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IBM System p5 550 Technical Overview And Introduction
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IBM System p5 550 Technical Overview And Introduction

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IBM System p5 550 and 550Q
Technical Overview and Introduction
Finer system granulation using
Micro-Partitioning technology to help lower TCO
Outstanding performance based on
POWER5+ processor technology
From Web servers to
integrated cluster solutions
ibm.com/redbooks
Front cover
Redpaper
Giuliano Anselmi
Charlie Cler
Carlo Costantini
Bernard Filhol
SahngShin Kim
Gregor Linzmeier
Ondrej Plachy

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Summary of Contents for IBM System p5 550

  • Page 1 Front cover IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction Finer system granulation using Micro-Partitioning technology to help lower TCO Outstanding performance based on POWER5+ processor technology From Web servers to integrated cluster solutions Giuliano Anselmi Charlie Cler...
  • Page 3 International Technical Support Organization IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction September 2006...
  • Page 4 Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, read the information in “Notices” on page vii. Second Edition (September 2006) This edition applies to the IBM System p5 550Q and 550 (product number 9133-55A), Linux, and AIX 5L Version 5.3, product number 5765-G03. © Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2006. All rights reserved.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    1.5.1 IBM 7014 Model T00 Rack ........
  • Page 6 2.9.2 IBM System Storage N3000 and N5000 ....... . 47...
  • Page 7 3.2.4 IBM System p5 firmware maintenance ....... . . 87...
  • Page 8 IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 9: Notices

    IBM representative for information on the products and services currently available in your area. Any reference to an IBM product, program, or service is not intended to state or imply that only that IBM product, program, or service may be used. Any functionally equivalent product, program, or service that does not infringe any IBM intellectual property right may be used instead.

  • Page 10: Trademarks

    Linux is a trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries, or both. Other company, product, or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others. viii IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 11: Preface

    RS/6000® and pSeries systems with his in-depth knowledge of the related hardware and solutions. Charlie Cler is a Certified IT Specialist for IBM and has over 21 years of experience with IBM. He currently works in the United States as a presales Systems Architect representing IBM Systems and Technology Group product offerings.

  • Page 12: Become A Published Author

    SahngShin Kim is a sales specialist of STG infra-solution sales team in Seoul, Korea. For three years he was a sales specialist of IBM eServer pSeries and for two years of grid computing and one year for infra-solutions. SahngShin has worked for IBM for six years, devoting himself to RS/6000 and pSeries systems and STG server products and the architecture of those products.

  • Page 13: Comments Welcome

    Use the online Contact us review redbook form found at: ibm.com/redbooks Send your comments in an e-mail to: redbook@us.ibm.com Mail your comments to: IBM Corporation, International Technical Support Organization Dept. HYTD Mail Station P099 2455 South Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-5400 Preface...
  • Page 14 IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 15: Chapter 1. General Description

    General description Chapter 1. The IBM System p5 550 and 550Q (9133-55A) deskside and rack-mount servers are designed for greater application flexibility, with innovative technology, to capitalize on the on demand revolution at the entry-level or server environments. To simplify naming, both...
  • Page 16 (RAS) features that include a dual service processor, fault isolation, recovery from errors without stopping the system, avoidance of recurring failures, and predictive failure analysis. IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 17: System Specifications

    To order a p5-550 or p5-550Q system as a deskside version, FC 7191, IBM Deskside Cover Set, is required. The system is designed to be set up by the client and, in most cases, does not require the use of any tools.

  • Page 18: Rack-Mount Model

    Figure 1-1 IBM System p5 550 or 550Q deskside model (FC 7191) 1.2.2 Rack-mount model IBM System p5 550 or 550Q is available as a 4U rack-mount model when ordered with FC 7192. Figure 1-2 on page 5 shows the system, and Table 1-3 provides a list of physical attributes.

