Sun Microsyste

The remote storage can be either physical storage devices or bootable media image files on the hard drive. The following types of remote storage are supported by the ILOM Remote Console:

CD/DVD-ROM

Floppy

CD/DVD-ROM image (.iso files)

Floppy image (.img files)

When the Sun Fire X4600 server attempts to access a Virtual Floppy or Virtual CD-ROM as set up in the BIOS, ILOM redirects this access request to the ILOM Remote Console. The ILOM Remote Console then accesses the virtual disk content from the management console's physical CD/DVD-ROM drive, physical floppy drive, or a disk image on the hard drive. ILOM virtualizes this remote storage to the Sun Fire server using the USB ports connected to the NVIDIA nForce Professional 2200. The virtualized storage is recognized by the Sun Fire server as local USB connected storage and enables remote operating system boot up and installation.

Figure 6-2: Illustration of RKVMS Functionality

Lights Out Management (LOM)

Lights Out Management is performed on the Sun Fire X4600 server through IPMItool, a command-line utility for controlling IPMI-enabled devices.

Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI)

Platform management refers to the autonomous monitoring, logging, recovery, and inventory control features

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Sun Microsystems X4600 M2 manual Lights Out Management LOM, Intelligent Platform Management Interface Ipmi

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.