I/O module bays 3 and 4 configuration options

I/O module bays 3 and 4 are connected to each blade server bay and both disk storage module bays in the BladeCenter S chassis.

The two bays also support Ethernet switch modules, Fibre channel switch modules or pass-thru modules (optical and copper) if the disk storage modules are not being used.

Important: I/O module bays 3 and 4 must both contain the same type of switch (either SAS modules, Ethernet switch modules, pass-thru modules, or Fibre-channel switches).

SAS connectivity modules

If you are implementing a single SAS connectivity module, install it in I/O module bay 3.

Important: In addition to installing SAS connectivity modules, you must also install a SAS expansion card option in each blade server that will access the integrated shared storage.

See Planning for SAS connectivity module zoning for more information about configuring the integrated shared storage when using SAS connectivity modules.

SAS RAID controller modules

If you are implementing a RAID storage solution you must install two SAS RAID controller modules, one in I/O module bay 3 and the other in I/O module bay 4. In addition, you must install the two battery backup units, which provide backup for the SAS RAID controller modules cache.

Important: You must also install a SAS expansion card option in each blade server that will access the integrated shared storage.

See Planning for SAS RAID controller module for more information about configuring the integrated shared storage when using SAS RAID controller modules.