C H A P T E R 6

Diagnostic Tools

The Sun Fire V490 server and its accompanying software contain many tools and features that help you:

■Isolate problems when there is a failure of a field-replaceable component

■Monitor the status of a functioning system

■Exercise the system to disclose an intermittent or incipient problem

This chapter introduces the tools that let you accomplish these goals, and helps you to understand how the various tools fit together.

Topics in this chapter include:

■“About the Diagnostic Tools” on page 73

■“About Diagnostics and the Boot Process” on page 77

■“About Isolating Faults in the System” on page 100

■“About Monitoring the System” on page 101

■“About Exercising the System” on page 105

■“Reference for OpenBoot Diagnostics Test Descriptions” on page 109

■“Reference for Decoding I2C Diagnostic Test Messages” on page 111

■“Reference for Terms in Diagnostic Output” on page 114

If you only want instructions for using diagnostic tools, skip this chapter and turn to Part Three of this manual. There, you can find chapters that tell you how to isolate failed parts (Chapter 10), monitor the system (Chapter 11), and exercise the system (Chapter 12).

About the Diagnostic Tools

Sun provides a wide spectrum of diagnostic tools for use with the Sun Fire V490 server. These tools range from the formal—like Sun’s comprehensive Validation Test Suite (SunVTS), to the informal—like log files that may contain clues helpful in narrowing down the possible sources of a problem.

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Sun Microsystems V490 manual About the Diagnostic Tools
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V490 specifications

Sun Microsystems V490 is a robust, high-performance server that was launched in the mid-2000s. It is part of Sun's Enterprise line of servers, specifically designed to meet the needs of businesses requiring reliability, scalability, and efficiency in their computing environments. The V490 is well-regarded for its versatility and ability to handle demanding applications.

At the heart of the V490 is its support for the UltraSPARC IV processor. The server can be configured to contain up to four processors, allowing it to deliver exceptional parallel processing capabilities. The UltraSPARC IV architecture enhances throughput and efficiency, making it suitable for enterprise applications and database management tasks.

One of the standout features of the V490 is its memory capacity. The server can support up to 64 GB of RAM, which allows for extensive caching and improved performance for memory-intensive applications. Coupled with a high bandwidth architecture, the V490 ensures that data can be processed quickly and effectively.

The V490 also emphasizes storage flexibility. It comes equipped with multiple disk drive bays, allowing for a combination of SATA and SAS drives. This flexibility enables businesses to tailor their storage solutions according to their specific performance and redundancy requirements. The V490 supports hot-swappable drives, making maintenance and upgrades considerably easier without taking the server offline.

In terms of connectivity, the Sun V490 features a variety of networking options. It includes multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring high-speed data transfer and redundancy. Additionally, the server supports advanced input/output capabilities, making it compatible with various peripherals and external storage solutions.

Sun Microsystems V490 runs on the Solaris operating system, known for its stability and security. This OS enhances the server's performance while providing a reliable platform for mission-critical applications. The V490 also supports virtualization technologies, allowing organizations to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single hardware platform, thus optimizing resource utilization.

Another key characteristic of the V490 is its thermal efficiency. The server is designed with an advanced cooling system that minimizes energy consumption while maximizing performance. This focus on power efficiency aligns with modern data center requirements for sustainability and reduced operational costs.

In summary, the Sun Microsystems V490 is a powerful enterprise server that combines the latest processing technologies, substantial memory and storage capabilities, and robust networking options. Its scalability, along with advanced virtualization support and energy-efficient design, makes it a suitable choice for organizations looking to enhance their IT infrastructure. The V490 remains a testament to Sun Microsystems' commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable computing solutions.
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