Reliability, Availability, And Serviceability - IBM 8837 - eServer xSeries 336 User Manual

v Integrated network support
v Large data-storage capacity and hot-swap capability
v Light path diagnostics
v Redundant connection
v Redundant cooling and optional power capabilities
v ServeRAID
v Symmetric multiprocessing (SMP)
v Systems-management capabilities

Reliability, availability, and serviceability

Three important computer design features are reliability, availability, and
serviceability (RAS). The RAS features help to ensure the integrity of the data that
is stored in the server, the availability of the server when you need it, and the ease
with which you can diagnose and correct problems.
Your server has the following RAS features:
v Automatic error retry and recovery
The server comes with an integrated Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet controller, which
supports connection to a 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps, or 1000-Mbps network. For more
information, see "Configuring the Gigabit Ethernet controller" on page 23.
The server supports up to four 2.5-inch or two 25.4-mm (1-inch) slim-high, 3.5
inch SCSI hot-swap hard disk drives in the hot-swap bays. With the hot-swap
feature, you can add, remove, or replace hard disk drives without turning off the
server.
This server also supports two 25.4-mm (1-inch) slim-high, 3.5-inch SATA simple
swap hard disk drives.
Light path diagnostics provides LEDs to help you diagnose problems. For more
information, see the section about light path diagnostics in the Installation Guide.
The addition of an optional network interface card (NIC) provides failover
capability to a redundant Ethernet connection. If a problem occurs with the
primary Ethernet connection, all Ethernet traffic that is associated with the
primary connection is automatically switched to the redundant NIC. If the
applicable device drivers are installed, this switching occurs without data loss and
without user intervention.
The redundant cooling of the fans in the server enables continued operation if
one of the fans fails. The server comes with one 585-watt hot-swap power
supply. You can order a second optional power supply, which provides redundant
power for many server configurations.
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support
The server supports ServeRAID adapters to create redundant array of
independent disks (RAID) configurations.
The server supports up to two Intel microprocessors. If the server comes with
only one microprocessor, you can install an additional microprocessor to enhance
performance and provide SMP capability.
The server comes with a baseboard management controller (BMC) installed.
When used with the systems-management software that comes with the server,
you can manage the functions of the server locally and remotely. The BMC also
provides system monitoring, event recording, and dial-out alert capability.
The optional Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine can be used to obtain
enhanced system management capabilities, above those of the embedded BMC.
The Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine, when installed, has a dedicated
Ethernet connection at the rear of the server.
Chapter 1. Introducing the xSeries 336 Type 8837 server
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