How can I connect two ib switches (MQM8700)?
This is for expanding ports for an existing MQM8700 switch by connecting it to a newer one. But I don’t know what are prerequisites and commands I have to execute.
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Sorry but the question isn’t 100% clear.
What is the need? What does it mean expanding switch ports?
A switch either acts as a leaf (downlinks towards hosts, uplinks towards a fabric) or it can act as higher layer switch (spine/core) with downlinks to another switch and uplinks (in case of a spine) to the core layer switches.
If this is a small network – with a single layer of switching – you need to understand the requirements of the connectivity – e.g., blocking vs. non-blocking and decide how many links will be in between the switches and how many links will serve hosts that are connected to those switches.
Connecting the switches is trivial (using the appropriate cables). The SM will take care of the routing and you need to ensure it is running the needed routing algorithm (latest versions default to ar_updn).
To add to the previous comment regarding making the actual connections, make sure you are using the correct cabling and you also need to be sure that the MLNX-OS version of the new switch, gets aligned to match the MLNX-OS version that is currently running on the existing switch. The release notes for current GA are in the link below - check the section on “Switch General Support” for more information on supported cables, as well as supported MLNX-OS upgrade paths (if applicable):
If only 2 8790 switches are connected
cable How many are needed
In theory you only need one cable to be able to connect two switches, however typically there are more for load balancing and redundancy. The number would depend on a number of factors including fabric design, traffic patterns, etc. If network design/optimization assistance is needed, Nvidia offers a professional services team for this very purpose.
What is important beyond the number of cables, is to also make sure you are using the correct cabling, and you also need to be sure that the MLNX-OS version of the two switches are the same. The release notes for current GA are in the link below - check the section on “Switch General Support” for more information on supported cables, as well as supported MLNX-OS upgrade paths (if applicable):