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DEC AlphaServer 2100 Owner's Manual

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AlphaServer 2100
Owner's Guide
Order Number: EK–KN450–OP. B01
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

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  • Page 1 AlphaServer 2100 Owner’s Guide Order Number: EK–KN450–OP. B01 Digital Equipment Corporation Maynard, Massachusetts...
  • Page 2 The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: AlphaServer, DEC, DECconnect, Digital, OpenVMS, StorageWorks, ThinWire, VAX, VT, the AlphaGeneration logo, and the DIGITAL logo. OSF/1 is a registered trademark of Open Software Foundation, Inc. PostScript is a registered trademark of Adobe Systems, Inc.
  • Page 3 Warning! This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. Achtung! Dieses ist ein Gerät der Funkstörgrenzwerklasse A. In Wohnbereichen können bei Betrieb dieses Gerätes Rundfunkstörungen auftreten, in welchen Fällen der Benutzer für entsprechende Gegenmaßnahmen verantwortlich ist.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Contents Preface ........... . . xiii 1 Basic Operation Before Using this Guide .
  • Page 6 Console Subsystem ....... . . 1–30 Console Terminal ........1–30 Console Mode .
  • Page 7 3–10 Firmware Console Commands for DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS ........
  • Page 8 Configuring EISA and ISA Options ..... . . 3–29 EISA Configuration Utility ......3–29 System Configuration Diskette .
  • Page 9 Boot Problems ........4–26 Operating System Reported Problems .
  • Page 10 2–1 Operator Control Panel ......2–2 Door and Panel Removal ......2–2 2–6 2–3...
  • Page 11 4–6 Troubleshooting Problems Getting to Console Mode ..4–11 Interpreting Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display ..4–7 4–14 4–8 Troubleshooting Console Reported Problems ... . . 4–15 Troubleshooting Fixed-Media Problems .

  • Page 13: Preface

    Preface Purpose of This This guide describes how to operate, troubleshoot, and maintain Guide the AlphaServer 2100 4/xxx or 5/xxx system. Online Your system shipment includes a set of diskettes called the Information ‘‘Fast Track to Information.’’ Fast Track is an easy-to-navigate, electronic version of the information in this owner’s guide...
  • Page 14 Before You Use This guide assumes that you are ready to operate your system. This Guide Before using this guide, a qualified service person should install the system at your site. Caution Only qualified service persons should install the system. Qualified service persons need not be Digital service representatives, but they should have the technical training and experience necessary:...
  • Page 15 You can download up-to-date files and information for managing the AlphaServer 2100 system from the Internet. Via FTP on ftp.digital.com. Once connected, go to: /pub/Digital/Alpha/systems Via World Wide Web: http://www.service.digital.com/alpha/server/...
  • Page 16 Under some circumstances, such as a CPU upgrade, you Updates may need to update your firmware. Firmware updates are shipped quarterly on CD–ROM for the DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS operating systems. Firmware updates for DEC OSF/1, OpenVMS, and Windows NT are also available on the Internet, as noted above.

  • Page 17: Basic Operation

    Basic Operation Before Using If you have not installed the system, refer to the Basic this Guide Installation document shipped with the system. Some procedures, such as the boot procedure, require you to refer to your operating system documentation. Please have your operating system installation documentation and related ‘‘Read Me First’’...

  • Page 18: In This Chapter

    Basic Operation This chapter covers the following information: In This Chapter • System Features • Environmental and Power Requirements • Turning the System On • Powering Down the System • Invoking Console Mode • Connecting to Networks • Connecting to Peripherals •...

  • Page 19: System Features

    System Features A powerful symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) server, the Overview AlphaServer 2100 4/xxx or 5/xxx pedestal system offers departmental computing power and capabilities in a pedestal package. The system is based on Digital’s 64-bit, Alpha RISC architecture, which provides fast processing and quick response for advanced applications.

  • Page 20: Architecture

    System Features Table 1–1 System Characteristics Characteristic Description Four–processor capability System can be configured as a uniprocessor or with up to four processors. High-performance PCI I/O PCI is the emerging industry-standard bus that subsystem supports Digital and third-party options. The current implementation of PCI on the server has a peak bandwidth of 132 MB/sec.

  • Page 21: System Architecture

    System Features Figure 1–1 System Architecture CD-ROM SCSI SCSI SCSI SCSI System Bus Serial 128-bit EISA 1 Control Slot 1 Expansion I/O or CPU 2 EISA 2 Slot 2 EISA 3 CPU 0 Slot 3 CPU 1 EISA 4 Slot 4 MEM 0 EISA 5 StorageWorks...

