Rear view
Server
Memory
expansion
module
Server
Memory
expansion
module
EXA cables QPI cables
QPI cables
The Scalable Partition web interface is an extension of the IMM web interface and
is used to create, delete, control, and view scalable partitions. The Scalable
Partition web interface firmware is in the IMM.
A multi-node configuration interconnects multiple servers or scalable partitions.
When two servers with memory expansion module configurations are connected
through EXA cables, you can mergethis multi-node configuration to form a single
logical server or partition it into multiple stand-alone servers without removing
any cables. This capability to partition a multi-node server into several individual
servers without removing any cables is referred to as IBM FlexNode Technology.
As a single logical server, the server is able to use resourcesfrom all scalable
partitions. The server uses a single, contiguous memory space and provides access
to all associated adapters, hard disk drives, and USB devices (including the mouse
and keyboard). PCI slot numbering starts with the primary node and continues
with the secondary nodes, in numeric order of the logical node IDs. The internal
optical drive and VGA connection on the secondary node are disabled, and the
server cannot use them.
Note: When the server is configured as a single logical server,if there is an ac
system power failure to one of the nodes (partitions), the remaining good node
powers itself down and remains off until the failing node recovers from the ac
power loss. Remote users will not receive any warning or error messages that the
partition has failed, but local users will see a 00.bb blinking sequence on the front
panel checkpoint display.After the power is restored, both nodes will
automatically turn on and boot as a two-node partition. If you replace the I/O card
in the server, follow the instructions for creatingan EXA multi-node system.
In a stand-alone server, each scalable partition supports an independent
operating-system installation. In addition, each scalable partition uses its own
individual resources (one server and the associated memory expansion module) as
an independent system. One stand-alone server cannot boot an operating system
on another stand-alone server.
Creating an EXA multi-node system
The following information provides instructions for creating an EXAmulti-node
system from multiple servers and configuring it as a single logical 8-socket server.
Chapter3. Configuring the server 111