Sun Microsystems V490 manual Monitoring the System

Models: V490

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C H A P T E R 11

Monitoring the System

When something goes wrong with the system, diagnostic tools can help you determine what caused the problem. Indeed, this is the principal use of most diagnostic tools. However, this approach is inherently reactive. It means waiting until a component fails outright.

Some diagnostic tools allow you to be more proactive by monitoring the system while it is still “healthy.” Monitoring tools give administrators early warning of imminent failure, thereby allowing planned maintenance and better system availability. Remote monitoring also allows administrators the convenience of checking on the status of many machines from one centralized location.

Sun provides two tools that you can use to monitor servers:

Sun Management Center software

Sun Remote System Controller (RSC) software

In addition to these tools, Sun provides software-based and firmware-based commands that display various kinds of system information. While not strictly a monitoring tool, these commands enable you to review at a glance the status of different system aspects and components.

This chapter describes the tasks necessary to use these tools to monitor your Sun Fire V490 server. These include:

“How to Monitor the System Using Sun Management Center Software” on page 186

“How to Monitor the System Using the System Controller and RSC Software” on page 190

“How to Use Solaris System Information Commands” on page 197

“How to Use OpenBoot Information Commands” on page 198

If you want background information about the tools, turn to Chapter 6.

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Sun Microsystems V490 manual Monitoring the System

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.