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2.11.2 Service processor extender
The SP extender unit offers two system power control network (SPCN) ports that are used to
control the power of the attached I/O subsystems. The SPCN control software and the service
processor software are run on the same PPC405 processor.
2.12 Boot process
From the earlier RS/6000 systems, through the previous pSeries systems, the boot process
passed through several enhancements. With the implementation of the POWER5 chip
technology in the pSeries platform, the boot process is enhanced for the flexibility that the
POWER5 processor-based hardware features. Depending on the customer configuration, a
system may or may not require the use of an HMC to manage the system. The boot process,
based on the Initial Program Load (IPL) setup, will depend on the hardware setup and on the
way we will use the features that POWER5 processor-based systems provide.
The IPL process starts when power is connected to the system. Immediately after, the SP
starts an internal self test based on integrated diagnostic programs (Built-In-Self-Test, BIST).
Only if all the test units have been successfully passed, the system status changes to
standby.
2.12.1 IPL flow without an HMC attached to the system
When the system status is standby, the SP provides a System Management Interface (SMI)
that can be accessed by pressing any key on an attached serial console keyboard, or the
Advanced System Management Interface (ASMI) using a Web browser
that is connected to the SP on an Ethernet network.
The SP and the ASMI are standard on all POWER5 processor-based hardware. Both system
management interfaces require you to enter the general or admin ID password and allow you
to set flags that affect the operation of the system, according to the provided password, such
as auto power restart, to view information about the system (such as the error log and VPD),
network environment access setup, and to control the system power.
You can start and shut down the system in addition to setting IPL options. This server has a
permanent firmware boot side, or A side, and a temporary firmware boot side, or B side. New
levels of firmware should be installed on the temporary side first in order to test the update's
compatibility with your applications. When the new level of firmware has been approved, it
can be copied to the permanent side.
In the SMI and ASMI, you can view and change the following IPL settings:
System boot speed.
Fast or Slow. Fast boot results in skipped diagnostic tests and shorter memory tests
during the boot.
Firmware boot side for next boot.
Permanent or Temporary. Firmware updates should be tested by booting from the
temporary side before being copied into the permanent side.
System operating mode.
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Chapter 2. Architecture and technical overview
on a client system
37
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