Flexnode Partitioning; Single Partition Considerations - Lenovo Flex System x280 X6 Compute Node Installation And Service Manual

– One partition containing two compute nodes and two partitions each
containing one compute node
v Stand-alone mode: The compute nodes operate independently within a
multi-node complex. Each compute node uses its own UEFI settings.
To partition a multi-node complex, use the IMM2 Web interface (see "Partitioning a
multi-node complex" on page 25 for more information).

FlexNode partitioning

This topic provides information about FlexNode partitioning.
With FlexNode partitioning, you can toggle between a single partition or multiple
partitions without having to modify the physical setup of the compute nodes. To
toggle between partitions, use the IMM2 Web interface.

Single partition considerations

The following considerations apply to compute nodes in a multi-node complex that
operate as a single-hardware partition:
v The single partition uses the UEFI settings (set through the Setup utility) defined
for the primary compute node.
v If you update firmware using UpdateXpress System Packs (UXSP), when you
upgrade the firmware for the compute nodes operating as a single partition, you
only have to upgrade the primary compute node. The firmware on the
secondary compute nodes is automatically updated.
v The primary compute node has access to the hard disk drives and SSDs on the
secondary compute nodes.
v Use the UEFI multi-node drive sharing setting to combine the drives on the
primary compute node with the drives on the secondary compute nodes to form
a single RAID array. RAID arrays can be formed only using the drives in
individual compute nodes.
v The primary compute node has access to any I/O expansion adapters that are
installed in the secondary compute nodes. However, the I/O expansion adapters
in the secondary compute nodes cannot be used for a Serial Over LAN
connection.
v When you press the power-control button on any compute node in a single
partition (controlled by one operating system), all compute nodes in the single
partition will be turned on or turned off.
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Chapter 1. Introduction