  • Page 19: Minimum And Optional Features

    1.3 Minimum and optional features IBM System p5 550 and 550Q systems are based on a flexible, modular design based on POWER5+ processors. The server is available in 2-core, 4-core, and 8-core configurations...

  • Page 20: Power Supplies Features

    1.3.2 Processor card features The p5-550 and p5-550Q systems feature 64-bit, copper-based, POWER5+ microprocessors and can be configured with up to two 2-core processor cards running at 1.65 GHz, 1.9 GHz, IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...
  • Page 21 or 2.1 GHz (DCM card) or up to two 4-core processor cards running at 1.5 GHz or 1.65 GHz (QCM card). All installed CPU cores have to be activated, 2-core cards share 1.9 MB of L2 on chip cache and 36 MB of L3 cache; 4-core cards are populated with two two-core chips with 2 x 1.9 MB of L2 cache and 2 x 36 MB of L3 cache.

  • Page 22: Memory Features

    Note that an amount of memory is always in use by the Hypervisor, even when the machine is not partitioned. The IBM System Planning tool can be used to calculate the amount of available memory for an operating system based on machine configuration: http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/iseries/lpar/systemdesign.html...

  • Page 23: Usb Diskette Drive

    Internal 4 mm 36/72 GB LVD tape drive, FC 1991 IBM 80/160 GB internal tape drive VXA, FC 1992 IBM 160/320 GB internal tape drive with VXA-3 technology, FC 1892 IBM 200/400 GB LTO2 tape drive, FC 1997 Devices installed in the media bays must be assigned as a group to a single LPAR on a partitioned system.
  • Page 24 Reserved ports Rack indicator Figure 1-3 7311-D20 I/O drawer Note: The 7311 Model D20 I/O drawer is designed to be installed by an IBM service representative. Only the 7311 Model D20 I/O drawer is supported on a p5-550 or p5-550Q system.

  • Page 25: Hardware Management Console (Hmc) Models

    Table 1-12 Available HMCs Type-model Description 7310-C05 IBM 7310-C04 Deskside Hardware Management Console 7310-CR3 IBM 7310-CR3 Rack-Mount Hardware Management Console Systems require Ethernet connectivity between the HMC and one of the Ethernet ports of the service processor. Ensure that sufficient Ethernet adapters are available to enable public and private networks if you need both.

  • Page 26: Express Product Offerings

    There must be at least 2 GB of memory installed for each active processor. If you order a System p5 550 or 550Q server Express Product Offering as defined here, you might qualify for a processor activation at no extra charge. The number of processors, total memory, quantity or size of disk, and presence of a media device are the only features that determine if you are entitled to a processor entitlement at no additional charge.

  • Page 27: System Racks

    IBM System p rack-mount servers. The racks provide increased capacity, greater flexibility, and improved floor space utilization. If a System p5 server is to be installed in a non-IBM rack or cabinet, you must ensure that the rack conforms to the EIA standard EIA-310-D (see 1.5.9, “OEM rack”...

  • Page 28: Ibm 7014 Model T00 Rack

    1.5.1 IBM 7014 Model T00 Rack The 1.8-meter (71-inch) Model T00 is compatible with past and present IBM System p servers. It is a 19-inch rack and is designed for use in all situations that have used the earlier rack models R00 and S00 previously.

  • Page 29: Ibm 7014 Model T42 Rack

    1.5.2 IBM 7014 Model T42 Rack The 2.0-meter (79.3-inch) Model T42 addresses the client requirement for a tall enclosure to house the maximum amount of equipment in the smallest possible floor space. The features that differ in the Model T42 rack from the Model T00 include: 42 EIA units (42U) of usable space (6U of additional space).

  • Page 30: Ibm 7014 Model S25 Rack

    The client’s request is reviewed by eConfig for safe handling by checking the weight distribution within the rack. The manufacturing plant provides the final approval for the configuration. This information is then used by IBM Manufacturing to assemble the system components (drawers) in the rack according to the client’s request.

  • Page 31: The Ac Power Distribution Unit And Rack Content

    The S11 and S25 racks support as many PDUs as there is available rack space. For detailed power cord requirements and power cord feature codes, see the publication IBM System p5, IBM eServer p5 and i5, and OpenPower Planning, SA38-0508. For an online copy, select Map of pSeries books to the information center →...

  • Page 32: Rack-Mounting Rules For The P5-550 Or P5-550Q

    Before placing a p5-550 or p5-550Q into the service position, it is essential that the rack manufacturer’s safety instructions have been followed regarding rack stability. IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 33: Additional Options For Rack

    The IBM 7212 Model 103 is designed to provide efficient and convenient storage expansion capabilities for selected IBM System p servers. The IBM 7212 Model 103 is a 1U rack-mountable option to be installed in a standard 19-inch rack using an optional rack-mount hardware feature kit.
  • Page 34 Flat panel display options The IBM 7316-TF3 Flat Panel Console Kit can be installed in the system rack. This 1U console uses a 17-inch thin film transistor (TFT) LCD with a viewable area of 337.9 mm x 270.03 mm and a 1280 x 1024 pels resolution.
  • Page 35 1024 at 75Hz. The LCM2 switch can be tiered, and three levels of tiering are supported. A minimum of one LCM feature (FC 4268) or USB feature (FC 4269) is required with an IBM Local 2x8 Console Manager (LCM2) switch (FC 4279). Each feature can support up to four systems.

  • Page 36: Oem Rack

    EIA-310-D standard for 19-inch racks. This standard is published by the Electrical Industries Alliance, and a summary of this standard is available in the publication IBM System p5, IBM eServer p5 and i5, and OpenPower Planning, SA38-0508. The key points mentioned in this documentation are as follows: The front rack opening must be 451 mm wide + 0.75 mm (17.75 in.
  • Page 37 Figure 1-6 Rack specification dimensions, top front view Figure 1-7 Rack specification dimensions, bottom front view It might be necessary to supply additional hardware, such as fasteners, for use in some manufacturer’s racks. The system rack or cabinet must be capable of supporting an average load of 15.9 kg (35 lb.) of product weight per EIA unit.
  • Page 38 IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 39: Chapter 2. Architecture And Technical Overview

    2x8 B 2x8 B Tape drive @528 MHz @528 MHz P4-D1 4 pack disk drive backplane 4 pack disk drive backplane Figure 2-1 The IBM System p5 550 architecture with 2.1 GHz DCM © Copyright IBM Corp. 2006. All rights reserved.

  • Page 40: The Power5+ Processor

    2.1 The POWER5+ processor The POWER5+ processor capitalizes on all the enhancements brought by the POWER5 processors. For a detailed description of the POWER5 processor, refer to IBM Eserver p5 550 Technical Overview and Introduction, REDP-9113. Figure 2-2 shows a high-level view of the POWER5+ processor.

  • Page 41: Processor And Cache

    Double the SMP support. Changes have been made in the fabric, L2 and L3 controller, memory controller, GX+ controller, and chip RAS to provide support for the QCM (quad-core module) that allows the SMP system sizes to be double than is available in POWER5 DCM-based servers.

  • Page 42: P5-550 Power5+ Dual-Core Module

    DCM. The POWER5+ dual-core chip and its associated L3 cache chip are packaged in the DCM. Figure 2-5 on page 29 shows a layout view of p5-550 DCM and associated memory. IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 43: Available Processor Speeds

    DIMM DIMM DIMM DIMM Ctrl Ctrl DIMM DIMM POWER5+ POWER5+ POWER5+ POWER5+ POWER5+ POWER5+ core core core core core core 2.1 GHz 2.1 GHz 2.1 GHz 2.1 GHz 2.1 GHz 2.1 GHz DIMM DIMM 2 x 8 B 2 x 8 B 2x16B 2x16B @528 MHz...

  • Page 44: Memory Subsystem

    DIMM CX JXX “Ax” DIMM CX JXX “Ax” DIMM CX JXX “Ax” DIMM CX JXX “Ax” DIMM CX JXX “Ax” DIMM CX JXX “Ax” Figure 2-6 Memory placement for the DCM or QCM IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 45: Memory Placement Rules

    OEM memory, you could experience unexpected and unpredictable behavior, especially when the system is using Micro-Partitioning technology. All IBM memory is identified by an IBM logo and a white label that is printed with a barcode and an alphanumeric string, as illustrated in Figure 2-7.

  • Page 46: Memory Throughput

    RIO-2 ports. When the second Remote I/O expansion card is present, the GX+ bus, routed to the external RIO-2 ports of the second Remote I/O expansion card, is activated if the second processor slot is populated. IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...
  • Page 47 Table 2-3 provides a summary of the cumulative throughput rates for memory, cache, and I/O for the p5-550 and p5-550Q. Table 2-3 Memory, processor cache, and I/O throughput Processor Core Memory L2 to L3 speed (GHz) (GBps) (GBps) (GBps) System p5 550 Express (9133-55A) 1.65 21.1 26.4 1.65 42.2 52.8 21.1 30.4 5.06 42.2 60.8...

  • Page 48: Internal I/O Subsystem

    2.6 64-bit and 32-bit adapters IBM offers 64-bit adapter options for the p5-550 or p5-550Q, as well as 32-bit adapters. Higher-speed adapters use 64-bit slots because they can transfer 64 bits of data for each data transfer phase. Generally, 32-bit adapters can function in 64-bit PCI-X slots; however, some 64-bit adapters cannot be used in 32-bit slots.

  • Page 49: Lan Adapters

    10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet controller that is integrated on the system planar. Table 2-4 lists the additional LAN adapters that are available for an initial system order at the time of writing. IBM supports an installation with NIM using Ethernet and token-ring adapters (CHRP is the platform type).

  • Page 50: Integrated Raid Options

    The iSCSI protocol is implemented on top of the physical and data-link layers and presents to the operating system standard SCSI Access Method command set. It supports SCSI-3 commands and reliable delivery over IP networks. The iSCSI protocol runs on the host IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...
  • Page 51 It can either be optimized in hardware for better performance on an iSCSI host bus adapter (such as FC 1986 and FC 1987 supported in IBM System p5 servers) or run in software over a standard Gigabit Ethernet network interface card.

  • Page 52: Fibre Channel Adapters

    IBM System Storage N series The combination of System p5 and IBM System Storage™ N Series as the first of a whole new generation of iSCSI enabled storage products provide an end-to-end set of solutions.

  • Page 53: Infiniband Host Channel Adapters

    However, if you have a cluster configuration or high-availability configuration and plan to connect the IBM System p5 servers using a serial connection, you cannot use the two default system ports. You should use one of the adapters listed in Table 2-8.

  • Page 54: Pci-X Cryptographic Coprocessor

    2.6.8, “Asynchronous PCI-X adapters” on page 39. The list of all the supported PCI-X adapters, with the related support for additional external devices, is more extended. If you would like to use owned PCI-X adapters, contact your IBM service representative to verify whether those adapters are supported.

  • Page 55: Internal Storage

    Description 1892 VXA-320 160/320 GB internal tape drive 1991 36/72 GB 4 mm internal tape drive 1992 IBM 80/160 GB internal tape drive with VXA technology 1993 4.7 GB IDE slimline DVD-RAM drive 1994 IDE slimline DVD-ROM drive 1997 200/400 GB half height Ultrium 2 tape drive...

  • Page 56: Internal Hot-Swappable Scsi Disks

    Hot-swappable disks and Linux Hot-swappable disk drives on IBM System p5 systems are supported with SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 for POWER, or later, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS for POWER Version 3, or later.

  • Page 57: External I/O Subsystem

    64-bit PCI-X buses running at 133 MHz. Therefore, a maximum bandwidth of 1 GBps is provided by each of the buses. To avoid overloading an I/O drawer, you should follow the recommendation in the IBM System p5 Hardware Information Center at: http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/eserver/v1r3s/index.jsp Figure 2-9 shows a conceptual diagram of the 7311 Model D20 I/O drawer subsystem.

  • Page 58: 7311 I/O Drawer Rio-2 Cabling

    4 GBps. Figure 2-11 on page 45 shows how you could connect logically height I/O drawers to one p5-550 or p5-550Q system. Actual cables should be routed according to installation instructions. IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...
  • Page 59 PCI-X slots PCI-X slots FC 1806 FC 1806 FC 1806 FC 1806 I/O drawer #1 I/O drawer #1 I/O drawer #1 I/O drawer #1 I/O drawer #2 I/O drawer #2 I/O drawer #2 I/O drawer #2 I/O drawer #3 I/O drawer #3 I/O drawer #3 I/O drawer #3 I/O drawer #4...

  • Page 60: 7311 Model D20 I/O Drawer Spcn Cabling

    The p5-550 or p5-550Q has internal hot-swappable drives. When the AIX 5L operating system is installed in an IBM System p5 server, the internal disks are usually used for the AIX 5L rootvg volume group and paging space. Specific client requirements can be satisfied with the several external disk possibilities that the p5-550 or p5-550Q supports.

  • Page 61: Ibm Totalstorage Exp24 Expandable Storage

    4 GB switched interfaces. In most cases, both the IBM TotalStorage DS4000 family and the IBM System p5 servers are connected to a storage area network (SAN). If only space for the rootvg is needed, the Model DS4100 is a good solution.

  • Page 62: Logical Partitioning

    With the introduction of the POWER5 processor, partitioning technology moved from a dedicated resource allocation model to a virtualized shared resource model. This section briefly discusses the key components of virtualization on IBM System p servers. For more information about virtualization, see the following Web site: http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/about/virtualization/systems/pseries.html...

  • Page 63: Power Hypervisor

    Number of physical and virtual I/O devices used by the logical partitions Maximum memory values given to the logical partitions Note: Use the IBM System Tool to estimate the memory requirements of the POWER Hypervisor. In AIX 5L V5.3, the lparstat command using the -h and -H flags displays the POWER Hypervisor statistical data.
  • Page 64 Hypervisor calls to operate on them. Virtual TTY does not require the purchase of any additional features or software, such as the Advanced POWER Virtualization feature. Maximum transmission unit IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 65: Advanced Power Virtualization Feature

    2.12 Advanced POWER Virtualization feature The Advanced POWER Virtualization feature (FC 7941) is an optional, additional cost feature. This feature enables the implementation of more fine-grained virtual partitions on IBM System p5 servers. The Advanced POWER Virtualization feature includes: Firmware enablement for Micro-Partitioning technology.

  • Page 66: Logical, Virtual, And Physical Processor Mapping

    Management (included with Virtual I/O Server software version 1.2 or later). There is only one pool of shared processors at the time of the writing of this IBM Redbook and all shared partitions are dispatched by Hypervisor within this pool. Dedicated partitions and Micro-partitions can coexist on the same POWER5+ processor-based server as long as enough processors are available.
  • Page 67 Some additional information related to the virtual processors: There is one-to-one mapping of running virtual processors to physical processors at any given time. No more virtual processors can be active at any given time than the total number of physical processors in a shared processor pool. A virtual processor can be either running (dispatched) on a physical processor or on standby and waiting for a physical processor to became available.

  • Page 68: Virtual I/O Server

    Figure 2-14 shows an organization view of a micro-partitioned system that includes the Virtual I/O Server. The figure also includes virtual SCSI and Ethernet connections and mixed operating system partitions. IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...
  • Page 69 POWER5 Partitioning Network 2 CPUs 2 CPUs 3 CPUs 3 CPUs 6 CPUs Micro-Partitioning Virtual I/O Server Linux Virtual Virtual v5.2 v5.3 External SCSI adapter storage Virtual Ethernet POWER Hypervisor Storage Network Sto Net Sto Net Sto Net Figure 2-14 Micro-Partitioning technology and VIOS Because the Virtual I/O Server is an operating system-based appliance server, redundancy for physical devices attached to the Virtual I/O Server can be provided by using capabilities, such as Multipath I/O and IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation.
  • Page 70 All current storage device types, such as SAN, SCSI, and RAID, are supported; SSA and iSCSI are not supported at the time of writing. For more information about the specific storage devices supported, see: http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/vios/home.html IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 71: Partition Load Manager

    Important: Mirrored Logical Volumes (LVs) on the Virtual I/O Server level are not recommended as backing devices. If mirroring is required, two independent devices (possibly from two separate VIO servers) should be assigned to the client partition and the client partition should define a mirror on top of them. Virtual I/O Server Version 1.3 Virtual I/O Server Version 1.3 brings a host of new enhancements, including improved monitoring, such as additional topas and viostat performance metrics, and the bundling of...

  • Page 72: Integrated Virtualization Manager

    2.12.5 Integrated Virtualization Manager In order to ease virtualization technology adoption in any IBM System p5 environment, IBM has developed Integrated Virtualization Manager (IVM), a simplified hardware management solution that inherits some HMC features, thus avoiding the necessity of a dedicated control workstation.
  • Page 73 Service Agent (see 3.2.3, “Service Agent” on page 85) for reporting HW errors to IBM is not available on IVM. IVM cannot be used by HACMP software to activate CoD resources on machines that support CoD. Despite those considerations, IVM provides advanced virtualization functionality without the need for an extra-cost workstation.

  • Page 74: Hardware Management Console

    61 shows a simple network configuration to enable the connection from HMC to server and to enable dynamic LPAR operations. For more details about HMC and the possible network connections, refer to: http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/redp3999.html IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...
  • Page 75 Management LAN eth0 eth0 eth0 eth0 eth1 eth0 HMC 1 Service Processor HMC 2 p5 System Figure 2-16 HMC to service processor and LPARs network connection The default mechanism for the allocation of the IP addresses for the service processor HMC ports is dynamic.

  • Page 76: High Availability Using The Hmc

    The IBM System Planning Tool (SPT) is the next generation of the IBM LPAR Validation Tool (LVT). It contains all of the functions from the LVT and is integrated with the IBM Systems Workload Estimator (WLE). System plans generated by the SPT can be deployed on the system by the Hardware Management Console (HMC).

  • Page 77: Operating System Support

    Performance estimates that anticipates future workloads that you must support Sample systems that you can customize to fit your needs Integration between the SPT and both the Workload Estimator (WLE) and IBM Performance Management (PM) allows you to create a system that is based upon performance and capacity data from an existing system or that is based on new workloads that you specify.

  • Page 78: Aix 5L

    Note: The Advanced POWER Virtualization feature (FC 7941) is not supported on AIX 5L V5.2. It requires AIX 5L V5.3. IBM periodically releases maintenance packages for the AIX 5L operating system. These packages are available on CD-ROM, or you can download them from the Internet at: http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/unixservers/aixfixes.html...

  • Page 79: Linux

    SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 for IBM POWER Service Pack 3 or later Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 4 for IBM POWER Service Update 2 or later Note: Not all p5-550 or p5-550Q features that are available on AIX 5L are available on Linux.

  • Page 80: Service Information

    This section provides some additional service-related information. 2.15.1 Touch point colors Blue (IBM blue) or terra-cotta (orange) on a component indicates a touch point (for electronic parts) where you can grip the hardware to remove it from or install it into the system, open or close a latch, and so on.

  • Page 81: Securing A Rack-Mounted System Into A Rack

    2.15.2 Securing a rack-mounted system into a rack optional rack-mount drawer rail kit is a unique kit designed for use with the p5-550 or p5-550Q rack-mounted model. No tools are required to install the p5-550, p5-550Q, or drawer rails into the system rack. The kit has a modular design that can be adapted to accommodate various rack depth specifications.

  • Page 82: Cable-Management Arm

    Caution: This unit weighs approximately 44.7 kg (98.5 lb.). Ensure that you can safely support this weight when removing the server unit from the system rack. The IBM Systems Hardware Information Center is available for more information or to view available video-clips that describe several of the maintenance repair-action procedures.
  • Page 83 Primary control panel functions The primary control panel functions are defined as functions 01 to 20, including options to view and manipulate IPL modes, server operating modes, IPL speed, and IPL type. The primary functions are: Function 01: Display selected IPL type, system operating mode, and IPL speed Function 02: Select IPL type, IPL speed override, and system operating mode Function 03: Start IPL Function 04: Lamp Test...

  • Page 84: System Firmware

    HMC, or by using functions specific to your operating system. See 3.2.4, “IBM System p5 firmware maintenance” on page 87 for a detailed description of IBM System p5 firmware.
  • Page 85 5. Verify that the fix installed successfully. For a detailed description of each task, select Customer service, support, and troubleshooting → Fixes and upgrades → Getting fixes and upgrades from the IBM Systems Hardware Information Center Web site at: http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/eserver/v1r3s/index.jsp?lang=en Receive server firmware fixes without an HMC Periodically, you need to install fixes for your server firmware.

  • Page 86: Service Processor

    • Service processor Eth1 or HMC2 port is configured as 192.168.3.147 with netmask 255.255.255.0. For information about the major functions of the service processor, see 3.2.1, “Service processor” on page 83. IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 87: Hardware Management User Interfaces

    HMC managed. The service processor and the ASMI are standard on all IBM System p servers. You might be able to use the service processor's default settings. In that case, accessing the ASMI is not necessary.
  • Page 88 IP address. The Hardware Management Console is a system that controls managed systems, including IBM System p5 hardware, logical partitions, and Capacity on Demand. To provide flexibility and availability, there are different ways to implement HMCs, including a local HMC, remote HMC, redundant HMC, and the Web-based System Manager Remote Client.
  • Page 89 The remote HMC and the Web-based System Manager Remote Client allow you the flexibility to access your managed systems (including HMCs) from multiple locations using multiple HMCs. For more detailed information about the use of the HMC, refer to the IBM Systems Hardware Information Center. Open Firmware A System p5 server has one instance of Open Firmware both when in the partitioned environment and when running as a full system partition.
  • Page 90 IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 91: Chapter 3. Ras And Manageability

    This chapter provides more detailed information about IBM System p5 design features that help lower the total cost of ownership (TCO). IBM reliability, availability, and service (RAS) technology allows you to improve your TCO architecture by reducing unplanned down time.

  • Page 92: Reliability, Availability, And Serviceability

    3.1 Reliability, availability, and serviceability Excellent quality and reliability are inherent in all aspects of the IBM System p processor design and manufacturing. The fundamental objective of the design approach is to minimize outages. The RAS features help to ensure that the system operates when required, performs reliably, and efficiently handles any failures that might occur.

  • Page 93: Permanent Monitoring

    Error Checkers Fault Isolation Register (FIR) (unique fingerprint of each error captured) L1 Cache Service L2/L3 Cache Processor Log Error Non-volatile Memory Disk Figure 3-1 Schematic of Fault Isolation Register implementation The FIRs are important because they enable an error to be uniquely identified, thus enabling the appropriate action to be taken.

  • Page 94: Self-Healing

    ECC logic. This function is a hardware function on the memory controller chip and does not influence normal system memory performance. IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 95: N+1 Redundancy

    3.1.5 N+1 redundancy The use of redundant parts allows the p5-550 and p5-550Q to remain operational with full resources: Redundant spare memory bits in L1, L2, L3, and main memory Redundant fans Redundant power supplies (optional) Note: With this optional feature, every deskside or rack-mount p5-550 or p5-550Q requires two power cords, which are not included in the base order.