  • Page 22: Environmental And Power Requirements

    Environmental and Power Requirements Environmental and Power Requirements This section covers the following information: In This Section • System Dimensions • Environmental Specifications • Power Requirements • Power Cord Numbers • Moving the System System Figure 1–2 shows the system dimensions and the service area Dimensions that should be allowed for the system.

  • Page 23: Environmental Specifications

    Environmental and Power Requirements Environmental Table 1–2 describes the environmental specifications for your Specifications system. Table 1–2 Environmental Specifications Specification Measurement Operating temperature 10-35° C (50-95° F) Relative humidity 20-80% (noncondensing) Max heat dissipation Single power supply 880 W, 3005 Btu/hr Dual power supply 1280 W, 4371 Btu/hr Minimum operating clearance...

  • Page 24: Power Requirements

    Environmental and Power Requirements Power Your system has either one or two power supplies, depending on Requirements what you ordered. Figure 1–3 shows the power requirements for each power supply. Voltage selection is not required. This equipment is intended for use at all rated AC-input voltages.

  • Page 25: Power Cords

    Environmental and Power Requirements Power cords for your Digital system are country specific. Power Cords Table 1–3 lists the correct power cord order numbers for various countries. • Use the power cord BN number to identify the power cord. • The Digital Number is used by Digital service representatives.

  • Page 26: Moving The System

    Environmental and Power Requirements Moving the If you need to move your system to a new environment, be sure System you are familiar with the environmental specifications and power cord requirements. Caution Only qualified service persons should install the system. Qualified service persons need not be Digital service representatives, but they should have the technical training and experience necessary:...

  • Page 27: System Leveler Feet

    Environmental and Power Requirements Figure 1–4 System Leveler Feet M A 0 6 6 1 9 3 Basic Operation 1–11...

  • Page 28: System Keys

    Environmental and Power Requirements The key used to lock and unlock the front door arrived with Opening the System Door your system shipment, packaged with the system installation card. The key lock on the front door of the system is shown in Figure 1–5.

  • Page 29: Turning The System On

    Turning the System On Turning the System On Turn on the system in the sequence shown below and described Overview in the following sections: • Check System Settings • Power Up the System • Check Power-Up Display • Before Booting the Operating System •...

  • Page 30: Checking System Settings

    Settings DC On/Off Halt Reset Note Some versions of the AlphaServer 2100 do not have an AC On/Off switch on the power supply (shown in Figure 1–6). Ignore callout if your system does not have this switch. 1–14 Basic Operation...

  • Page 31: Powered-Down System Settings

    Turning the System On Figure 1–6 Powered-Down System Settings M A 0 4 4 0 9 3 * Some systems do not have this switch. Basic Operation 1–15...

  • Page 32: Powering Up The System

    3. Power up the system as shown in callouts through Figure 1–7. Note Some versions of the AlphaServer 2100 do not have an AC On/Off switch on the power supply. Ignore callouts in Figure 1–7 if your system does not have this switch.

  • Page 33: Powering Up The System

    Turning the System On Figure 1–7 Powering Up the System M A 0 3 9 7 9 3 * Some systems do not have this switch. Basic Operation 1–17...

  • Page 34: Displaying Power-Up Information

    Turning the System On Displaying Power-up information is typically displayed on the system’s Power-Up console terminal. The console terminal may be either a graphics Information terminal or a serial terminal connected through the COM1 serial port. The setting of the console environment variable determines where the system will display power-up output.
  • Page 35 Display console prompt (DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS systems) or Boot menu (Windows NT systems). If any of the diagnostic indicators do not appear as described, refer to Chapter 4 for help.

  • Page 36: Interpreting Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display

    Turning the System On Table 1–4 Interpreting Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display Message Meaning Displayed while the system performs diagnostic tests and TEST exercisers. The type of module under test, its slot number, and the currently executing test number are also displayed. NO MEM INSTALLED Displayed if you power up with no memory installed.
  • Page 37 Total Bad Pages 0 Testing the System Testing the Disks (read only) Testing the Network AlphaServer 2100 Console T3.8-33, built on Oct 19 1994 at 12:22:36 P00>>> Console Prompt or ARC Menu The next display on your console terminal depends on the operating system you installed.
  • Page 38 Turning the System On If you are going to boot Windows NT, the following screen should be displayed: Example 1–1 Boot Menu Example ARC Multiboot Alpha AXP Version n.nn Copyright (c) 1993 Microsoft Corporation Copyright (c) 1993 Digital Equipment Corporation Boot menu: Boot Windows NT Boot an alternate operating system...

