Determining the Installation Type

You can install the adapter in the system in either a hot-swap mode or in a cold- swap mode. (See “Installation Methods” on page 4 for more information.)

Hot swap—see“Installing the Rear-Access Adapter in Hot-Swap Mode” on page 10 for the procedure.

Cold swap—see “Installing the Rear-Access Adapter in Cold-Swap Mode” on page 21 for the procedure.

After installing the adapter, see “Connecting the Cables to the Rear Transition Card” on page 26 for instructions on connecting the cables.

Installing the Rear-Access Adapter in Hot-Swap Mode

When installing the adapter in a server in hot-swap mode, you must consult the documentation that shipped with the server. The server’s documentation will describe the specific software commands and hardware components such as LEDs that are used when installing the adapter.

This section contains two procedures:

“To Install the Rear Transition Card” on page 11

“To Install the Rear-Access Front Card” on page 16

After installing the adapter, see “Connecting the Cables to the Rear Transition Card” on page 26 for instructions on connecting the Ethernet cables.

Caution Always install the adapter’s rear transition card before installing the front card. In a hot-swap environment, you can panic the system if you install the front card first.

Caution Do not use excessive force when installing the adapter’s front or rear transition card into the CompactPCI slot. You may damage the card’s connector or the pins on the midplane, causing permanent damage to the card or to the system. If a card does not seat properly when you apply even pressure, remove the card and carefully reinstall it.

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

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Sun Microsystems 6U manual Installing the Rear-Access Adapter in Hot-Swap Mode, Determining the Installation Type

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.