| Sun SPARC Enterprise M3000/M4000/M5000/M8000/M9000 Servers XSCF User’s Guide |    
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| C H A P T E R 1 |
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XSCF Overview |
This chapter provides an overview of the system monitoring and control facility (eXtended System Control Facility, or XSCF).
The XSCF firmware is a system monitoring and control facility consisting of a dedicated processor (Note 1) that is independent from the system processor. While input power is supplied to the server, the XSCF constantly monitors the server even if no domain is active. The XSCF provides an interface between the user and the server.
The XSCF is the firmware running on the Service Processor in the server. In the rest of this chapter, although XSCF firmware programs are called XSCF firmware, or XSCF, they all have the same meaning. The board with the installed XSCF firmware is called the XSCFU (also referred to as the "XSCF Unit") or Service Processor.
The XSCF uses different functions to achieve high system availability. The XSCF firmware is a single centralized point for the management of hardware configuration, control of hardware monitoring, cooling system (fan units), domain status monitoring, power on and power off of peripheral devices (Note 2), and error monitoring. The XSCF centrally controls and monitors the server. The XSCF also has a partitioning function to configure and control domains, and it has a function to monitor the server through an Ethernet connection so that the user can control the server remotely. Another function is to report failure information to the system administrator and a remote control input/output function.
In the SPARC Enterprise
M3000 server (the M3000 server; the entry-level server) and the SPARC
Enterprise M4000/M5000 (the M4000/M5000 servers; the midrange servers),
a single XSCF Unit is installed in the server. In the SPARC Enterprise
M8000/M9000 servers (the M8000/M9000 servers; the high-end servers),
two XSCF Units are installed in the server and they are duplicated.
Also, in the M3000 server, the XSCF Unit is fixed to the Motherboard
Unit (MBU). For details of the server differences, see Section 1.2.1, Major Differences Among the Server Models.
| Note - (1) Processors on server boards are called CPUs. |
| Note - (2) Only the system model with a special interface can power on and off the peripheral devices. (See Remote Cabinet Interface (RCI) in External Interfaces.) |
The high-end servers use a redundant configuration of XSCF Units, thereby providing high system reliability. The XSCF that controls the server is called the Active XSCF or Active XSCF Unit, while the other XSCF acts as a backup and is called the Standby XSCF or Standby XSCF Unit. The Active XSCF and the Standby XSCF monitor each other, and if an error is detected, they determine when a failover switching to Active or Standby should be performed.
The following connectors (ports) and LEDs act as the external interface of the XSCF Unit. The user, system administrator, and field engineer (FE) can use these ports for server monitoring and XSCF firmware operations:
CLI and the browser user interface (BUI) can be used with these ports for server monitoring and operations. (Note 1)
A UPS is connected for backup power control purposes in the event of a power outage. In the M8000/M9000 servers, the UPC interface ports are in the cabinet.
The RCI is the power and system control interface that interconnects I/O units with the server, including processors and expansion file units, and performs such functions as power supply interlock and alarm notification and recognition.
In the M3000/M4000/M5000 servers, there are two types of LEDs: READY LED and CHECK LED.
| Note - (1) In this manual, XSCF CLI functions are called “XSCF Shell,” and XSCF BUI functions are called “XSCF Web”. |
FIGURE 1-1 is an outline drawing of the rear panel of the M3000 server. The XSCF Unit of the M3000 server is not a removable unit but is fixed on the Motherboard unit. The external interface of the XSCF Unit is exposed on a part of rear panel of the server (1 to 10 in FIGURE 1-1).
Of the rear panel of the M3000 server, this section focuses on the external interface which has relevance to XSCF Unit. For details about the other units or interfaces of the rear panel and the mounting location of XSCF Unit, see the SPARC Enterprise M3000 Server Overview Guide and the SPARC Enterprise M3000 Server Service Manual.
FIGURE 1-1 Outline Drawing of the Rear Panel (In the Entry-level Server)
When connecting a peripheral device with an RCI connector to the system, the RCI port is used for interlocking with a power supply and error monitoring.
| Note - To use the RCI function, the server or I/O devices must have a RCI port. |
The USB port (type A) is used to connect a USB device. The port is compatible with USB 1.1. The port can be used by a system administrator or an FE to save and restore the hardware information. For the USB handling, see Section 2.3, Save and Restore XSCF Configuration Information and Chapter 8.
The READY LED lights up in green. When the power supply is turned on, the READY LED blinks. This blinking LED state indicates that the XSCF has been started and is being initialized. When XSCF initialization is completed, the LED stays lit.
The CHECK LED lights up in orange. While the XSCF is operating normally, the LED remains off. If an abnormality occurs in the XSCF Unit, the CHECK LED turns on. The CHECK LED can set to blink using an XSCF Shell command. This can be used to identify the XSCF Unit even if there is no failure. For details on the LED-related commands of the XSCF Shell, see Chapter 5 and the XSCF Reference Manual.
| Note - The Check LED turns on immediately after the server input power is turned on. |
The serial port (RS-232C port) uses an RJ-45 connector. The serial port is used with the XSCF Shell to configure server settings and display the server status. An RS-232C serial cross cable is used in the serial port. The connection between the serial port and a PC requires an RJ-45 / RS-232C conversion cable or a conversion connector. For details on serial port connections, see Chapter 3 and the Installation Guide for your server.
There are two XSCF-LAN ports. Both use an RJ-45 connector and are compatible with 10BASE-T/100BASE-T (TX). The XSCF-LAN ports are used with the XSCF Shell and XSCF Web to perform system administrator operations, output the system status, perform domain operations, and display the console. With a connection between the PC/workstation and LAN, the XSCF-LAN ports are used with the XSCF Shell and XSCF Web by system administrators or FEs to configure the system settings, display the system status, and perform component replacement tasks. For details on using the LAN ports, see Section 1.3, Types of Connection to XSCF and Chapter 3.
Located on each of the XSCF-LAN ports, the Link Speed LED is a LAN LED that lights up in green. The Link Speed LED is turned on when a 100-Mbps LAN connection is established, and it is not turned on when a 10-Mbps LAN connection is established.
Located on each of the XSCF-LAN ports, the ACT LED is a LAN LED that lights up in green. When the communication state is Link up, the ACT LED lights up. When the communication state is Link down, the ACT LED light is off. The ACT LED light is off while data is being sent/received though the associated LAN connection. So, the ACT LED looks as if it is blinking.
There are two UPC ports. These ports are a connection between the XSCF Unit and the UPS. The UPC port is used only when a UPS is connected. For details on the connectors, see the Service Manual for your server.
FIGURE 1-2 is an outline drawing of the XSCF Unit front panel on the M4000/M5000 servers.
The XSCF Unit of the M4000/M5000 servers is a removable unit. In the M4000/M5000 servers, for details on mounting the XSCF Unit, see the SPARC Enterprise M4000/M5000 Servers Service Manual.
FIGURE 1-2 Outline Drawing of the XSCF Unit Front Panel (In the Midrange Servers)
The RCI port, serial port, USB port, XSCF-LAN ports, Link Speed LED, ACT LED, UPC ports, CHECK LED, and READY LED shown in FIGURE 1-2 have the same functions as those of the M3000 server. For descriptions of their functions, see the explanation of FIGURE 1-1.
FIGURE 1-3 includes an outline drawing of the XSCF Unit front panel on the M8000/M9000 servers. For connections between the model and an expansion cabinet, an XSCF Unit as shown at the bottom of FIGURE 1-3 is mounted in the expansion cabinet.
The XSCF Unit of the M8000/M9000 servers is a removable unit. In the M8000/M9000 servers, for details on mounting the XSCF Unit, see the SPARC Enterprise M8000/M9000 Servers Service Manual.
FIGURE 1-3 Outline Drawing of the XSCF Unit Front Panel (In High-End Servers)
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Connector that connects the XSCF Unit for base cabinet with the XSCF Unit for expansion cabinet |
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The Link Speed LED, ACT LED, XSCF-LAN ports, USB port, serial port, RCI port, READY LED, and CHECK LED shown in FIGURE 1-3 have the same functions as those of the M3000 server. For descriptions of their functions, see the explanation of FIGURE 1-1.
The ACTIVE LED lights up in green. If the XSCF Unit is in a redundant configuration, the ACTIVE LED indicates the active XSCF Unit.
The connector for connecting between XSCF Units is used to connect the Base cabinet to an Expansion cabinet on the M9000 server. Field engineers should connect this connector.
This section describes XSCF functions.
XSCF constantly monitors the server status, so the system can operate with stability. If XSCF detects a system abnormality, it collects a hardware log immediately and analyzes it to locate the fault and determine the failure status by using the Fault Management Architecture (FMA). XSCF displays the status and, if necessary, degrades the faulty parts, degrades the faulty domains, or resets the system to prevent another problem from occurring. XSCF thereby maintains high system reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS).
XSCF provides the XSCF Shell and XSCF Web that enable the user to display the server status, operate the system, operate domains, and display the console.
When the input power is turned on or the XSCF is reset, XSCF performs initial diagnostics for the XSCF itself, checks for abnormalities, displays any detected abnormality, and reports it to the user. While the system is operating, the error detection facility of the XSCF continues to monitor itself, and if any errors are detected, it will report them.
XSCF configures the initial hardware settings of the XSCF Unit and initializes hardware as required to start the SolarisTM Operating System (Solaris OS). XSCF also controls the initial system configuration information.
XSCF controls the user accounts for XSCF operations.
The basic types of user account privileges controlled by XSCF are listed below. The server provides the XSCF Shell and XSCF Web, but their privileges depend on the user privilege (type).
For details on the user privileges, see the Administration Guide.
XSCF provides an encryption function using Secure Shell (SSH) or Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and an audit function. Any operation error or unauthorized attempt to access XSCF functionality is recorded in a log. The system administrator can use this information for troubleshooting system errors and unauthorized login attempts.
XSCF has power-on and power-off control of the server. The user can press the POWER switch on the operator panel to turn on or off the whole system, or the user can use XSCF to turn on and off the supply of power to the whole system or individual domains.
The user can power on and off the server by using XSCF as follows:
The user can turn on, turn off, or reset the server by using the XSCF Shell command from a remote terminal, which is connected to XSCF over a LAN or serial connection. When the user instructs power off, the Solaris OS is automatically shut down, and then power will be turned off.
If a system abnormality occurs, the Solaris OS is automatically shut down, and the subsequent power on will not be started. This can minimize damage to the system.
XSCF performs the following operations when a power failure occurs that causes the system to turn off:
XSCF performs emergency power off when the power failure occurs. When a UPS is connected, any running domains may also be shut down automatically. For a momentary power failure, XSCF may allow the system to continue working without any shutting down.
The system can be set up such that XSCF automatically turns on the power to the server, then starts up the domains, relieving the system administrator of extra work.
For details on operation settings for a power failure, see Section 4.4.10, Shutdown Wait Time Administration.
XSCF supports maintenance work with the XSCF Shell during hot-swapping of components. For details on the XSCF Shell, see Chapter 5.
XSCF monitors component information such as the configuration status and the serial numbers of components in the server. If an abnormality is detected in the component configuration, it is displayed and reported to the user. XSCF periodically monitors and displays the temperature inside the server, the ambient temperature, component temperatures, voltage levels, and FAN status.
To use XSCF, you can display the system configuration status, and create and change domain configuration definitions. It also provides domain start and stop functions, mainly for its own use. In the server, the user can configure a domain as a single Physical System Board (PSB) that has CPU, memory, and I/O device, or a PSB logically divided, which are the eXtended System Boards: (XSBs). The user assigns a domain and the Logical System Boards (LSBs) number that can be referenced from the domain to the XSBs for control of the domain configuration. The type of the PSB not logically divided is called Uni-XSB and the type of the PSB logically divided into four is called Quad-XSB.
For details on domain configuration, see the Overview Guide for your server and Chapter 2. Also, for each term, see Glossary.
XSCF supports dynamic system board configuration change operations while the domains are operating. Dynamic reconfiguration (DR) of a domain can be achieved using XSCF. For details on DR, see the Dynamic Reconfiguration User’s Guide.
| Note - In the M3000 server, the DR function is not available. |
XSCF provides a function that displays the OS console of the Solaris OS of each domain. With an SSH (Secure Shell) or telnet connection to XSCF, the user can access the console of any domain in the system. For details on the console, see Chapter 3.
Capacity on Demand is an option to purchase spare processing resources (CPUs) for your server. The spare resources are provided in the form of one or more CPUs on COD boards that are installed on your server. When you need the spare processing resources (CPUs) for the server, XSCF assists the operation to add or delete the resources. For details on COD, see the COD User’s Guide.
| Note - In the M3000 server, the COD function is not available. |
XSCF constantly monitors the system operating status, FAN status, ambient temperature, etc. Using the network function of the cabinet, XSCF accesses the server to provide the following services:
XSCF collects hardware fault information and saves it on the XSCF itself.
The XSCF hardware failure log makes it possible to identify the
location of a failure. The log also provides assistance in anticipating
failures on the server and immediately reports precise information
about failures to the user.
For details on error messages and their contents, see Appendix A and Appendix B . The displayed messages types are as follow:
The web browser and commands can be used to download new firmware (XSCF firmware and OpenBoot
PROM firmware) without stopping the domain and to update firmware
without stopping other domains. For details on updating firmware, see Chapter 8.
TABLE 1-1 shows the major differences related to XSCF, among the models of the M3000/M4000/M5000/M8000/M9000 servers.
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Max 16 (M8000)
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For an overview of the system board and the component, see the Overview Guide and the Service Manual for your server.
This section outlines types of connection to the XSCF.
XSCF enables access to the server over a serial port or from networks connected to XSCF-LAN. FIGURE 1-4 outlines the connections to the XSCF.
FIGURE 1-4 Connections to XSCF (In the Midrange Servers)
The following connections in the XSCF Unit connection configuration shown in FIGURE 1-4 are described below:
The serial port enables workstations, PCs, and ASCII terminals to connect to the XSCF through the serial (RS-232C) port. The user can use the XSCF Shell and access the domain console through the XSCF Shell.
XSCF-LAN Ethernet enables workstations and PCs to connect to the XSCF through the XSCF-LAN port. The following can be used with XSCF-LAN Ethernet:
For details on these XSCF functions, see the following chapters:
The XSCF Unit has two 10/100 Mbps XSCF-LAN two ports. TABLE 1-2 to TABLE 1-4 outlines three XSCF-LAN operation examples.
| Note - The serial port is used by maintenance engineers. |
| Note - The two XSCF-LAN ports are used for the same purpose (alternate path configuration). For details on these connections, see Chapter 3. |
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Caution - IMPORTANT - The IP address of XSCF-LAN#0 and the IP address of XSCF-LAN#1 must be specified in different subnet addresses. |
In the M3000/M4000/M5000/M8000/M9000 servers, the XSCF-LAN paths can be made redundant (duplicated). If a LAN failure occurs, it contributes significantly to reducing system availability. However, in a system equipped with a duplicate LAN, the routes (paths) in the remaining network can be used even if one subnetwork is faulty. In this way, high system availability can be achieved.
FIGURE 1-5 and FIGURE 1-6 show the network, which belongs to one or two different subnets. In FIGURE 1-5 and FIGURE 1-6, the ordinary lines represent subnetwork connections and the thick lines represent network connections.
FIGURE 1-5 shows configurations with a single mounted XSCF Unit: one where the LAN is not redundant, and the other with a redundant LAN.
FIGURE 1-5 XSCF-LAN Redundancy (In Entry-level and Midrange Servers)
In the configuration examples shown in FIGURE 1-6, the XSCF-LANs are redundant and the XSCF Unit is in a redundant configuration.
In the configuration with a single XSCF Unit, XSCF-LAN cannot be used by any XSCF Unit failure even if the XSCF-LANs are redundant (duplicated). If one subnetwork is faulty, the remaining path can be used (FIGURE 1-6-c). If the active XSCF Unit is faulty, XSCF initiates failover (FIGURE 1-6-d). Therefore, high network availability can be achieved.
