Replacing an SP Switch2 from service position

Note: Make certain the switch has been returned to the active configuration after replacing the switch from the service position.

1.Install the switch by sliding it into the front of the frame.

2.Reinstall the screws holding the switch to the front of the frame.

3.Reconnect all switch cables to their recorded interposer positions.

4.Reattach the power cable to slot J1 and the supervisor cable to slot J2.

5.Set the inline switch to the On (`1') position.

6.Place the switch circuit breaker in the On (`1') position.

Resetting the clock and bootlist after servicing a node

When servicing a node, the node becomes disconnected from its power source for a period of time. Since nodes normally do not have a real battery, the NVRAM will loose it's memory when disconnected from power for about 10 minutes (sometimes less). This will cause the date to be reset to January 1, 1970, and the bootlist to be cleared. This can cause some problems with booting.

It is highly recommended to reset the clock and bootlist before booting the node. This is done as follows:

1.Before powering down the node to be serviced, display the current bootlist:

a.Run diagnostics (diag)

b.Choose the ªService Aidsº panel

c.Choose the ªDisplay/Alter Bootlistº panel

d.Choose ªNormal Modeº

e.Choose ªDisplay Current Bootlistº

This will display the current bootlist.

2.Power down the node, service it, and hook it back into the frame.

3.On the control workstation, run spbootins to set the node to boot in maintenance mode. For example, if it is node 12 of frame 2, enter:

spbootins -r maintenance 2 12 1

4.On the control workstation, netboot the node:

a.From the SP Perspectives Launch Pad, select ″Hardware Perspectives″

b.Click on the processor node (or nodes) you are going to boot from a network

c.Click on ªActionsº button on the tool bar

d.Verify the nodes selected, then click on the ″Apply″ button

e.IPL from network device begins

Note: If Packets Received always shows ª00000º, there is a network or configuration problem.

5.When this boots, a console window will pop up on your display. Follow the prompts:

a.ªStart Maintenance Mode for System Recoveryº

b.ªAccess a Root Volume Groupº

c.ªContinueº

d.Choose correct disk from the list

e.Access this volume group and start a shell

6.In the maintenance shell, set the date command. For example, to set the date to August 3, 1995, do ″date 0803123095″

7.In the maintenance shell, set the boot list.

a.Run diagnostics (diag)

b.Choose the ªService Aidsº panel

c.Choose the ªDisplay/Alter Bootlistº panel

d.Choose ªNormal Modeº

e.Choose ªAlter Current Bootlistº

f.Set the bootlist the way it was before the node was serviced

8.Close the console window

Chapter 3. Service procedures 3-11

RS/6000 SP specifications

The IBM RS/6000 SP (Scalable Power) is a high-performance computing system that was developed in the early 1990s and has since become a significant player in the realm of supercomputing and enterprise solutions. Designed primarily for scientific, engineering, and complex data analysis tasks, the RS/6000 SP provides powerful processing capabilities, enhanced scalability, and features to support demanding applications.

One of the key characteristics of the RS/6000 SP is its modular architecture, which allows for the addition of multiple nodes. Each node is based on IBM's Power architecture, leveraging the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) design to achieve high throughput and efficiency. The system can support configurations ranging from a few nodes to hundreds, enabling organizations to scale their computational power as needed based on workload requirements.

The RS/6000 SP employs advanced interconnect technologies, most notably the SP Switch, which ensures high-speed communication between nodes. This interconnect allows for seamless data transfer, ensuring that the system can handle large datasets and complex computations without bottlenecks. The SP's ability to deliver concurrent processing capabilities makes it ideal for parallel computing tasks, including simulations, modeling, and large-scale computations.

In terms of software, the RS/6000 SP was equipped with AIX, IBM's version of the UNIX operating system, which provides a stable and secure environment for enterprise applications. Furthermore, the system supports a vast array of programming languages and tools, including Fortran, C, and C++, along with libraries and frameworks designed for high-performance computing. This compatibility allows developers to optimize their applications to fully utilize the underlying hardware.

Another notable feature of the RS/6000 SP is its extensive support for various workloads, including database management, multi-user applications, and graphical processing. The system was equipped with high-performance graphics capabilities, making it suitable for tasks that require intensive visualization, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and scientific visualization.

Overall, the IBM RS/6000 SP has solidified its role in the high-performance computing landscape, combining advanced technologies, robust scalability, and flexibility to meet the unique demands of research and enterprise environments. Its legacy continues to influence modern computing architectures, embodying IBM’s commitment to innovation and performance in the pursuit of complex problem-solving capabilities.