Working with cables

The server has two different cabling schemes, the Advanced System Management bus (ASM) and the Cable Chaining Technology (C2T). The following sections discuss each of these options. While reading about these options, keep in mind that they are independent of each other.

Note: Refer to the following illustration to locate the connectors on the back of your server.

The ASM connectors on the back of the server are referred to in this book as RS-485

(A) and RS-485 (B).

Note: The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your hardware.

Ethernet 1 RS-485 (Advanced

System Management

Interconnect) A

PCI slot 1

PCI slot 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethernet 2

USB 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

C2T out

 

 

 

USB 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RS-485 (Advanced

 

 

C2T in

 

 

 

 

Serial port

System Management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interconnect) B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cabling the RS-485 ports

You can use the RS-485 connectors to create an Advanced System Management bus between several xSeries 330 servers.

Before you begin, review the following:

Important: The Advanced System Management bus is designed to support up to 12 units or servers. However, when using the Advanced System Management PCI adapter, the bus uses the PCI adapter as another unit. In this case, you can connect a maximum of 11 units or servers together.

You can hot-swap the cables in the Advanced System Management bus.

You can connect up to 12 units together if you are using serial (management) port A as your Advanced System Management port.

When connecting an xSeries 330 server to another server type you must install an Advanced System Management adapter into PCI slot 1 or use the serial port as your Advanced System Management port.

When the Advanced System Management PCI adapter is added to the xSeries 330, you can connect up to 11 additional servers together.

Use standard Ethernet cables with RJ-14 connectors.

Chapter 5. Installing options 71

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IBM xSeries 330 manual Working with cables, Cabling the RS-485 ports

xSeries 330 specifications

The IBM xSeries 330 is a versatile and reliable server designed to meet the demands of small to medium-sized businesses and enterprise environments. This server model, part of IBM’s xSeries line, is known for its solid performance, expandability, and robust features.

One of the main highlights of the xSeries 330 is its scalability. The server supports multiple configurations, with options for single or dual Intel Pentium III processors, allowing it to handle various workloads efficiently. It can accommodate up to 8GB of RAM, which is essential for running memory-intensive applications smoothly. This capacity ensures that businesses can upgrade their systems rather than replace them, providing a cost-effective solution for managing growing data needs.

In terms of storage, the xSeries 330 offers flexible options with up to six hot-swap hard drives. This feature enhances the server's uptime, as drives can be replaced without shutting down the system. The server supports RAID configurations, including RAID 0, 1, and 5, enhancing data protection and performance.

Connectivity is another critical aspect of the xSeries 330. It comes equipped with multiple PCI slots, allowing for the addition of various expansion cards to improve functionality, such as network controllers, graphics cards, and storage controllers. The server also provides integrated network management tools, which enable efficient monitoring and comprehensive troubleshooting, reducing downtime and maintenance efforts.

The xSeries 330 is supported by IBM's advanced management technologies, including the IBM Director. This software simplifies remote management, enabling IT personnel to monitor system health, perform updates, and automate tasks without the need to be physically present at the server location. Additionally, the server includes features like Automatic Server Restart and Predictive Failure Analysis, which help to predict and prevent potential hardware failures.

The design of the xSeries 330 emphasizes ease of use, with tool-less access to components, making upgrades and maintenance straightforward. Its compact form factor ensures that it can fit into diverse server environments, from traditional server rooms to modern data centers.

In summary, the IBM xSeries 330 stands out for its powerful performance, scalability, and management capabilities. These features make it a valuable asset for businesses looking to enhance their operational efficiency and prepare for future growth. With its reliability and versatile architecture, the xSeries 330 continues to be a respected choice among IT professionals.