Configure inter-partition virtual Ethernet networks

Inter-partition networks with the Hardware Management Console

If you want an integrated server to communicate with other logical partitions, or with integrated servers controlled by other i5/OS partitions, you need to configure one or more inter-partition networks. Inter-partition networks are configured differently on iSeries™ systems with the Hardware Management Console (HMC) than on other systems. In an iSeries HMC system, inter-partition connections exist between partitions or integrated servers using the same VLAN ID. Participating integrated servers do not support VLAN IDs directly. Instead, each participating integrated server needs an Ethernet line description that associates a virtual Ethernet port value with a virtual adapter having a VLAN ID. The configuration procedure consists of the following steps:

  1. Start of changeUse the Hardware Management Console (HMC) to create a virtual Ethernet adapter for each partition and each integrated server that will participate in the inter-partition network. See Partitioning with an eServer i5 and Configure Inter-partition virtual Ethernet networks for more information. For each virtual adapter that will connect an integrated server or i5/OS partition to the inter-partition network, specify a consistent Port virtual LAN ID and uncheck IEEE 802.1Q compatible adapter.End of change
  2. Start of changeConfigure a virtual Ethernet port and line description as described in step 1 of the Configure virtual Ethernet networks article if one has not already been created for the port of interest (0 through 9). Select an associated port name (Cmnxx) for the appropriate 268C resource.End of change
  3. Continue with step 2 of the Configure virtual Ethernet networks article (in all i5/OS partitions that control a participating integrated server), and step 3 of Configure virtual Ethernet networks.
  4. For a partition to fully participate, you will need to appropriately configure the protocol(s) within the partition. In each i5/OS partition, create an Ethernet line description on the appropriate dedicated 268C port resource. Configure an appropriate unique IP address in each partition that will participate in TCP/IP communications.
  5. Test to see if the inter-partition network is functioning, for example by pinging between connected integrated servers and partitions.
Inter-partition networks without the Hardware Management Console

Start of changeIn a system other than an iSeries HMC system, inter-partition connections exist between partitions using the same network number, and integrated servers are connected only if their controlling i5/OS partitions are connected. Network numbers 0-9 are pertinent to integrated servers. For example, if an i5/OS partition is configured for inter-partition communication on networks 1 and 5, then integrated servers controlled by that partition can participate in inter-partition communication on virtual Ethernet ports 1 and 5. The configuration procedure consists of the following steps:

  1. Configure the network number that you want each partition to connect to. Refer to Logical Partition concepts and iSeries Navigator online help information. Keep in mind that integrated servers are connected only if their controlling i5/OS partitions are connected.
  2. Start of changeConfigure a virtual Ethernet port and line description as described if one has not already been created for the port you want to use (0 through 9). See Step 1 of Configure virtual Ethernet networks. Leave the associated port name set to None.End of change
  3. Start of changeContinue with step 2 in Configure virtual Ethernet networks (in all i5/OS partitions that control a participating integrated server), and step 3 in Configure virtual Ethernet networks.End of change
  4. If you want a partition to fully participate, you will need to appropriately configure the protocol(s) within the partition. In each i5/OS partition that you want to participate, use the WRKHDWRSC *CMN command to find the name of the appropriate port of hardware type 268C, which was automatically created. See Step 1 in Configure virtual Ethernet networks. Then create an Ethernet line description on the 268C port resource. Configure an appropriate unique IP address in each partition that will participate in TCP/IP communications.
  5. Test to see if the inter-partition network is functioning, for example by pinging between connected integrated servers and partitions.
End of change