By default, you connect to the server's SP from the network using the dedicated out-of-band NET MGT port. The Oracle ILOM sideband management feature enables you to select one of the server's 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports to send and receive Oracle ILOM commands to and from the server SP. These in-band ports, also called sideband ports, are named NET 0, NET 1, NET 2, and NET 3.
The advantage of using a sideband management port to connect to the server's SP is that one fewer cable connection and one fewer network switch port are needed. In configurations where numerous servers are being managed, such as data centers, sideband management can represent a significant savings in hardware and network utilization.
When sideband management is enabled in Oracle ILOM, these conditions might occur:
Connectivity to the server SP might be lost when the SP management port configuration is changed while you are connected to the SP using a network connection, such as SSH, web, or Oracle ILOM Remote Console.
In-chip connectivity between the SP and the host OS might not be supported by the on-board host 10 Gigabit Ethernet controller. If this condition occurs, use a different port or route to transmit traffic between the source and destination targets instead of using L2 bridging or switching.
Server host power cycles might cause a brief interruption of network connectivity for server 10 Gigabit Ethernet ports that are configured for sideband management. If this condition occurs, configure the adjacent switch or bridge ports as host ports.