do not have fabric interconnect(s), I cannot use the UCS VIC1227 for anything, can I?
The VIC 1227 can be used to integrate the server with UCSM, but that does NOT mean that is its unique function... the VIC 1227 is a CNA card that can be used whether your server is in standalone mode (no Fabric Interconnects) or integrated with UCSM.
If the server is not connected to a Fabric Interconnect (FI), it still has CIMC (Cisco Integrated Management Controller) which can be configured by attaching a monitor to the server and a keyboard, press F8 when you see the Cisco logo and then you can configure the IP, subnet, gateway, NIC mode and others... this may help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHQBvwO7pUU
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/unified_computing/ucs/e/1-0/gs/guide/b_Getting_Started_Guide/b_Getting_Started_Guide_chapter_0101.html#task_3F8535D6A9574BCD806B25FEBF44615D
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/servers-unified-computing/ucs-c200-m1-high-density-rack-mount-server/111455-setup-cimc-c-series.html <<< Little old but still helps.
It is useless to have this card in the server without the FI(s), isn’t it?
It is NOT useless to have the card in the server without the FIs, having the servers integrated only allows you to take advantage of the flexibility of Service Profiles but the VIC card still has the same capabilities whether you have an FI or not.
The OS that is going to be installed on the server is not going to see those 10GB ports on the VIC, isn’t it?
See above
And if there are no additional PCIe NICs installed in the server, I am stuck with the two 1GB onboard NICs, is that correct?
Same answer as above
Let me know if you have further questions. IF I covered everything, please mark the question as "answered" for future users with the same doubts.
-Kenny
