Create a VMkernel virtual switch with the virtual network adapters associated with the ClearPath Forward Management LAN (FM LAN) as the uplinks for the switch.
Using the VMware vSphere Client or vCenter, if necessary, locate and select the desired nonpartitionable enterprise partition platform (NEPP), and then click the Configuration tab.
In the left-hand Hardware pane, click Networking, and then click Add Networking in the right-hand pane.
The Add Network Wizard appears.
On the Connection Type screen, in the Connection Types section, select VMkernel, and then click Next.
On the VMkernel – Network Access screen, select the virtual network adapters you previously identified (see Identifying the Virtual Network Adapters Associated with FM LAN), and then click Next.
On the VMkernel – Connection Settings screen, in the Network Label field, enter a name for easy identification of this LAN subnet (for example, FM-LAN), ensure the VLAN ID field is set as None (0), and then click Next.
On the VMkernel – IP Connection Settings screen, select the option Use the following IP settings, type in the FM LAN IP address and subnet mask for the NEPP, and then click Next.
If needed, use the Fabric Manager user interface to check the FM LAN IP address and subnet mask for the platform on the summary page of the NEPP, for example, 172.31.x.1/255.255.0.0 (where x is the platform number).
Review the summary, and then click Finish to create the virtual switch.
The VMware vSphere Client or vCenter displays the new virtual switch on the Networking screen of the Configuration tab.
Verify that the uplink ports of the virtual switch for FM LAN connection are set up to operate in the active-backup failover mode:
Locate the virtual switch, and the click Properties.
A virtual switch properties dialog box appears.
On the Ports tab, select the virtual switch for FM LAN connection (for example, FM-LAN), and then review its properties displayed in the right-hand sections. If needed, scroll down to the Effective Policies section to review the Failover and Load Balancing settings.
If necessary, adjust the failover settings: Click Edit to access the virtual switch properties dialog box, select the NIC Teaming tab, set Network Failover Detection to be Link status only, set Failback to be Yes, and verify the order of the uplink network adapter ports for active and standby status. Click OK, and then click Close to apply the properties.