4–Switch Independent PartitioningSwitch Independent Partitioning Configuration133 CU0354602-00 LThe QLogic drivers download the VM MAC addresses to the firmware. This enablesthe firmware and hardware to switch the packets destined for VMs on the host.For traffic to flow from one eSwitch to another it must first pass through anexternal switch or have been forwarded by a VM that has a path through botheSwitches.Configuration Management ToolsDepending on your operating environment and preferred system managementtechniques, you can use any of the following tools to set up NIC partitions onadapter ports to meet your system’s networking requirements: Dell System Setup QLogic OptionROM at POST QConvergeConsole GUI QConvergeConsole CLI Windows Device Manager CIM Provider and QConvergeConsole VMware vCenter Server Plug-in forVMware ESX/ESXiDell System SetupAdministrators of 11th and 12th generation Dell PowerEdge servers can use theserver’s embedded Dell System Setup to set up switch-independent partitions andview eSwitch statistics on installed adapters. The System Setup function providesOS-independent management functionality. It includes the following: Updates Hardware configuration OS deployment System diagnosticsThis tool is especially helpful for configuring adapters without relying on anoperating system because it runs from the server controller’s firmware by initiatingit during the power-on self test (POST).For details about the System Setup, visit the Dell Web site(http://support.dell.com).For procedures on using the Dell System Setup to set up Switch IndependentPartitioning on QLogic adapters, see “Dell System Setup” on page 138.QLogic OptionROM at POSTThe QLogic OptionROM comes factory installed, written on the adapter’s Flashmemory at the Dell factory. When you first start the Dell PowerEdge server thatcontains QLogic adapters, the POST starts. Running the POST test gives youaccess to the OptionROM utility.
