Overview of the Installation Procedure

This section presents an overview of the terminology and lists the major tasks you will perform when installing the adapter into your system. Because of the complexity of the networking environment, your specific installation procedure may require tasks not listed below.

Installation Methods

The adapter is a hot-swappable component that can be installed in a hot-swap- compliant server without interrupting the operation of the system. The adapter can also be installed in cold-swap mode, where you power off the system before you install the adapter.

Before beginning the installation, you should determine whether you want to perform a hot-swap or a cold-swap installation of the adapter.

In a hot-swap installation, you can install the adapter while the system is running, without interrupting the operation of the server. Depending on the level of hot swap your server is running (full or basic), you may be required to enter software commands during the installation.

In a cold-swap installation, you must shut down the operating system and power off the server before installing the adapter. After the installation, you must power the system back on in order for the server to recognize the new adapter. You may be required to use system-specific software commands to power off and power on your system.

Note This manual describes the general procedure needed for either a hot-swap or a cold-swap installation. Because software commands and LED displays can differ for each server, refer to your server’s documentation for the exact installation procedures. For example, if you are installing the adapter in a Sun™ Netra™ ct server, refer to the Netra ct Server Service Manual.

Models of Hot Swap

Hot swap, a key feature of the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group (PICMG) standard, means that a CompactPCI adapter that meets the PICMG standard can be reliably inserted into or extracted from a powered and operating

4 Sun Quad FastEthernet 6U CompactPCI Adapter Installation and User’s Guide • June 2000

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Sun Microsystems 6U manual Overview of the Installation Procedure, Installation Methods, Models of Hot Swap

6U specifications

Sun Microsystems, a prominent player in the computing industry, made significant contributions to the development of high-performance hardware and software solutions. One of the notable products from the company is the 6U form factor, which refers to a specific standard for rack-mounted equipment. The 6U standard is particularly relevant in the context of server architecture, storage solutions, and other critical systems used in enterprise environments.

The 6U form factor typically stands at 10.5 inches in height, accommodating various configurations of hardware components while ensuring a compact footprint. This size makes it ideal for data centers and server rooms, where space is often at a premium. Sun Microsystems effectively utilized this form factor in its server lineup, catering to performance and density requirements.

A defining feature of Sun Microsystems' 6U models is their modular architecture. These servers support a range of powerful processors, including the UltraSPARC series, renowned for their high processing capabilities and energy efficiency. The use of the UltraSPARC architecture allows for robust multitasking and parallel processing, making these systems suitable for demanding applications such as database management and enterprise resource planning.

Moreover, Sun Microsystems integrated advanced memory technologies within their 6U designs. The servers support large amounts of RAM, utilizing technologies like ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory to enhance data integrity. This is crucial for mission-critical applications where data loss can result in substantial operational impact.

In terms of connectivity, the 6U form factor features a variety of interfaces, including high-speed Ethernet ports, Fibre Channel connections, and USB ports. These options enable seamless integration into existing network infrastructures, facilitating efficient data transfer and storage management.

Storage solutions within the 6U framework include support for multiple RAID configurations and high-capacity disk drives. Sun Microsystems provided options for both SSD and traditional HDD storage, allowing organizations to tailor their systems to meet specific performance and capacity needs.

In addition to hardware characteristics, Sun Microsystems placed a strong emphasis on software compatibility. Their systems were designed to run a variety of operating systems, including Solaris, Linux, and Windows, thereby providing flexibility for enterprises to deploy their preferred software environments.

Overall, the 6U form factor from Sun Microsystems symbolizes the company's commitment to delivering high-performance, reliable, and scalable computing solutions. By combining innovative technology with practical design, Sun Microsystems created servers that met the diverse needs of businesses and paved the way for advancements in enterprise computing.