It is important to understand that almost all of the firmware-based diagnostics can be disabled so as to minimize the amount of time it takes the server to start up. In the following discussion, assume that the system is configured to run its firmware- based tests.

Prologue: System Controller Boot

As soon as you plug in the Sun Fire V490 server to an electrical outlet, and before you turn on power to the server, the system controller (SC) inside the server begins its self-diagnostic and boot cycle. During this time, the locator LED blinks. Running off standby power, the system controller card begins functioning before the server itself comes up.

The system controller provides access to a number of control and monitoring functions through Remote System Control (RSC) software. For more information about RSC software, see “Sun Remote System Control Software” on page 22.

Stage One: OpenBoot Firmware and POST

Every Sun Fire V490 server includes a chip holding about 2 Mbytes of firmware- based code. This chip is called the Boot PROM. After you turn on system power, the first thing the system does is execute code that resides in the Boot PROM.

This code, which is referred to as the OpenBoot firmware, is a small-scale operating system unto itself. However, unlike a traditional operating system that can run multiple applications for multiple simultaneous users, OpenBoot firmware runs in single-user mode and is designed solely to test, configure, and boot the system, thereby ensuring that the hardware is sufficiently “healthy” to run its normal operating system software.

When system power is turned on, the OpenBoot firmware begins running directly out of the Boot PROM, since at this stage system memory has not been verified to work properly.

Soon after power is turned on, the system hardware determines that at least one processor is powered on, and is submitting a bus access request, which indicates that the processor in question is at least partly functional. This becomes the master processor, and is responsible for executing OpenBoot firmware instructions.

The OpenBoot firmware’s first actions are to check whether to run the power-on self- test (POST) diagnostics and other tests. The POST diagnostics constitute a separate chunk of code stored in a different area of the Boot PROM (see FIGURE 6-2).

78 Sun Fire V490 Server Administration Guide • August 2004

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Sun Microsystems V490 manual Prologue System Controller Boot, Stage One OpenBoot Firmware and Post
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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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