How to Enable Split Port on NVIDIA QM9700 Switch

How to Enable Split Port on NVIDIA QM9700 Switch

Overview

This guide explains how to enable split ports on the NVIDIA QM9700 InfiniBand switch, using both the Web GUI and CLI methods. Split ports allow a single high-speed port to be divided into multiple lower-speed logical ports, providing greater flexibility in network topology and connectivity.


Prerequisites

  • Admin access to the QM9700 switch

  • Connectivity to the switch via Web GUI or SSH for CLI

  • Port cabling that supports port splitting (e.g., splitter cables)

Method 1: Enabling Split Port via Web GUI

Steps:


  1. Login to the switch's web console using a browser.
    Example: https://<switch-ip-address>

  2. Navigate to the Ports tab in the left-hand menu.

  3. You will see a list of ports (e.g., 1/1, 1/2, ...), along with their current status.

  4. Select the port you want to split.




  6. Click on the Split by 2 button to split the port into two logical subports (e.g., 1/1/1 and 1/1/2).

  7. Wait a few seconds for the operation to complete and verify the updated port layout.

Steps via Cli:

  1. SSH into the QM9700 switch:


    ssh admin@<switch-ip-address>

  2. Enter configuration mode:


    configure terminal

  3. Run the following command to enable split mode on a specific port. Repeat for each port as needed:


    interface ib 1/12/1
  port-type split-2 force

    • Replace 1/12/1 with the appropriate port number (e.g., 1/1, 1/2, etc.)

    • The force keyword is used to apply the change immediately.

  4. Exit and save the configuration:


    end
write memory