About Redundant Network Interfaces

Two back panel ports with RJ-45 connectors provide access to the on-board Ethernet interfaces. Each interface is configured with a unique media access control (MAC) address. Each connector features two LEDs, as described in TABLE 4-1.

TABLE 4-1Ethernet Port LEDs

Name	Description

Activity	This amber LED lights when data is either being transmitted or
	received by the particular port.
Link Up	This green LED lights when a link is established at the particular
	port with its link partner.

Additional Ethernet interfaces or connections to other network types are available by installing the appropriate PCI interface cards. An additional network interface card can serve as a redundant network interface for one of the system’s on-board interfaces. If the active network interface becomes unavailable, the system can automatically switch to the redundant interface to maintain availability. This capability is known as automatic failover and must be configured at the Solaris OS level. For additional details, see “About Redundant Network Interfaces” on page 48.

The Ethernet driver is installed automatically during the Solaris installation procedure.

For instructions on configuring the system network interfaces, see:

■“How to Configure the Primary Network Interface” on page 144

■“How to Configure Additional Network Interfaces” on page 146

You can configure your system with redundant network interfaces to provide a highly available network connection. Such a configuration relies on special Solaris software features to detect a failed or failing network interface and automatically switch all network traffic over to the redundant interface. This capability is known as automatic failover.

To set up redundant network interfaces, you can enable automatic failover between the two similar interfaces using the IP Network Multipathing feature of the Solaris OS. For additional details, see “About Multipathing Software” on page 64. You can also install a pair of identical PCI network interface cards, or add a single card that provides an interface identical to one of the two on-board Ethernet interfaces.

48 Sun Fire V490 Server Administration Guide • August 2004

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 Redundant Network Interfaces, 1Ethernet Port LEDs

Models: V490

TABLE 4-1Ethernet Port LEDs