About Diagnostics and the Boot Process

Another complicating factor is that different installations have different diagnostic requirements. You may be administering a single computer or a whole data center full of equipment racks. Alternatively, your systems may be deployed remotely— perhaps in areas that are physically inaccessible.

Finally, consider the different tasks you expect to perform with your diagnostic tools:

■Isolating faults to a specific replaceable hardware component

■Exercising the system to disclose more subtle problems that may or may not be hardware related

■Monitoring the system to catch problems before they become serious enough to cause unplanned downtime

Not every diagnostic tool can be optimized for all these varied tasks.

Instead of one unified diagnostic tool, Sun provides a palette of tools each of which has its own specific strengths and applications. To appreciate how each tool fits into the larger picture, it is necessary to have some understanding of what happens when the server starts up, during the so-called boot process.

About Diagnostics and the Boot Process

You have probably had the experience of powering on a Sun system and watching as it goes through its boot process. Perhaps you have watched as your console displays messages that look like the following:

0:0>

SUN PROPRIETARY/CONFIDENTIAL. Use is subject to license terms.

0:0>Jump from OBP->POST. 0:0>Diag level set to MIN. 0:0>Verbosity level set to NORMAL. 0:0>

0:0>Start selftest...

0:0>CPUs present in system: 0:0 1:0 2:0 3:0 0:0>Test CPU(s)....Done

It turns out these messages are not quite so inscrutable once you understand the boot process. These kinds of messages are discussed later.

Chapter 6 Diagnostic Tools 77

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 About Diagnostics and the Boot Process

Models: V490

About Diagnostics and the Boot Process

V490 specifications