Hot Swap Disk and Service Aid
The hardware within the system is designed with the capability to remove and install disks without powering down the system.
An AIX Diagnostics Service Aids provides positive identification (a blinking LED) at the disk device as a visual aid for removal.
Service Processor
The Model F80 has an integrated enhanced service processor. When the system is powered down, but still plugged into an active power source, the service processor and SPCN functions are still active under standby power. This function provides enhanced RAS by not requiring AIX to be operational for interfacing with a system administrator or service director for RS/6000. This means that all service processor menu functions (using the local, remote, or terminal concentrator console), as well as dial out capability, are available even if the system is powered down or unable to power up. The next sections talk about selected features of the enhanced service processor.
Automatic Reboot
The system will automatically reboot (if the appropriate policy flags are set) in the following conditions:
•Power is restored after a power loss during normal system operation.
•Hardware checkstop failures.
•Machine check interrupt.
•Operating system hang (Surveillance failure).
•Operating system failure.
Surveillance
The service processor, if enabled through service processor setup parameters, performs a surveillance of AIX through a heartbeat mechanism. If there is no heartbeat within the
•Creates a system reset to allow an AIX dump to occur.
•Upon receiving a reboot request (either after the dump, or immediately if dump is not enabled), the service processor captures scan debug data for the system.
•Reboots the system.
Dial-Out (Call Home), Dial-In
If enabled, the service processor can dial a preprogrammed telephone number to report errors. When enabled, it is also possible to access the service processor remotely through a modem connection. When the service processor is in standby mode, because the system is powered off, or an error occurred, the service processor monitors an incoming phone line to answer calls, prompts for a password, verifies the password, and remotely display the standby menu. The remote session can be mirrored on the local ASCII console if the server is so equipped and the user enables this function.
16 RS/6000 7025 Model F80 Technical Overview
