BladeCenter networking
Steven W. Hunter, Norman C. Strole, D. Cosby, D. M. Green · IBM Journal of Research and Development · 2005
The IBM eServer™ BladeCenter® system physically consolidates the server and network into a common chassis. It was introduced as a new server architecture that provides many benefits over the traditional data center model of clustered independent systems linked by a network fabric. This paper describes the BladeCenter networking architecture and relates it to user requirements for multi-tier servers, scale-out models, networking technology advances, and industry trends. Design decisions and challenges, the switch subsystem and input/output technology options, services that are currently supported by the architecture, and future enhancements and extensions are addressed.