## 7.3 Network connectivity planning 

Implementing the DS8900F requires consideration of the physical network connectivity of the Hardware Management Console within your local area network. 

Consider the following network and communications issues when you plan the location and interoperability of your storage systems: 

GLYPH<SM590000> HMC network access (one IP per HMC) 

GLYPH<SM590000> Remote support connection 

GLYPH<SM590000> SAN connectivity 

GLYPH<SM590000> IBM Security Key Lifecycle Manager connection if encryption, end point security or transparent cloud tiering is activated or 

GLYPH<SM590000> LDAP connection if LDAP is implemented 

For more information about physical network connectivity, see the IBM DS8900 Introduction and Planning Guide,  GC27-9560. 

## 7.3.1 Hardware Management Console and network access 

The HMCs are the focal point for the configuration of Advanced Function management, and maintenance for a DS8900F unit. Two internal Hardware Management Consoles are included with every base frame. 

A dual Ethernet connection is available for client access. The two HMCs provides redundant management access to enable continuous availability access for encryption key servers and other advanced functions. 

The HMC can be connected to the client network for the following tasks: 

GLYPH<SM590000> Remote management of your system by using the DS CLI 

GLYPH<SM590000> Remote management by using the DS Storage Management GUI by opening a browser to the network address of the HMC: 

https://< HMC IP address > 

To access the Hardware Management Consoles (HMC1/HMC2) over the network, provide the following information: 

GLYPH<SM590000> Hardware Management Console: For each Hardware Management Console, determine one TCP/IP address, host name, and domain name. 

GLYPH<SM590000> Domain name server (DNS) settings: If a DNS is to be implemented, ensure that it is reachable to avoid contention or network timeout. 

GLYPH<SM590000> Gateway routing information: Supply the necessary routing information. 

Note:  Users also can control a second Ethernet adapter within the HMCs. This capability is available only by RPQ. 

For more information about HMC planning, see Chapter 8, “IBM DS8900F Management Console planning and setup” on page 203. 

Important: The DS8900F uses 172.16.y.z and 172.17.y.z private network addresses. If the client network uses the same addresses, the IBM SSR can reconfigure the private networks to use another address range option. 

