Note: For more information about the Advanced System Management PCI adapter refer to the documentation that came with the adapter.

Connecting the ASM bus

The servers in the Advanced System Management bus are referenced by their assigned addresses and not their position in the rack.

Complete the following steps to connect the ASM bus:

1.Turn off the servers.

2.Locate the RS-485 ports on the rear of the server and an Ethernet cable with RJ-14 connectors on both ends.

3.Connect one end of the cable to the RS-485 (A) port.

4.Connect the other end of the cable to the RS-485 (B) port on the next server.

Ethernet cable

 

with RJ-14 connectors

RS-485(A)

 

RS-485(B)RS-485(A)

RS-485(B)

RS-485(A)

RS-485(B)

5.Repeat steps 3 and 4 to connect up to 12 units together.

Connecting the servers with a C2T chain

To share the same monitor, keyboard, and pointing device with several servers you must connect the servers together with Cable Chaining Technology (C2T) chaining cables using the C2T IN and C2T OUT ports.

Before you begin review the following:

The supported maximum number of servers connected in a single chain with C2T chaining cables is 42.

When connecting servers across a gap that is larger than 3U or located on two separate racks you must use a C2T chaining cable that is 2 meters (6.5 ft.) long, which is available in the C2T cable option kit.

Note: Only one 2-m (6.5 ft.) long cable can be used in the C2T chain.

The C2T interconnect cables can be hot-swapped.

Attention: For optimum results, do not touch the chassis with the pins of the C2T cable connector when hot adding or removing systems from the chain.

Servers are numbered by their position in the chain (1 through nn). If one server is removed from the chain, all successive servers are renumbered. For example, if the twelfth server is removed from a chain of 15 servers, then servers 13 through 15 will then be renumbered to 12 through 14.

72 Hardware Maintenance Manual: xSeries 330

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IBM xSeries 330 manual Connecting the servers with a C2T chain, Connecting the ASM bus

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.