Operating System Surveillance

Note: Operating system surveillance is disabled in partitioned systems.

Operating system surveillance provides the service processor with a means to detect hang conditions, as well as hardware or software failures, while the operating system is running. It also provides the operating system with a means to detect a service processor failure caused by the lack of a return heartbeat.

Operating system surveillance is not enabled by default, allowing you to run operating systems that do not support this service processor option.

You can also use service processor menus and AIX service aids to enable or disable operating system surveillance.

For operating system surveillance to work correctly, you must set these parameters:

vSurveillance enable/disable

vSurveillance interval

The maximum time the service processor should wait for a heartbeat from the operating system before timeout.

vSurveillance delay

The length of time to wait from the time the operating system is started to when the first heartbeat is expected.

Surveillance does not take effect until the next time the operating system is started after the parameters have been set.

If desired, you can initiate surveillance mode immediately from service aids. In addition to the three options above, a fourth option allows you to select immediate surveillance, and rebooting of the system is not necessarily required.

If operating system surveillance is enabled (and system firmware has passed control to the operating system), and the service processor does not detect any heartbeats from the operating system, the service processor assumes the system is hung and takes action according to the reboot/restart policy settings. See ªService Processor Reboot/Restart Recoveryº on page 52.

If surveillance is selected from the service processor menus which are only available at bootup, then surveillance is enabled by default as soon as the system boots. From service aids, the selection is optional.

Chapter 3. Using the Service Processor 57

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IBM pSeries690 manual Operating System Surveillance

pSeries690 specifications

The IBM pSeries690, also known as the IBM eServer p690, is a high-performance server within IBM's line of Power Systems, designed primarily for enterprise-level workloads. Launched in the early 2000s, it distinguished itself as one of IBM's flagship offerings, aimed at delivering exceptional scalability, reliability, and processing power.

At the heart of the pSeries690 is the IBM POWER4 processor, a revolutionary architecture that significantly enhanced processing capabilities. The system supports multiple processor configurations, allowing businesses to customize performance based on their specific applications. Each pSeries690 can be configured with up to 32 POWER4 processors, providing a maximum processing power that is well-suited for demanding enterprise applications, complex databases, and large-scale transaction processing.

One of the standout features of the pSeries690 is its ability to handle massive amounts of memory — up to 1TB of total RAM. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that run memory-intensive applications or require high availability for critical tasks. The server’s advanced memory architecture contributes to faster data access and improved overall system performance.

Additionally, the IBM pSeries690 employs the innovative AIX operating system, which is tailored for high performance and reliability. AIX comes equipped with features such as dynamic logical partitioning (LPAR), allowing resources to be allocated flexibly and efficiently across different workloads. This technology supports virtualization, enabling multiple operating environments to run concurrently on a single physical server, optimizing resource utilization.

The pSeries690 also includes robust fault tolerance and reliability features. Redundant components, hot-swappable parts, and advanced error detection mechanisms ensure that the system remains operational even in the event of hardware failures. This reliability is crucial for mission-critical applications where downtime can lead to substantial financial losses.

Networking capabilities of the pSeries690 are enhanced by support for high-speed connections, including Gigabit Ethernet and the ability to integrate with various network topologies. This versatility facilitates seamless connectivity in complex IT environments.

In conclusion, the IBM pSeries690 remains a powerful and reliable choice for enterprises seeking to manage and optimize their most demanding workloads. Its combination of cutting-edge processing capabilities, expansive memory support, and robust virtualization features makes it a significant player in the realm of enterprise computing. As businesses continue to evolve, the core strengths of the pSeries690, especially in terms of scalability and reliability, ensure that it continues to meet the needs of demanding applications.