Sun Microsystems V490 manual About the ok Prompt

Models: V490

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To help maximize system availability, make sure that any redundant network interfaces reside on separate PCI buses, supported by separate PCI bridges. For additional details, see “About the PCI Cards and Buses” on page 31.

About the ok Prompt

A Sun Fire V490 system with Solaris OS software is capable of operating at different run levels. A synopsis of run levels follows; for a full description, see the Solaris system administration documentation.

Most of the time, you operate a Sun Fire V490 system at run level 2, or run level 3, which are multiuser states with access to full system and network resources. Occasionally, you may operate the system at run level 1, which is a single-user administrative state. However, the most basic state is run level 0. At this state, it is safe to turn off power to the system.

When a Sun Fire V490 system is at run level 0, the ok prompt appears. This prompt indicates that the OpenBoot firmware is in control of the system.

There are a number of scenarios in which this can happen.

The system comes up under OpenBoot firmware control before the Solaris OS software is installed, or whenever the auto-boot?OpenBoot configuration variable is set to false.

The system transitions to run level 0 in an orderly way when the Solaris OS software is halted.

The system reverts to OpenBoot firmware control when the Solaris OS software crashes.

During the boot process, there is a serious hardware problem that prevents the Solaris OS software from running, and the system reverts to OpenBoot firmware control.

A serious hardware problem develops while the system is running, and the Solaris OS software transitions smoothly to run level 0.

You deliberately place the Sun Fire V490 system under firmware control in order to execute firmware-based commands or run diagnostic tests.

It is the last of these scenarios that most often concerns you as an administrator, since there will be times when you need to reach the ok prompt. The several ways to do this are outlined in “Ways of Reaching the ok Prompt” on page 50. For detailed instructions, see “How to Get to the ok Prompt” on page 126.

Chapter 4 Network Interfaces and System Firmware 49

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Sun Microsystems V490 manual About the ok Prompt

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.