Administration Guide

Chapter 14. Using a switch

Using a switch can be a complex task. Be sure to also consult the following books:

• IBM RS/6000 SP: Planning Volume 2, Control Workstation and Software Environment.
• PSSP: Installation and Migration Guide. See the chapter on reconfiguring the system and refer to the section on installing a switch.
• PSSP: Diagnosis Guide. See the chapter on diagnosing switch problems.

This chapter describes purposes for using a switch, as well as the following:

• Understanding the switch and the types supported.
• Switch communication modes.
• Understanding adapter window allocations.
• Primary node takeover.
• System partitioning and the switch.
• Extension nodes and the switch.
• Selecting switch clocks.
• Selecting the primary and primary backup node.
• Managing the switch topology file.
• Starting the switch.
• Automatic unfence of nodes.
• Preparing for system repartitioning.
• Monitoring nodes on a switch.
• Global shutdowns and reboots of nodes with a switch.
• NFS mounts over a switch.