IBM P5 570 manual Boot process, IPL flow without an HMC attached to the system

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2.11 Boot process

From the earlier RS/6000 systems, through the previous pSeries systems, the boot process passed through several enhancements. With the implementation of the POWER5 technology, the boot process is enhanced to accommodate the flexibility that the POWER5 processor-based hardware features. Depending on the customer’s needs, a system may or may not require the use of an HMC to manage the system. The boot process, based on the Initial Program Load (IPL) setup, is determined by the hardware setup and the way you use the features that POWER5 processor-based systems provide.

The IPL process starts when power is connected to the system. Immediately after, the SP starts an internal self test (Built-In-Self-Test, or BIST) that is based on integrated diagnostic programs. The system status changes to standby only when all of the test units have passed.

2.11.1 IPL flow without an HMC attached to the system

When system status is standby, the SP presents a System Management Interface (SMI), which can be accessed by striking any key on an attached serial console keyboard, or the Advanced System Management Interface (ASMI), which uses a Web browser7 on a client system that is connected to the SP on an Ethernet network.

The SP and the ASMI are standard on all POWER5 processor-based hardware. Both system management interfaces require the general or admin ID password, and they both enable you to set flags that affect the operation of the system according to the provided password, such as auto-power restart, view information about the system (such as the error log and VPD), network environment access setup, and control of system power.

You can start and shut down the system in addition to setting IPL options. The p5-570 has a permanent firmware boot side, or A side, and a temporary firmware boot side, or B side. New levels of firmware should be installed on the temporary side first in order to test the update’s compatibility with your applications. When the new level of firmware has been approved, it can be copied to the permanent side.

In the SMI and ASMI, you can view and change IPL settings:

￿System boot speed

–Fast or Slow: Fast boot results in skipped diagnostic tests and shorter memory tests during the boot.

￿Firmware boot side for next boot

–Permanent or Temporary: Firmware updates should be tested by booting from the temporary side before being copied into the permanent side.

￿System operating mode

–Manual or Normal: Manual mode overrides various automatic power-on functions, such as auto-power restart, and enables the power switch button.

￿AIX/Linux partition-mode boot (available only if the system is not managed by the HMC)

–Service mode boot from saved list: This is the preferred way to run concurrent AIX diagnostics.

–Service mode boot from default list: This is the preferred way to run stand-alone AIX diagnostics.

7Supported browsers are Netscape (version 7.1), Internet Explorer (version 6.0), and Opera (version 7.23). At the time of writing, older or previous versions of these browsers are not supported. JavaScript™ and cookies must be enabled.

