IBM xSeries 342 2RX Maintenance Manual

Contents

Ethernet traffic switches back to the primary Ethernet controller. The switch backto the primary Ethernet controller can be automatic or manually controlled,depending on the setup and operating system.Note that only one controller in the redundant pair is active at any given time. Forexample, if the primary Ethernet controller is active, then the secondary Ethernetcontroller cannot be used for any other network operation.Note: Your operating system determines the maximum number of IBM Netfinity10/100 Fault Tolerant Adapters that you can install in your server. See thedocumentation that comes with the adapter for more information.Considerations when combining failover and hot-plug functions: If youroperating system supports hot-plug PCI adapters and the optional redundant NICadapter is installed in a hot-plug PCI slot (This system does not have a hot-plugPCI), you can replace the NIC adapter without powering off the server — even if itis the primary Ethernet controller. Disconnecting the Ethernet cable from theprimary Ethernet controller will cause the Ethernet traffic to switch automaticallyto the secondary Ethernet controller. This can be very useful if a faulty adaptercauses a network problem, or if you want to upgrade the primary adapterhardware.Note: If you hot-replace the primary adapter while the Ethernet traffic is beinghandled by the secondary Ethernet controller, the traffic does notautomatically switch back to the primary adapter when the primary adaptercomes back online. See “Configuring for failover”.Configuring for failover: The failover feature currently is supported by WindowsNT Server, and Novell IntraNetWare. The setup required for each operating systemfollows.Windows NT Server:IBM offers hot-plug support for Windows NT Server Version 4.0. Failover canwork in conjunction with hot-plug support or independently. If you are not usinghot-plug support, go to “Windows NT Server failover setup” on page 71.Windows NT Server hot-plug setup:IBM Netfinity Hot Plug PCI for Windows NT Server 4.0 package is available fordownload from the IBM Web site at:http://www.ibm.com/pc/supportEnter the brand type of Server, click on Downloadable files and look for HotPlug. The IBM Netfinity Hot Plug PCI for Windows NT Server 4.0 package usesthe Intel Desktop Management Interface (DMI) to control hot-plug support for theEthernet controllers. The Ethernet controller in your computer is DMI compliant.Download and install the following software in the order listed:1. IBM Failover DMI Agent2. IBM PCI Hot Plug Solution3. IBM Netfinity 10/100 Fault Tolerant Adapter device driversNote: The order of installation is important. You must install the IBM NetfinityHot Plug for Windows NT70 Hardware Maintenance Manual: xSeries 342 Model 1RX, 2RX, 1TG, 2TG