Firmware Redirection; Special Administration Console; Configuring Consoles; Management Processor Settings - HP Integrity rx7620 Installation Manual

This path can host multiple channels of communication, from firmware messages at power-on
to a command-line interface when the OS has booted. In Integrity systems, this EMS port is
connected to the MP and is accessible from the management LAN or management serial port.

Firmware Redirection

When the server powers on, the system firmware is responsible for configuring all hardware
and loading EFI. This phase is also called FW or BIOS console redirection. EFI can be used to
prepare the system for OS install or to choose an OS to boot.
The system uses a common serial port standard for this purpose and initializes all system
Advanced Control and Power Interface (ACPI) variables to identify this port for use as the EMS
port. This port is used by the boot loader and OS for EMS communication. The user can change
these default settings using boot loader menus.

Special Administration Console

The Special Administration Console (SAC) runs on top of the EMS. The SAC prompt provides
a basic set of commands to manage the setup, installation, and repair of the OS. These commands
allow the user to examine logs, shutdown or reboot, kill processes or change process priority,
and set network parameters. The SAC prompt can be accessed through the Integrity iLo console
menu.
Figure E-1 Emergency Management Services and Special Administration Console
The connection for the SAC is directly into the kernel and is not dependent on user code or device
drivers. This means that a user has more tools available to repair an unhealthy system that may
be unresponsive from the GUI. This direct-to-kernel path is similar to the kernel debugger and
is always available.
From the SAC prompt, the user can create and use a standard Windows command line. During
setup, the SAC also starts three setup channels so the user can monitor installation progress. A
subset of commands is available for use when the system is in distress. This is known as the !SAC
prompt. This change from SAC to !SAC mode is automatic.
The SAC and !SAC prompts are primarily used for setup, or to bring a distressed system back
to health so that in-band tools such as Remote Desktop can be used.

Configuring Consoles

Management Processor Settings

Headless connections to the system are made through the MP, preferably through the LAN
interface. This management LAN must be configured and changed from factory default settings.
Configuring Consoles 113