
1. I am a current HP GbE2c user, will I have to learn a new configuration interface?
2. What type of management options do I have?
3. Does this switch support Layer 3 routing?
Connectivity
1. What 10Gb uplink connection options do I have?
2. Can I use any brand of XFP module?
3. At what speed do the downlinks to the server operate?
4. Can the switch operate at any other speed, such as 1Gb?
5. Do I need to purchase any special mezzanine card to use this switch?
Service & Warranty
1. What is the basic warranty for the HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch?
2. What kinds of service offerings are available for the HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch?
Functionality
1. Will the HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch work in a Cisco Network?
2. Can I mix and match the HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch with other switches in the same enclosure?
3. Are there any limitations to what blade servers I must use?

Answers

General

Q1. I am a current HP GbE2c user, will I have to learn a new configuration interface?
A1. No, the HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch uses the same intuitive interface as the GbE2c family. Additionally, this switch has a new "industry standard" CLI that greatly simplifies configuration and management. It is also compatible with BNT's BladeHarmony management software.
Q2. What type of management options do I have?
A2. The HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch supports SNMP v1, v2 and v3 extensions as well as CLI, RMON, and Web-based Management tools including Secure HTTP (HTTPS). The switch can be accessed via an external DB-9 connector or through the network via the internal management link.
Q3. Does this switch support Layer 3 routing?
A3. Yes, the switch supports Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing along with QoS.

Connectivity

Q1. What 10Gb uplink connection options do I have?
A1. The HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch has four 10Gb uplinks. These are Fiber XFP ports and will accept either a SR or LR XFP module depending on the distance required for your application. XFP modules must be purchased through HP. Use the following part numbers when ordering:
  • HP 10Gb SR XFP module - 443756-B21
  • HP 10Gb LR XFP module - 443757-B21
Q2. Can I use any brand of XFP module?
A2. No. Only XFP modules purchased though HP will work with this switch. Each XFP module kit contains a single XFP.
Q3. At what speed do the downlinks to the server operate?
A3. The HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch has sixteen downlinks that operate at 10Gb to the server blade using an associated mezzanine card.
Q4. Can the switch operate at any other speed, such as 1Gb?
A4. No. The switch is 10Gb only. There is no auto-negotiation to 1Gb either on the uplinks or downlinks. If your requirements call for 1Gb downlinks or a mix of 1Gb and 10Gb uplinks, click here to learn about the HP 1:10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch.
Q5. Do I need to purchase any special mezzanine card to use this switch?
A5. Yes. The switch must be paired with a 10Gb Ethernet Adapter. At least one adapter must be installed on each server blade connecting to the switch. The HP NC512m is a general purpose 10Gb adapter available for use with this switch. Click here for more information on the HP NC512m. For more specialized applications, 10Gb adapters from Chelsio, NetEffect and ServerEngines are available under the Solution Builder program. Click here for more information on these products.

Service & Warranty

Q1. What is the basic warranty for the HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch?
A1. This switch has a warranty of 1 year. Additional CarePack services are available to extend the warranty and service terms.
Q2. What kinds of service offerings are available for the HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch?
A2. A full range of hardware and software support offerings are available ranging from installation services to 7/24 on-site repair coverage. Visit the HP services and support web pages for a complete listing.

Functionality

Q1. Will the HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch work in a Cisco Network?
A1. Yes. In fact over 90% of HP branded switch installations are interworking in a Cisco environment.
Q2. Can I mix and match the HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch with other switches in the same enclosure?
A2. Yes. Provided that care is taken to ensure that the 10Gb switch is installed in the interconnect bay associated with the proper adapter card. For example, you may install a 1Gb switch in Bays 1/2 and the 10Gb switch in bays 7/8
Q3. Are there any limitations to what blade servers I must use?
A3. The HP 10Gb Ethernet BL-c Switch will work with any server in the HP c-Class BladeSystem portfolio provided that the HP NC512m adapter is supported and installed in the appropriate mezzanine slot. At this time, the BL860c does not support the HP NC512m adapter.
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