Your ClearPath Forward fabric might need new Ethernet or InfiniBand network switches for any of the following reasons:
To replace a failed switch
To add a redundant switch to ensure high-availability (HA)
To expand the fabric’s capacity to add additional EPPs to the fabric; for example, you have a 12-port InfiniBand switch but want to expand the fabric beyond 12 EPPs
To add an InfiniBand-Ethernet gateway switch to a fabric that currently does not have one
Unisys service representatives install and connect the switch hardware. Once the switch hardware has been installed and connected, you must complete configuration of the switch as part of the fabric by “adding” the switch to the fabric. At that point, the switch can be managed by the Fabric Manager. For example, you can use the Fabric Manager to launch the Switch Console and perform tasks, such as changing IP addresses.
This chapter covers the following topics: