Sun Microsyste

Chapter 6

ILOM: Integrated Lights Out Management

Integrated Lights Out Management (ILOM) is the Service Processor used in Sun Fire X4600 servers. ILOM enables multiple in-band and out-of-band management solutions. In-band management through the host operating system, or platform, is enabled by IPMI and SNMP OS-resident agents. Out-of-band management is enabled through the serial port or dedicated Ethernet. There is a command line interface (CLI) provided when out-of-band serial port conenctivity is used. The dedicated Ethernet connectivity to out-of-band management features include:

•Web interface

•CLI via SSH

•IPMI 2.0

•SNMP v1, v2c, and v3

ILOM Architecture

The Sun Fire X4600 server leverages the same ILOM design and part used in the Sun Fire X4100 and X4200. ILOM is a Sun-designed Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) daughtercard. The ILOM daughtercard has the following features:

•Motorola MPC8248 PowerPC processor

•32-bit 266 MHz

•16 KB 4-way associative data cache

•16 KB 4-way associative instruction cache

•64-bit data bus

•66 MHz PCI bridge

•64 MB PC-133 MHz SDRAM

•16-bit 32 MB Flash ROM

•DVI output

•USB connections to NVIDIA nForce Professional 2200

•LPC (Low Pin Count) connection to NVIDIA nForce Professional 2200

•10/100 MB Integrated LAN

•Three serial ports (Debug, RS485, external)

•Half-size standard PCI form factor

The ILOM daughtercard is a standalone system with no dependencies on the operating system and has availability to physical interfaces through the connections listed above. The actual connected devices, however, are located on the main system board. ILOM daughtercard connections include:

•DVI output port connected to the ATI Rage XL via FPGA to enable remote graphics redirection from ILOM with a maximum VGA resolution of 1024 x 768.

41 of 63

Page 40 Page 42
Page 41
Image 41
Sun Microsystems X4600 M2 manual Ilom Integrated Lights Out Management, Ilom Architecture
Page 40 Page 42

X4600 M2, X4600 specifications

Sun Microsystems was a pioneering technology company that developed innovative hardware and software solutions, most notably in the server industry. Among their notable offerings were the Sun Fire X4600 and X4600 M2 servers. These high-performance systems were designed to meet the growing demands for scalability, flexibility, and reliability in enterprise-level computing environments.

The Sun Fire X4600 was introduced as one of the first four-socket, x86 servers specifically optimized for demanding workloads. Powered by AMD Opteron processors, the X4600 was capable of supporting up to 64GB of memory, which was a significant advantage for memory-intensive applications. Its architecture enabled efficient parallel processing, making it an ideal choice for tasks such as database management and virtualization.

One of the defining characteristics of the X4600 was its modular design. The server featured a combination of innovative technologies that allowed it to be easily expanded and upgraded. This made it well-suited for businesses seeking a long-term investment in their IT infrastructure, as it provided room for growth without necessitating a complete system overhaul.

The X4600 M2, an evolution of the original X4600 model, offered further enhancements in performance and flexibility. It supported the next generation of AMD Opteron processors, providing increased processing power and efficiency. Additionally, the M2 model enhanced memory capacity, allowing for a maximum of 128GB of RAM, catering to the more urgent needs of resource-intensive applications.

One of the key technologies incorporated in the X4600 and X4600 M2 was the Sun Fire’s Advanced Lights Out Management (ALOM), which allowed for remote management capabilities. This feature enabled IT administrators to monitor system health and performance without being physically present, reducing downtime and improving overall system management.

Both servers also offered extensive storage options, combining numerous high-capacity drive bays to ensure ample disk space for data-heavy applications. Their effective cooling solutions made them suitable for even the most demanding environments, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

In conclusion, Sun Microsystems' X4600 and X4600 M2 servers represented significant advancements in server technology. With their powerful architectures, flexible configurations, and innovative management features, they met the evolving demands of modern enterprise environments, solidifying their position as trusted solutions for robust computing needs.
Top Page Image Contents