Summary of Diagnostic Tools

TABLE 6-1	Summary of Diagnostic Tools	(Continued)

			Remote
Diagnostic Tool Type	What It Does	Accessibility and Availability	Capability

SC card	Hardware	Monitors environmental
and RSC	and	conditions, performs basic fault
software	software	isolation, and provides remote
		console access
Sun	Software	Monitors both hardware
Management		environmental conditions and
Center		software performance of multiple
		machines. Generates alerts for
		various conditions
Hardware	Software	Exercises an operational system
Diagnostic		by running sequential tests. Also
Suite		reports failed FRUs

Can function on standby	Designed for
power and without	remote
operating system	access
Requires operating system	Designed for
to be running on both	remote
monitored and master	access
servers. Requires a
dedicated database on the
master server
Separately purchased	Designed for
optional add-on to Sun	remote
Management Center.	access
Requires operating system
and Sun Management
Center

Why are there so many different diagnostic tools?

There are a number of reasons for the lack of a single all-in-one diagnostic test, starting with the complexity of the server systems.

Consider the data bus built into every Sun Fire V490 server. This bus features a five- way switch called a CDX that interconnects all processors and high-speed I/O interfaces (see FIGURE 6-1). This data switch enables multiple simultaneous transfers over its private data paths. This sophisticated high-speed interconnect represents just one facet of the Sun Fire V490 server’s advanced architecture.

Chapter 6 Diagnostic Tools 75

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.

Sun Microsystems V490 manual Summary of Diagnostic Tools

Models: V490

V490 specifications