Linux on IBM eServer zSeries and S/390: VSWITCH and VLAN Features of z/VM 4.4
An IBM Redpaper publication
Note: This is publication is now archived. For reference only.
Abstract
z/VM Virtual Switch (VSWITCH) is a new z/VM networking function announced by IBM for z/VM Version 4 Release 4. This new feature is designed to improve the interaction between guests running under z/VM and the physical network connected to the zSeries processor.
IBM also announced IEEE 802.1Q VLAN support for z/VM Virtual Switch, z/VM QDIO Guest LAN, and z/VM HiperSockets Guest LAN, allowing z/VM guests to create and participate in virtual LAN configurations.
This Redpaper describes how the features can be utilized by Linux guests, and how your virtual networking configurations can be greatly simplified through the use of these new functions.
We also describe some of our experiences with using z/VM Virtual Switch and VLANs on z/VM simulated networks.
Table of Contents
Introduction and overview
VLAN support on z/VM Guest LAN
z/VM Virtual Switch (VSWITCH)
Using z/VM Virtual Switch
Configuring Linux for VLAN
Comparing VSWITCH with router-based designs
High availability using z/VM Virtual Switch
Experiences
Command usage
Switch configuration
Experiences
Command usage