Sun Microsystems V490 manual Automatic System Recovery, MPxIO

Models: V490

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The power subsystem is monitored in a similar fashion. Polling the power supply status registers periodically, the monitoring subsystem indicates the status of each supply’s DC outputs.

If a power supply problem is detected, an error message is displayed on the system console and logged in the /var/adm/messages file. Additionally, LEDs located on each power supply are illuminated to indicate failures.

Automatic System Recovery

To some, automatic system recovery (ASR) implies an ability to shield the operating system in the event of a hardware failure, allowing the operating system to remain up and running. The implementation of ASR on the Sun Fire V490 server is different. ASR on the Sun Fire V490 server provides for automatic fault isolation and restoration of the operating system following non-fatal faults or failures of these hardware components:

Processors

Memory modules

PCI buses and cards

FC-AL subsystem

Ethernet interface

USB interfaces

Serial interface

In the event of such a hardware failure, firmware-based diagnostic tests isolate the problem and mark the device (using the 1275 Client Interface, via the device tree) as either failed or disabled. The OpenBoot firmware then deconfigures the failed device and reboots the operating system. This all occurs automatically, as long as the Sun Fire V490 system is capable of functioning without the failed component.

Once restored, the operating system will not attempt to access any deconfigured device. This prevents a faulty hardware component from keeping the entire system down or causing the system to crash repeatedly.

As long as the failed component is electrically dormant (that is, it does not cause random bus errors or introduce noise into signal lines), the system reboots automatically and resumes operation. Be sure to contact a qualified service technician about replacing the failed component.

MPxIO

Multiplexed I/O (MPxIO), a feature found in the Solaris 8 Operating System, is a native multipathing solution for storage devices such as Sun StorEdge™ disk arrays. MPxIO provides:

Chapter 2 System Overview 21

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Sun Microsystems V490 manual Automatic System Recovery, MPxIO

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.