Link Aggregation support for the virtual switch
was first introduced in z/VM starting with z/VM Release 5.3.
This web page documents hints & tips for configuring the
z/VM virtual switch and your OEM switch for Link Aggregation operations.
The virtual switch can be configured to operate with aggregated links
in concert with a switch that also supports the
IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation
specification. Aggregating links with a partner switch box
allows multiple OSA-Express2 adapters to be
deployed in transporting data between the switches. This configuration
provides the benefits of increased bandwidth
and near seamless recovery of a failed link within the aggregated group.
z/VM Link Aggregation support operational requirements:
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Layer 2 virtual switches (that is, defined with
the ETHERNET option and using guest hosts that support Layer 2)
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z9 EC and z9 BC processors
with Licensed Internal Code May 2007 or higher (driver 67L)
with at least MCL G40946.002.
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Allow up to 8 OSA-Express2 adapters to be aggregated per virtual switch
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Each OSA-Express2 port must be exclusive to the virtual switch (eg. can not be shared)
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Allow failover to a single OSA-Express adapter in the
event of failure of the link aggregation group
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Target links for aggregation must be of the same type (for example,
Gigabit Ethernet to Gigabit Ethernet) and speed.
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For more information about Link Aggregation with the z/VM Virtual
Switch, see the
z/VM library for
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"Planning for Guest LANs and Virtual Switches" in the
Connectivity book
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Configuring Link Aggregation
There are many switch manufacturers with differing ways of
configuring link aggregation on their switch, but these steps
are intended to give some examples of how one might configure
a VSWITCH and a OEM switch partner for link aggregation.
These instructions also assume familiarity with basic virtual
switch setup and configuration and are meant to point out
some of the differences for link aggregation.
Configuration of your guests for a virtual switch that is defined
to use link aggregation is not any different than configuration when
not using link aggregation. The guests need to be granted access,
coupled, and configured to use
the VSWITCH.
Configuration Problems
Here are some examples of configuration errors that may
occur and how to detect and correct them.
Please direct questions, comments and feedback regarding z/VM's
Link Aggregation support or any of the information on this page to either:
Sue Farrell
z/VM Development
farrells@us.ibm.com
Rick Tarcza
z/VM Development
tarcza@us.ibm.com
Note: **
All statements regarding IBM's plans, directions, and intent are subject to
change or withdrawal without notice. Any reliance on this Statement of
Direction is at the relying party's sole risk and will not create any liability
or obligation for IBM.
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