D Utilities

This appendix describes the utilities that are part of the server. These include the EFI Boot Manager, and EFI-POSSE.

This appendix addresses the following topics:

•“Extensible Firmware Interface Boot Manager” (page 317)

•“EFI/POSSE Commands” (page 320)

•“Specifying SCSI Parameters” (page 337)

•“Using the Boot Option Maintenance Menu” (page 343)

•“iLO 2 MP” (page 348)

Extensible Firmware Interface Boot Manager

The Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) is an OS and platform-independent boot and preboot interface. EFI resides between the OS and platform firmware, enabling the OS to boot without details about the underlying hardware and firmware. EFI supports boot devices, uses a flat memory model, and hides platform and firmware details from the OS.

NOTE: EFI and Pre-OS System Environment (POSSE) are similar. EFI is an Intel specification, whereas POSSE is the HP implementation that aids HP support.

EFI consolidates boot utilities similar to those found in PA-RISC systems, such as the Boot Console Handler (BCH), and platform firmware into a single platform firmware. EFI enables the selection of any EFI OS loader from any boot medium that is supported by EFI boot services. An EFI OS loader supports multiple options on the user interface.

EFI supports booting from media that contain an EFI OS loader or an EFI-defined system partition. An EFI-defined system partition is required by EFI to boot from a block device.

Figure D-1 EFI Boot Sequence

EFI

Driver

EFI

Application

EFI

Bootcode

OS Loader

 

 

 

 

Retry

EFI API

 

 

 

 

 

Failure

Platform

EFI Image

EFI

Boot Services

OS Loader

Init

Load

Terminate

Load

 

 

 

 

 

Standard

Drivers and

Boot from

Operation

Firmware

Application

Ordered List

Handed Off to

Platform

Loaded

of EFI OS

OS Loader

Initialization

Iteratively

Loaders

 

 

 

Application Program

Value add implementation

 

 

Interface (API) specified

 

 

Boot manager

EFI transfers

The EFI Boot Manager loads EFI applications (including the OS first stage loader) and EFI drivers from an EFI-defined file system or image loading service. Non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) variables

Extensible Firmware Interface Boot Manager 317

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Page 317
Image 317
HP INTEGRITY RX3600 manual Extensible Firmware Interface Boot Manager, Figure D-1 EFI Boot Sequence
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INTEGRITY RX3600 specifications

The HP Integrity RX3600 is a high-performance server designed to address the demanding needs of enterprises that require robust computing capabilities, reliability, and scalability. Part of the HP Integrity server family, the RX3600 is built on the Itanium architecture, which is known for its exceptional processing power and advanced features that support mission-critical applications.

One of the main features of the RX3600 is its capability to handle multiple workloads with ease. The server supports up to 64 GB of RAM, allowing for efficient multitasking and enhanced performance in data-intensive environments. Its modular design also enables organizations to scale up their systems by adding additional memory or processors as needed, making it a flexible choice for growing businesses.

The RX3600 is equipped with HP's Integrity Virtual Machines (VMs), which provide virtualization capabilities that allow businesses to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single physical server. This not only maximizes resource utilization but also simplifies management by reducing the number of physical servers required in the data center.

Another significant characteristic of the RX3600 is its advanced reliability features. The server is designed with fault-tolerant components, including redundant power supplies and cooling systems. This ensures that the server remains operational even in the event of hardware failures. Additionally, HP's Error Correction Code (ECC) memory helps detect and correct data corruption, further enhancing the system's reliability.

For security, the HP Integrity RX3600 includes built-in features such as Secure Boot, which ensures that the server boots using only trusted firmware and software. This protects against unauthorized changes and vulnerabilities that could compromise data integrity.

In terms of connectivity, the RX3600 offers multiple I/O options, including advanced networking capabilities that support high-speed data transfer and improved bandwidth. This is critical for organizations that rely on data-intensive applications and need to maintain seamless connectivity.

Furthermore, the server supports a range of operating systems, including HP-UX and Linux, making it adaptable to various enterprise environments. Its robust performance, reliability, and scalability make the HP Integrity RX3600 an ideal choice for businesses looking to optimize their IT infrastructure and support their critical workloads with confidence.
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