  • Page 39: Preboot Tasks

    See ‘‘EISA Bus Options ’’ in Chapter 3. Check Required Environment Variable Settings—DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS. If you are running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS, you may want to check that settings for the following variables match your configuration. The console command you use to reset the variable is shown in parenthesis.
  • Page 40 Typical changes would be to set the system to autoboot or to change the default boot device. • For information about changing these variables on a DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS system, refer to the AlphaServer 2000 /2100 Firmware Reference Guide.

  • Page 41: Booting The Operating System

    Be system sure to read them before installing Windows NT. Booting DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS Software If you are booting either DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS, the SRM console prompt P00>>> should be displayed. Boot the operating system as follows:...
  • Page 42 Turning the System On Step Action Enter boot at the console prompt. P00>>> b The system boots the operating system using default values for the boot device and boot flags. A ‘‘booting system software’’ screen is displayed on your console terminal.

  • Page 43: Autobooting The Operating System

    Operating automatically boot after you power up the system, press the System Reset button, or after recovery from a system crash. DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS: 1. Set the auto_action environment variable to either ‘‘boot’’ or ‘‘restart’’. For more information, refer to the...

  • Page 44: Turning Off Dc Power

    Powering Down the System To turn off your system: Turning Off DC Power 1. Shut down the operating system. Refer to the shutdown procedure in your operating system documentation. 2. After you shut down the operating system, press the DC On/Off button to the ‘‘off’’...

  • Page 45: Extended Power-Down (Ac Power)

    Figure 1–9: Note Some versions of the AlphaServer 2100 do not have an AC On/Off switch on the power supply (shown in Ignore callout one if your system does not have this switch.

  • Page 46: Invoking Console Mode

    When you issue commands from the console terminal and firmware is executing, you are in console mode. On DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS systems, the console mode prompt . You can use control characters and supported keys to P00>>>...

  • Page 47: Remote Access

    DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS. However, invoke console mode with the Halt button only if you are unable to shut down the DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS operating system using the proper software shutdown procedure. Pressing the Halt button has no effect if you are running Microsoft Windows NT.

  • Page 48: Connecting To Networks

    Connecting to Networks Connecting to Networks The AlphaServer 2100 system has a PCI-based Ethernet Overview controller that supports either an AUI or 10BASE-T (twisted- pair) interface. The system can also support other network options using network adapters that you can connect to the EISA and PCI buses.

  • Page 49: Ethernet Network Connections

    Connecting to Networks Figure 1–10 Ethernet Network Connections 10BASE-T ThinWire M A U M A 0 3 9 8 9 3 * Indicates an Ethernet option. Note AUI cables cannot extend more than twenty meters in length. Basic Operation 1–33...

  • Page 50: Connecting Peripherals

    Connecting Peripherals Connecting Peripherals Connect a serial or parallel printer, modem, or console terminal Serial/Parallel Connections to your system through the serial and parallel ports at the rear of the system (Figure 1–11). For information about a connecting a specific device to your system, refer to the documentation for that device.

  • Page 51: Connecting Serial And Parallel Devices

    Connecting Peripherals Figure 1–11 Connecting Serial and Parallel Devices M A 0 4 4 6 9 3 Parallel Port Serial Port (COM1) (console terminal) Serial Port (COM2) (modem that connects to auxiliary console device) Basic Operation 1–35...
  • Page 52 Connecting Peripherals Terminal You can connect either a VGA monitor or a Digital VT–series Connections terminal (VTxxx) or equivalent to your system as shown in Figure 1–12. For information about connecting a specific terminal to your system, refer to the documentation for that terminal. Note The cable that connects to the rear of the VGA terminal has multiple plugs.

  • Page 53: Terminal Connections

    Connecting Peripherals Figure 1–12 Terminal Connections V G A V T x x x (9600 Baud) H8571-J M A 0 3 9 4 9 3 Note The optional H8571-J adapter connects a VT-series terminal or equivalent. If you did not order the adapter with your system, call 1-800-DIGITAL (U.S.A.

  • Page 54: Operating Storage Devices

    Typically, you must set up a device before you can begin Devices using it. You set up a device while the operating system is running. — On DEC OSF/1 systems, use the command. mount — On OpenVMS systems, use the MOUNT command.

  • Page 55: Storage Compartments

    Operating Storage Devices The remaining sections of this chapter describe how to operate Operating Storage removable-media mass storage devices. Devices Figure 1–13 Storage Compartments M A 0 4 4 4 9 3 B Basic Operation 1–39...

  • Page 56: Operating A Compact Disc Drive

    Operating a Compact Disc Drive Operating a Compact Disc Drive Compact disc drives read information from removable, read-only Compact Disc Drive compact discs. Description Your system may have one of two types of compact disc drives: a caddyless drive or one that must be used with a disc caddy: Caution Handle a compact disc by its edges.

