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Network requirements for System z

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Abstract

You can use different network cards to connect System z with IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator (IDAA). The choice of the network card requires you to select suitable transceivers on the connecting switches. This document helps you choose the right network card and the right type and number of transceivers.

Content

OSA cards

In the following diagram, the box "Network Switches" can consist of a single switch, two interconnected switches, two redundant switches, several interconnected or redundant switches, or an even more complex set of interconnected or redundant switches.

The distance between the systems and their respective network entry points is crucial. While Short Reach (SR) adapters allow distances of up to 300m (depending on the type of cables), Long Reach (LR) adapters allow distances of up to 10km.

To connect a System z to such a 10 GbE network, you can use OSA-Express3 cards, as well as their successors, the OSA-Express4S, and OSA-Express5S cards. OSA-Express3 cards cannot be ordered anymore. For a new system, you must therefore order OSA-Express4S or OSA-Express5S cards.

Depending on the distance between the System z and the network entry point, you can choose between the following cards:

  • OSA-Express3 10 GbE LR (FC3370)
  • OSA-Express3 10 GbE SR (FC3371)
  • OSA-Express4S 10 GbE LR (FC0406)
  • OSA-Express4S 10 GbE SR (FC0407​)
  • OSA-Express5S 10 GbE LR (FC0415)
  • OSA-Express5S 10 GbE SR (FC0416​)

In contrast, there is little choice when connecting the IDAA system to the network. The IDAA hardware is delivered with SR adapters. LR adapters are not available. This means that the network entry point of the IDAA system must be no more than 300m away.


Transceivers

The number of transceivers that is needed to connect System z and IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator depends on the environment. The following example infrastructure shows various connection points. The dashed circles define groups which are further explained in the following text. Bear in mind that all switches must be able to handle LR and SR connections.
  1. OSA-Express cards have a built-in transceiver. That is the reason why you must choose between LR and SR cards.
  2. Depending on the type of OSA card (SR or LR), you need matching transceivers for their counterparts on the switches. For example, if you have two OSA LR cards, you need two LR transceivers.
  3. To connect the switches, you need two cables and therefore four transceivers. Whether you need SR or LR transceivers depends on the distance between the switches. Note that SR connections between the switches are far more common.
  4. The counterpart for the IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator connections must be SR transceivers because IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS supports only SR connections. In this example, four cables are used, and therefore four transceivers are needed for the counterparts on the switches.
  5. If ordered correctly, IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS is delivered with two 10 GbE dual port adapter cards plus four SR transceivers. That means that each host is capable of handling two cables.

For example, if SR connections are used exclusively, that is, between System z and the switches, between the switches, and between the switches and IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS, you need 10 additional SR transceivers on the switches. No further transceivers are required on the OSA cards or on IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS because the OSA cards come with a built-in transceiver and IBM DB2 Analytics Accelerator for z/OS is delivered with four transceivers.

Depending on your environment, order the required number of the following transceivers:
  • IBM/BNT 10Gb SFP+ SR Optical Transceiver​ (P/N=46C3447)
  • IBM/BNT 10Gb SFP+ LR Optical Transceiver​ (P/N=90Y9412)


For further details about the network configuration, follow this link.

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Product Synonym

idaa

Document Information

Modified date:
08 August 2018

UID

swg27024236