Hardware Watchdog Mechanism and XIR

To detect and respond to system hang conditions, the Sun Fire V490 system features a hardware watchdog mechanism—a hardware timer that is continually reset as long as the operating system is running. In the event of a system hang, the operating system is no longer able to reset the timer. The timer will then expire and cause an automatic externally initiated reset (XIR), eliminating the need for operator intervention. When the watchdog mechanism resets the system after sending information to the screen and depending upon the OBP variable, a core file might be created to give additional information.

Note – The hardware watchdog mechanism is not activated until you enable it. See “How to Enable the Watchdog Mechanism and Its Options” on page 156 for instructions.

The XIR feature is also available for you to invoke manually, by way of your RSC console. You use the xir command manually when the system is absolutely hung and an L1-A (Stop-A) keyboard command does not work. When you issue the xir command manually by way of RSC, the system is immediately returned to the OpenBoot PROM ok prompt. From there, you can use OpenBoot commands to debug the system.

Dual-Loop Enabled FC-AL Subsystem

The system’s dual-ported Fibre Channel-Arbitrated Loop (FC-AL) disk drives and dual-loop enabled FC-AL backplane may be combined with an optional PCI FC-AL host adapter card to provide for fault tolerance and high availability of data. This dual-loop configuration allows each disk drive to be accessed through two separate and distinct data paths, providing both increased bandwidth and hardware redundancy; that is, dual-loop configuration provides the ability to sustain component failures in one path by switching all data transfers to an alternate path.

The FC-AL subsystem is described in greater detail in:

■“About FC-AL Technology” on page 41

■“About the FC-AL Backplane” on page 43

■“About the FC-AL Host Adapters” on page 44

Chapter 2 System Overview 23

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Sun Microsystems V490 manual Hardware Watchdog Mechanism and XIR, Dual-Loop Enabled FC-AL Subsystem
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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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