ucs C240M3 without fabric interconnect

[Imad Rafi]

Hi guys,

Basic question. Is it possible to have UCS deployment without Fabric Interconnects? I have been told that UCS C240M3 do not need FIs. But cant seem to find any details on this solution.

Can UCS c240M3s directly connect to 7Ks? If yes where does the UCS manager sit. How are these configured. I have searched and not found a lot of info on this.

Thanks

[Imad Rafi]

Hi Guys,

I have found some info. Sharing for anyone who comes across looking with similar query:

http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/products/collateral/servers-unified-computing/ucs-c-series-rack-servers/le_34704_aag_standalonemgmt.pdf

The C-series rack servers can be used as standalone rack servers, or as part of managed UCS system.

If used as as a standalone its like any standalone server (HP, Dell), and doesnt need Fabric Interconnect.

[Keny Perez]

This is correct... C series are regular rack server that may be integrated with UCSM in case you want to take advantage of the policies, pools, etc that UCSM can offer to easily manage the servers but is not a requirement.

C series can be integrated to UCSM for other purposes as well, for example, Blade server normally have 2 disks (half width servers) while rack servers may have up to 24 HDD.

Rack servers can be attached to a Nexus 7K but you normally want to connect it to an access layer switch first and not to a Core switch...

HTH,

-Kenny