  • Page 96: Serviceability

    The p5-550 and p5-550Q are designed for client setup of the machine and for the subsequent addition of most hardware features. The p5-550 and p5-550Q also allow clients to replace service parts (Client Replaceable Unit). To accomplish this, the p5-550 or p5-550Q provide IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 97: Manageability

    – This concurrent maintenance task requires HMC guided support. 3.2 Manageability This section describes the functions and tools that are provided for IBM System p5 servers to ease management. 3.2.1 Service processor The service processor (SP) is always working. CEC can be in the following states:...

  • Page 98: Partition Diagnostics

    Note: The IBM System p5 service processor enables the analysis of a system that will not boot. It can be performed either from an ASMI, HMC, or ASCI console (depending on the presence of an HMC).

  • Page 99: Service Agent

    Service Agent is an application program that operates on an IBM System p computer and monitors it for hardware errors. It reports detected errors, assuming they meet certain criteria for severity, to IBM for service with no client intervention. It is an enhanced version of Service Director™ with a graphical user interface.
  • Page 100 Service Agent can be configured to connect to IBM either using a modem or a network connection. In any case, the communication is encrypted and strong authentication is used. Service Agent sends outbound transmissions only and does not allow any inbound connection attempts.

  • Page 101: Ibm System P5 Firmware Maintenance

    You can configure the HMC to use the Service Agent call-home feature to send IBM event information. Service Focal Point is also available in Integrated Virtualization Manager. It allows you to manage serviceable events, create serviceable events, manage dumps, and collect vital product data (VPD), but no reporting via Service Agent is possible.

  • Page 102: Cluster Solution

    For hardware control, an HMC is required. One HMC can also control several IBM System p5 servers that are part of the cluster. If a p5-550 or p5-550Q that is configured in partition mode (with physical or virtual resources) is part of the cluster, all partitions must be part of the cluster.
  • Page 103 CSM client side is automatically installed and ready when you install AIX, so each system or logical partition is cluster-ready. The CSM V1.4 on AIX 5L and Linux introduces an optional IBM CSM High Availability Management Server (HA MS) feature, which is designed to allow automated failover of the CSM management server to a backup management server.
  • Page 104 IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 105: Related Publications

    IBM eServer Hardware Management Console for pSeries Installation and Operations Guide, SA38-0590, provides information to operators and system administrators on how to use a IBM Hardware Management Console for pSeries (HMC) to manage a system. It also discusses the issues associated with logical partitioning planning and implementation.

  • Page 106: Online Resources

    IBM microcode downloads http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/gjsn Support for IBM System p servers http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/unixservers/index.html Technical help database for AIX 5L http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/srchBroker/views/srchBroker.jsp?rs=11 IBMlink http://www.ibmlink.ibm.com Linux for IBM System p5 http://www.ibm.com/systems/p/linux/ Microcode Discovery Service http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/mds/fetch?page=mds.html IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...

  • Page 107: How To Get Ibm Redbooks

    How to get IBM Redbooks You can search for, view, or download Redbooks, Redpapers, Hints and Tips, draft publications and Additional materials, as well as order hardcopy Redbooks or CD-ROMs, at this Web site: ibm.com/redbooks Help from IBM IBM Support and downloads ibm.com/support...
  • Page 108 IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Technical Overview and Introduction...
  • Page 110 ® IBM System p5 550 and 550Q Redpaper Technical Overview and Introduction Finer system This IBM Redpaper is a comprehensive guide that covers the IBM INTERNATIONAL System p5 550 and 550Q UNIX servers. It introduces major granulation using TECHNICAL hardware offerings and discusses their prominent functions.

This manual is also suitable for:

System p5 550q

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