Connecting the cables

You must turn off the server (see “Server power features” on page 12) before

connecting any cables to or disconnecting any cables from the server.
See the documentation that comes with optional devices for additional cabling
instructions. It might be easier for you to route cables before you install certain
options.
Cable identifiers are printed on the cables that come with the server and options.
Use these identifiers to connect the cables to the correct connectors.
For details about the location and function of the input and output connectors, see
“Server controls, connectors, LEDs, and power” on page 9.

Two optional SMP Expansion cable kits are available to interconnect the SMP

Expansion Ports of two or more servers:
v 2.3 m XpandOnDemand Scalability cable kit (comes with one 2.3-m (7.6-foot)
SMP Expansion cable)
v 2.9 m XpandOnDemand Scalability cable kit (comes with one 2.9-m (9.5-foot)

SMP Expansion cable)

The following illustrations show the locations of the input and output connectors on

the server. Detailed cabling instructions are in the Rack Installation Instructions that
come with the server.
Rear view
SP serial
System serial
Keyboard
Mouse
SP Ethernet 10/100
Gigabit Ethernet 2
Gigabit Ethernet 1
USB 1 USB 2
IXA RS 485
Power-supply
Video
SMP expansion port 1
SMP expansion port 2
SMP expansion port 3
Front view
Power-control button
Power-on LED
USB connector
Hard disk drive activity LED
Information LED
System-error LED
Locator LED
Release latch
48 IBM System x3950 Type 8878 and System x3950 E Type 8879: User’s Guide