Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Three USB connections to the NVIDIA nForce Professional 2200 to provide remote keyboard, mouse, and storage functionality.

LPC connection to the NVIDIA nForce Professional 2200 via FPGA.

10/100 MB Ethernet connected to the onboard Broadcom BCM5221 10/100 Ethernet controller, which automatically detects straight or cross-over Ethernet cables.

External serial port multiplexed with the main system serial port for access to the ILOM CLI and system console using serial port redirection (S-o-L Serial-over-LAN).

Figure 6-1: ILOM Daughtercard

ILOM Software

ILOM is an IPMI 2.0-compliant Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) that implements Lights Out Management (LOM), including “Remote Keyboard, Video, Mouse, and Storage” (KVMS), a Web management interface, a command line interface (CLI), and SNMP. ILOM software includes the following:

Embedded, hardened Linux OS

IPMI 2.0 BMC

Platform Control agents diagnostics software

RKVMS

The ILOM and BIOS firmware are easily upgraded using a single 11 MB file to upgrade both. The firmware upgrade can be performed either by command line interface or Web interface.

42 of 63

Page 42
Image 42
Sun Microsystems X4600 M2 manual Ilom Software, Rkvms

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.