HP OpenVMS 8.x manual

the nPartition is in an active state but has not booted an operating system; each nPartition has its own EFI interface. Using MP, you can select the partition for which you want EFI access. You can access all hardware and nPartitions in the complex. The following is a brief summary of MP’s main features:

—Console connectivity

As a console interface, MP enables you to interact with EFI and to power the server on or off; ultimately, it can function as the OPA0: terminal port on OpenVMS.

—Virtual Front Panel (VFP)

MP provides a virtual front panel that you can use to monitor the front panel LEDs from a remote location.

—Command interface

MP provides an extensive menu system and a command-line interface.

—Multiple, simultaneous viewers

Multiple users can access the MP console or a particular nPartition console. Only one user at a time is allowed interactive access. All other users have read-only access. (Output from the interactive user is reflected to the read-only users currently accessing the console.) Access to MP can be restricted by password-protected user accounts.

—Availability/standby power

MP is available whenever the system is connected to a power source, even if the server’s main power switch is in the off position.

—Accessibility

MP is accessible in several ways, including by direct monitor connection using a terminal, PC, laptop or desktop computer connected to the MP serial port (with certain Integrity servers, you can also use a VGA monitor and USB keyboard and mouse); by modem through an EIA-232 port; or by Telnet or Web browser on the LAN. MP is accessible through Secure Shell (SSH), which is provided by TCP/IP Services for OpenVMS. This method of access is more secure than any of the other methods.

—Console log

MP records recent output from the system console. The cl command enables you to view the recorded information.

—Event logs

MP includes event logs that include information about system events and booting. The sl command displays the contents of system status logs.

On some systems, such as the rx1600, MP is optional. For more information about MP options and commands, see the appropriate hardware documentation.

NOTE: MP provides much more functionality than BMC and might be more appropriate for your needs. On some systems, MP is an optional component and on others it is built into the system.

•Baseboard Management Controller (BMC)

BMC is more limited in functionality than MP. BMC enables you to control some management features built into the system board, such as diagnostics, configuration, and hardware management. BMC provides a console connection on some systems. As with MP, BMC enables you to interact with EFI; it can function as the OPA0: terminal port on OpenVMS. BMC also operates on standby power. However, BMC is accessible only through the serial port on the back of the system. BMC commands enable you to control the BMC interface, view logs, get help, display firmware revisions, reset the system, turn the system locator LED on or off, and change the BMC password.BMC is not provided on cell-based Integrity servers. On some systems, such as the rx4640, the BMC user interface is hidden but is still present and functional. For more information about BMC commands, see the appropriate hardware documentation.

A.1 Configuration and Management Utilities for HP Integrity Servers 151