Standby Phase

The standby phase can be reached in either of two ways:

vWith the server off and power connected (the normal path), recognized by OK in the LCD display.

OR

vWith the server on after an operating system fault, recognized by an 8-digit code in the LCD display.

In the standby phase, the service processor takes care of some automatic duties and is available for menus operation. The service processor remains in the standby phase until a power-on request is detected.

The standby phase components are as follows:

vModem Configuration

The service processor configures the modem (if installed) so that incoming calls can be received, or outgoing calls can be placed.

vDial In

Monitor incoming phone line to answer calls, prompt for a password, verify the password, and remotely display the standby menu. The remote session can be mirrored on the local HMC virtual terminal window if the server is so equipped and if the user enables this function.

vMenus

The service processor menus are password-protected. Before you can access them, you need either the general user-password or privileged-user password.

Service processor menus are available on ASCII terminals attached to the serial ports on the primary I/O book, and on terminal emulators. On HMC-managed systems, service processor menus are also available on the HMC graphical user interface.

Bring-Up Phase

On a system that is powered-on to full system partition, this phase is entered upon power-on, and exited upon loading of the operating system.

On a system that is powered-on to partition standby, this phase is entered upon power-on, and exited when the partition manager and hypervisor have been loaded and become fully operational in system memory. The end of this phase is indicated when LPAR displays on the operator panel. At this point, the server can start multiple logical partitions which would be activated through the HMC graphical user interface.

The bring-up phase components are as follows:

vRetry Request Check

The service processor checks to see if the previous boot attempt failed. If the specified number of failures are detected, the service processor displays an error code and places an outgoing call to notify an external party if the user has enabled this option.

vDial Out

64Eserver pSeries 690 User's Guide

Page 77 Page 79
Page 78
Image 78
IBM pSeries690 manual Standby Phase, Bring-Up Phase
Page 77 Page 79

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.
Top Page Image Contents