2 Making configuration decisions for Ignite servers

Ignite is flexible when configuring networking options and even allows options that don't require networking. Also, you can switch to a source other than the boot source for install content. These features allow you to choose from a variety of installation and recovery solutions.

Below are installation solutions, starting with the most simple and progressing to those more complex. This chapter finishes with network booting debugging techniques.

Boot and install client from media

These options do not require a network:

•Cold install or update a single system directly from media kit DVDs

You can use the HP-UX 11i media kit DVDs with Ignite-UX to cold install or update a system. For more information, see the HP-UX Installation and Update Guide for your version of HP-UX, available at http://www.hp.com/go/hpux-core-docs-11iv3.

•Cold install from custom media

This option assumes you have already created custom installation media. Custom installation media can be a tape or DVD with either a golden image or a recovery image on it. All installation media are bootable. After you boot from media, choose Media only installation as a Source Location Option from the Ignite-UX User Interface and Media Options screen. For more information, see Chapter 14 (page 180).

•Recovery from tape

This option assumes you have already created a recovery tape. For more information, see “Creating and using recovery tapes” (page 201).

Simple network solutions

These solutions use a single Ignite server that supports network boot, installation, and recovery. The Ignite server and the client systems must be on the same subnet, and no other boot or installation servers can be on that subnet.

Questions you will have to answer when configuring a simple network are:

•Are my clients PA-RISC or Itanium-based?

•Do I want to network boot all my clients?

•Do I want my clients to have their MAC addresses registered with the server to always boot to the same assigned IP address (registered clients), or do I want an available IP address assigned to them when they boot (anonymous clients) ?

•Do I want the booting IP address to be the same IP address used for networking after installation is complete?

•Do I have DHCP running on my subnet?

Decision trees for Ignite-UX server configuration follow. Do not treat them as strictly yes-or-no exercises. Your environment may require choosing multiple methods from the decision trees, and although you may be able to use an option, you might reject it because it is not the best answer for your environment. Also, keep in mind that these decision trees cover booting, so only the initial IP address is affected. For more information, see “Network booting and IP addresses” (page 19).

A decision tree for network booting PA-RISC systems is shown in Figure 5. A decision tree for network booting Itanium-based systems is shown in Figure 6 (page 27). The decision trees assume the network boot clients are on the same subnet as the Ignite-UX server, and that you will always use the install option to the boot console handler (BCH) boot command for PA-RISC systems.

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HP UX System Management Software Making configuration decisions for Ignite servers, Boot and install client from media
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UX System Management Software specifications

HP-UX System Management Software is a robust suite of tools designed to facilitate the administration and management of HP's Unix-based operating system, HP-UX. As organizations increasingly rely on mission-critical applications, the need for a reliable and efficient management solution becomes paramount. HP-UX provides a comprehensive understanding of system performance, resource utilization, and enterprise-wide configuration, all while maintaining high availability and security.

One of the key features of HP-UX System Management Software is its Advanced System Administrator Toolkit. This toolkit includes a wide array of utilities that streamline daily administrative tasks such as monitoring system performance, managing user accounts, and configuring system settings. Tools such as Glance provide real-time monitoring of system resources, enabling administrators to identify bottlenecks and optimize performance.

The software also boasts an advanced security framework, including features such as Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Secure Shell (SSH) for secure data transmission. Security patches and updates can be managed through HP’s Service Pack for HP-UX, which provides a streamlined method for maintaining system integrity and compliance with various regulatory standards.

Another notable aspect is the extensive support for virtualization technologies. HP-UX supports HP’s Integrity Virtual Machines (IVMs) and vPars, allowing administrators to create multiple isolated environments on a single physical server. This not only enhances resource utilization but also improves disaster recovery planning by enabling easier backup and restore processes.

For storage management, HP-UX offers tools that enable easy setup and management of Logical Volume Managers (LVM). This allows simplified disk space allocation and management, ensuring that critical applications have the necessary resources without manual intervention.

Furthermore, HP-UX is designed with compatibility in mind, supporting a wide range of third-party applications and frameworks. Integration with management platforms like HP System Insight Manager enhances the ability to monitor and manage systems from a centralized perspective, providing alerts and reports that help in proactive decision-making.

In summary, HP-UX System Management Software delivers a streamlined approach to system administration, focusing on performance, security, and ease of management. Its advanced features, combined with an emphasis on virtualization and storage management, make it a powerful tool for organizations seeking reliability and efficiency in their Unix-based environments. As businesses continue to evolve, tools like HP-UX will remain crucial for ensuring consistent performance and operational excellence.
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