FIGURE 1-6 Two XSCF-LANs and Two XSCF Units Configuration (In High-End Servers)
For details on LAN configurations and connections, see Chapter 3. For details on specifying IP addresses, see Chapter 2.
The system uses the XSCF Unit clock for the system standard time.
The domains in the server synchronize their times based on the XSCF Unit clock when the domains are started. The XSCF Unit clock can be adjusted to the exact time through a network connection to an external NTP server. In that way, the XSCF Unit becomes the NTP server and an NTP client.
Only domains may specify XSCF as an NTP server.
| Note - Alternatively,
the domains can synchronize their times through a connection to an
external NTP server. However, there is a possibility that time
differences exist between the XSCF and the domain. If you connect the
domain to an external NTP, connect the high rank NTP server that
supplies the time of the same accuracy as the domain as for XSCF.
For details about NTP server setting, see Chapter 2. |
TABLE 1-5 outlines XSCF and domain time synchronization methods.
In the M3000 server, one domain monopolizes the DVD drive unit. In the M4000/M5000 servers, the domain that uses a minimum XSB number of number 0 of the MotherBoard Unit (MBU#0) can use the CD-RW/DVD-RW drive unit and tape drive unit (hereafter collectively called DVD drive/tape drive unit).
In the M8000/M9000 servers, a basic cabinet and an expansion cabinet contain one DVD drive/tape drive unit respectively, and they are assigned to a single operating domain of each cabinet. The DVD drive/tape drive unit can be used by assigning it to a specific card port on the I/O unit. To assign a different port, specify the unit by using the XSCF Shell. For details on this DVD drive/tape drive unit setting, see Chapter 2.
| Note - Do not use the CD_RW/DVD-RW drive unit and the tape drive unit at the same time. |
This section describes the XSCF user interfaces.
1. XSCF Shell (Ethernet Connection):
A set of XSCF Shell commands you can use from a PC or a terminal connected to the XSCF over an XSCF-LAN Ethernet connection using SSH or telnet. Also, you can switch to domain console.
2. XSCF Shell (Serial Connection):
A set of XSCF Shell commands you can use from a PC or terminal directly connected to the XSCF by a serial cable. Also, you can switch to domain console.
A set of browser user interface (BUI) operations you can use from a web browser connected to the XSCF over the XSCF-LAN Ethernet.
SNMP manager commands used to monitor the operation of the server's network functions.
Sends email reports of the system status.
For details about connecting to XSCF consoles, see Chapter 3.
To use these XSCF interfaces, users need to log in to XSCF with an XSCF user account, and then enter a password. When a user successfully logs into XSCF but the user leaves the session without any activity for a specified length of time, XSCF automatically logs the user out. XSCF monitors user operations and keeps a detailed access record containing the names of users who logged in and login times. For details on the user privilege required for control of this access record, see Section 1.4.1, User Accounts and User Privileges.
For details on login, see Chapter 5. For details on authentication and Web functions, see Chapter 9. For details on user account registration and mail function settings, see Chapter 2.
TABLE 1-6 outlines XSCF Functions and Connection Ports.
| Note - Symbols: S: Supported. -- : Not supported. |
The system administrator and field engineers log in to XSCF with XSCF user accounts that allow them to refer to the status of any part of the entire system and work on all parts of the system. Each domain administrator uses an XSCF user account that enables system control of one domain.
For the server, the system administrator must consider both a user account that controls the whole system and a user account that administers each domain. When a user is registered, the user is assigned a privilege that controls the XSCF operations available to that user. This is referred to as the user privilege of the registered user account.
For example, to set up a domain administrator, the user privilege for the domain is specified. Moreover, you can provide system monitoring privileges, for instance, without system operation privileges. You can also limit privileges to specific domains.
TABLE 1-7 lists user privilege names and outlines the user privileges.
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Power supply operations and reference of the status of only one domain_n |
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For details on user privileges, see the Administration Guide. For details on setting up user accounts and setting user privileges, see Section 2.2.2, User Account Administration.
| Sun SPARC Enterprise M3000/M4000/M5000/M8000/M9000 Servers XSCF User’s Guide | 819-6202-16 |
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