What the System Console Does

During initial installation of the Sun Fire V490 system and the Solaris OS software, you must use the built-in serial port (ttya) to access the system console. After installation, you can configure the system console to use different input and output devices. See TABLE 5-2for a summary.

TABLE 5-2Ways of Communicating With the System

	During	After
Devices Available for Accessing the System Console	Installation	Installation

An alphanumeric terminal attached to serial port A (ttya)

(See “How to Set Up an Alphanumeric Terminal as the System Console” on page 133.)

A tip line attached to serial port A (ttya)

(See “How to Access the System Console via tip Connection” on page 129.)

A local graphics terminal (frame buffer card, screen etc.)

(See “How to Configure a Local Graphics Terminal as the System Console” on page 135.)

The system controller (SC)

✔ ✔

✔

(See “Sun Remote System Control Software” on page 22 and “How to Monitor the System Using the System Controller and RSC Software” on page 190.)

While the computer is starting up, the system console displays status and error messages generated by firmware-based tests. After those tests have been run, you can enter special commands that affect the firmware and alter the system’s behavior. For more information about tests that run during the boot process, see “About Diagnostics and the Boot Process” on page 77.

Once the Solaris OS software is booted, the system console displays UNIX system messages and accepts UNIX commands.

Using the System Console

To use the system console, you need some means of getting data into and out of the server, which means attaching some kind of hardware to the server. Initially, you may have to configure that hardware, and load and configure appropriate software as well.

70 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 What the System Console Does, Using the System Console

Models: V490

TABLE 5-2Ways of Communicating With the System