Chapter 2. Architecture and technical overview 43

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Contents IBM Eserver p5 Technical Overview Introduction Page IBM Sserver p5 570 Technical Overview Introduction First Edition July Contents Page Page Vi p5-570 Technical Overview and Introduction Vii Trademarks Team that wrote this Redpaper PrefaceComments welcome Become a published authorGeneral description P5-570 Technical Overview and Introduction Physical package System specificationsView from the front Minimum and optional featuresProcessor card FC Description Processor card featuresDisk and media features Memory features5 I/O drawers USB diskette driveModel D10 I/O drawer Model D10 I/O drawer physical package Model D20 I/O drawer Model D11 I/O drawerModel D20 I/O drawer physical package Drawers and usable PCI slotsHardware Management Console models Value PaksSystem racks Model type conversionIBM RS/6000 7014 Model T00 Enterprise Rack IBM RS/6000 7014 Model T42 Enterprise Rack AC Power Distribution Unit and rack contentRack-mounting rules for p5-570 and I/O drawers Flat panel display options Additional options for rackHardware Management Console 7310 Model CR2 OEM rackIBM 7212 Model 102 TotalStorage Storage device enclosure Statement of direction 18 p5-570 Technical Overview and Introduction Architecture and technical overview POWER4 POWER5 POWER5 chipST operation Dynamic power managementEnhanced SMT features Simultaneous multi-threadingPOWER4 Power chip evolutionCMOS, copper, and SOI technology Processor cardsProcessor card with DDR1 memory socket layout view Processor drawer interconnect cablesPmcycles -m Processor clock rateMemory subsystem Memory placement rulesMemory restriction Memory throughput System busesRIO-2 buses and GX+ card SP bus Internal I/O subsystemPCI-X slots and adapters Bit and 32-bit adapters LAN adaptersGraphic accelerators Scsi adaptersInternal hot swappable Scsi disks Internal storageInternal media devices Internal RAID optionsHot-swap disks and Linux 1 I/O drawers External I/O subsystems2 7311 Model D10 and 7311 Model D11 I/O drawers Model D11 features Model D10 features3 7311 Model D20 I/O drawer Model D20 internal Scsi cabling 4 7311 I/O drawer and RIO-2 cablingCost Optimized Performance Optimized 5 7311 I/O drawer and Spcn cablingIBM 2104 Expandable Storage Plus External disk subsystemsIBM TotalStorage FAStT Storage servers IBM 7133 Serial Disk Subsystem SSAIBM TotalStorage Enterprise Storage Server Virtual Ethernet Advanced Power Virtualization featureDynamic logical partitioning VirtualizationMicro-Partitioning technology 15shows the POWER5 partitioning conceptVirtual I/O Server POWER5 PartitioningPartition Load Manager Service processorService processor extender Service processor baseIPL flow without an HMC attached to the system Boot processIPL flow with an HMC attached to the system Hardware Management ConsoleManaged systems Definitions of partitionsProfiles Hardware requirements for partitioning System Management ServicesSpecific partition definitions used for Micro-Partitioning 17 System Management Services main menu Boot optionsDVD-ROM, DVD-RAM Additional boot optionsSecurity Operating system requirementsAIX 5L Linux support LinuxCapacity on Demand, RAS, and manageability Way 1.9 GHz POWER5 processor card with DDR2 memory slots Processor Capacity Upgrade on Demand methodsWay 1.65 GHz POWER5 processor card Way 1.9 GHz POWER5 processor card with DDR1 memory slotsCapacity Upgrade on Demand for memory Capacity Upgrade on Demand for memory feature codes How to report temporary activation resourcesFault avoidance Reliability, availability, and serviceabilityTrial Capacity on Demand Permanent monitoring First Failure Data CaptureMutual surveillance Self-healing Memory reliability, fault tolerance, and integrityEnvironmental monitoring Dynamic or persistent deallocation Fault masking5 N+1 redundancy Resource deallocationError indication and LED indicators ServiceabilityManageability Concurrent MaintenanceAdvanced System Management Interface Advanced System Management main menu Service AgentService focal point Service Update Management Assistant3 p5 Customer-Managed Microcode Cluster CSM V1.4 on AIX and Linux planned 4Q04 CSM value pointsOther publications IBM RedbooksOnline resources Help from IBM How to get IBM Redbooks68 p5-570 Technical Overview and Introduction Page IBM Eserver p5 Technical Overview Introduction

P5 570 specifications

The IBM P5 570 is a high-performance server that was designed for enterprise-scale computing, offering a blend of advanced technologies and a flexible architecture. Launched as part of IBM's Power5 server line, the P5 570 stands out for its robust processing capabilities and extensive scalability, making it a preferred choice for businesses requiring reliable and efficient computing solutions.

At the heart of the P5 570 is the IBM Power5 processor, which employs simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) technology. This allows the processor to handle two threads per core, effectively doubling the throughput for workloads ideally suited to multi-threading. The server typically features a configuration of up to 32 Power5 processors, providing an impressive compute power that supports demanding applications, ranging from databases to complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

The P5 570 architecture supports a wide range of memory configurations, with a maximum memory capacity of up to 512 GB. Utilizing IBM’s proprietary Chip Memory technology, it can deliver high bandwidth and low latency, significantly enhancing performance for memory-intensive applications. Furthermore, the integrated memory controller architecture optimizes memory access, ensuring that critical workloads run smoothly.

Scalability is a key characteristic of the P5 570, with the ability to expand processing power and memory capacity as an organization’s needs grow. The server supports various operating systems, including AIX, Linux, and IBM i, which provides flexibility for diverse IT environments. This versatility ensures that companies can run their preferred applications without the need for substantial system overhauls.

In terms of storage, the P5 570 utilizes advanced RAID technology and supports a variety of disk configurations, ensuring that data integrity and availability are maintained. Coupled with built-in security features, such as the IBM Trusted Foundation, which establishes a secure boot environment, the P5 570 offers a reliable platform for mission-critical workloads.

Finally, the IBM P5 570 is designed for high availability and redundancy. Features like hot-swappable components and advanced error detection and recovery mechanisms minimize downtime, making it a dependable choice for businesses that operate around the clock. Combined with its powerful hardware and versatile software support, the IBM P5 570 remains a formidable player in the high-performance server arena.
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