ISS Technology Update | Volume 6, Number 9 |
Graphics traffic to remote workstations
The question has been asked, how is graphics data transmitted from the HP ProLiant xw460 Blade Workstation to remote workstations? Users may assume that since it is in a mezzanine slot, the graphics data goes to interconnect bays 3 and 4. However, there is no connection between the graphics mezzanine card and the interconnect slots; all output of the graphics card is captured by Remote Graphics Software (RGS) and sent over the network. The integrated NICs are routed to interconnect bays 1 and 2, the same as with the BL460c and BL465c
Graphics output also depends on the remote console mode:
•Setup mode — Both the NVIDIA controller and embedded ATI controller are enabled, but the ATI is primary. In this mode, graphical console redirection through the iLO is possible.
NOTE
On initial boot, one must access BIOS under system options to set the remote console to Setup mode. To do so, reboot, press F9 into BIOS, and then select System Settings
•Admin mode — Only the ATI controller is enabled, and the NVIDIA is disabled. In this mode, graphical console redirection through iLO is possible.
•User mode (normal use) — The NVIDIA controller is enabled and the embedded ATI controller is disabled. In this mode, graphical console redirection through iLO is NOT possible. A blinking cursor at the left top corner is the only thing visible from the system console and iLO console redirection is rendered unavailable due to a dependence on the ATI controller.
At this point, the Workstation blade needs to be connected with an RGS receiver through the network. The graphics content is compressed and sent to the receiver over this network connection. One receiver can connect to multiple senders, or one sender can send to many receivers for session sharing.
Mixed configuration
The most common configuration question is this: can the HP ProLiant xw460 Blade Workstation be implemented with other devices (such as an InfiniBand or Fibre channel device in mezzanine 2)? The Workstation blade is designed for both flexibility and compatibility; it will work in harmony with all other HP BladeSystem products. Furthermore, Workstation blades, server blade, and storage blades can be housed in the same chassis without impacting operability of the server or storage blade.
NOTE
At this time, the Workstation blade does not support the entire ProLiant BladeSystem family.
Further testing is required.
Future plans
There are future plans for the HP ProLiant xw460c Blade Workstation to support SB40c, PCI blades, tape blades, and shared storage blades. With the release of RGS 5.0, support of Insight Control Environment for BladeSystems has been added to the Blade Workstation’s capabilities.
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