Note: The Shared Ethernet adapter and Virtual SCSI server functions are provided in the Virtual I/O Server that is included in the Advanced POWER Virtualization feature

(FC 7942), an additional feature of p5 systems.

Partition Load Manager

The Partition Load Manager (PLM) is part of the Advanced POWER Virtualization feature. It provides automated processor and memory distribution between dynamic LPAR and Micro-Partitioning capable logical partition running AIX 5L. The PLM application is based on a client/server model to share system information, such as processor or memory events, across the concurrent present logical partitions.

To improve the overall resource utilization of a partitioned system, PLM uses user-defined resource management policies to determine the additional resources, such as processors and memory, for each requesting partition.

For network communication, the PLM uses the Resource Monitoring and Control (RMC) subsystem, which provides several events on every managed node. The following events are registered on all managed nodes:

￿Memory-pages-steal high thresholds and low thresholds

￿Memory-usage-high thresholds and low thresholds

￿Processor-load-average high threshold and low threshold

To ensure a secure communication between managed nodes, OpenSSH and Kerberos V5 are supported in PLM to have a secure communication and an authentication mechanism for administrators. If Kerberos is not installed, PLM uses the configured authentication method, such as AIX authentication.

2.10 Service processor

The service processor (SP) is an embedded controller that is based on a PowerPC 405GP processor (PPC405) running the SP internal operating system. The SP operating system contains specific programs and device drivers for the SP hardware.

The p5-570 includes the SP. The key components include an FSP-Base (FSP-B) and an Extender chipset (FSP-E). FSP-B and FSP-E are implemented on a dedicated card.

Chapter 2. Architecture and technical overview 41

Page 53
Image 53
IBM P5 570 manual Service processor, Partition Load Manager

P5 570 specifications

The IBM P5 570 is a high-performance server that was designed for enterprise-scale computing, offering a blend of advanced technologies and a flexible architecture. Launched as part of IBM's Power5 server line, the P5 570 stands out for its robust processing capabilities and extensive scalability, making it a preferred choice for businesses requiring reliable and efficient computing solutions.

At the heart of the P5 570 is the IBM Power5 processor, which employs simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) technology. This allows the processor to handle two threads per core, effectively doubling the throughput for workloads ideally suited to multi-threading. The server typically features a configuration of up to 32 Power5 processors, providing an impressive compute power that supports demanding applications, ranging from databases to complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

The P5 570 architecture supports a wide range of memory configurations, with a maximum memory capacity of up to 512 GB. Utilizing IBM’s proprietary Chip Memory technology, it can deliver high bandwidth and low latency, significantly enhancing performance for memory-intensive applications. Furthermore, the integrated memory controller architecture optimizes memory access, ensuring that critical workloads run smoothly.

Scalability is a key characteristic of the P5 570, with the ability to expand processing power and memory capacity as an organization’s needs grow. The server supports various operating systems, including AIX, Linux, and IBM i, which provides flexibility for diverse IT environments. This versatility ensures that companies can run their preferred applications without the need for substantial system overhauls.

In terms of storage, the P5 570 utilizes advanced RAID technology and supports a variety of disk configurations, ensuring that data integrity and availability are maintained. Coupled with built-in security features, such as the IBM Trusted Foundation, which establishes a secure boot environment, the P5 570 offers a reliable platform for mission-critical workloads.

Finally, the IBM P5 570 is designed for high availability and redundancy. Features like hot-swappable components and advanced error detection and recovery mechanisms minimize downtime, making it a dependable choice for businesses that operate around the clock. Combined with its powerful hardware and versatile software support, the IBM P5 570 remains a formidable player in the high-performance server arena.