  • Page 57: Caddyless Cd-Rom Drive

    Operating a Compact Disc Drive Figure 1–14 Caddyless CD–ROM Drive M A 0 7 0 3 9 3 Basic Operation 1–41...

  • Page 58: Drive With Caddy

    Operating a Compact Disc Drive Drive with Figure 1–15 shows the components of a compact disc drive with Caddy a disc caddy. Headphone port Headphone volume control Disc caddy slot ID dimple Busy light Eject button Manual eject hole Compact disc caddy Compact disc 1–42 Basic Operation...

  • Page 59: Cd-Rom Drive With Caddy

    Operating a Compact Disc Drive Figure 1–15 CD–ROM Drive with Caddy MA068593 Basic Operation 1–43...

  • Page 60: Inserting And Removing A Compact Disc

    Operating a Compact Disc Drive Inserting and Caddyless Drives Removing a Insertion: (Figure 1–16): Compact Disc 1. Press the drive Eject button ( ). The disc drawer ejects part way. 2. Using one finger, gently pull the disc drawer far enough out so that you can insert the compact disc.

  • Page 61: Inserting And Removing A Caddyless Compact Disc (Internal Disc Caddy)

    Operating a Compact Disc Drive Removal: (Figure 1–16): 1. Press the drive Eject button ( ). The disc drawer ejects part way. 2. Using one finger, gently pull the drawer out far enough so that you can remove the compact disc. 3.
  • Page 62 Operating a Compact Disc Drive Drives With Caddy Insertion: (Figure 1–17): 1. Gather both the caddy and the disc you wish to insert. 2. If there is a protective film on the center of the caddy lid, remove the film 3.

  • Page 63: Inserting And Removing A Cd-Rom Caddy

    Operating a Compact Disc Drive Figure 1–17 Inserting and Removing a CD–ROM Caddy MA068693 Basic Operation 1–47...

  • Page 64: Operating A Dat Tape Drive

    Operating a DAT Tape Drive Operating a DAT Tape Drive A DAT tape drive stores information on removable tape Description cartridges. Figure 1–18 shows the components of a DAT drive. Tape/activity light Write-protect light Tape cassette slot Tape unload button Tape Write-protect switch (write-protected position) Write-protect switch (write-enabled position)

  • Page 65: Inserting And Removing A Tape: Dat

    Operating a DAT Tape Drive 3. Remove the tape from the drive. Figure 1–18 Inserting and Removing a Tape: DAT M A 0 6 8 3 9 3 Basic Operation 1–49...

  • Page 66: Operating A Diskette Drive

    Operating a Diskette Drive Operating a Diskette Drive Diskette Drive Diskette drives read information from, or write it to, removable Description diskettes. Figure 1–19 shows a diskette and the components of a diskette drive. Eject button Busy light Write-protect switch Write-protect switch (write-protected position) Write-protect switch (write-enabled position) One diskette drive is located to the left of the removable-media...

  • Page 67: Diskette Drive And Diskette

    Operating a Diskette Drive Figure 1–19 Diskette Drive and Diskette M A 0 6 8 7 9 3 Basic Operation 1–51...

  • Page 68: Operating A Qic Drive

    Operating a QIC Drive Operating a QIC Drive QIC tape drives read information from removable tapes. QIC Drive Description Figure 1–20 shows a QIC tape drive and a compatible tape. Inserting a QIC Insert a QIC tape into a QIC tape drive as follows: Tape 1.

  • Page 69: Hardware Components

    Hardware Components This chapter covers the following information: In This Chapter • Operator Control Panel • Doors and Panels • System Front • System Rear • System Module Locations • Accessories Hardware Components 2–1...

  • Page 70: Operator Control Panel (Ocp)

    Operator Control Panel (OCP) Operator Control Panel (OCP) The operator control panel, shown in Figure 2–1, is located on the front of the system. It contains a diagnostic display and buttons that let you power, halt, and reset the system. Figure 2–1 Operator Control Panel M A 0 4 3 2 9 3 C Power-up...

  • Page 71: Halt Button

    Halt The Halt button interrupts an operating system session if you are running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS. The Halt light, located on the Halt button, comes on briefly during the system self-tests. Thereafter, the Halt light comes on and remains lit whenever DC power is present and the Halt button is in the ‘‘in’’...

  • Page 72: Reset Button

    Operator Control Panel (OCP) Returning to Operating System Mode: To return to operating system mode from console mode, press the Halt button to the ‘‘out’’ position and reboot the operating system. Note If you unintentionally press the Halt button, but enter few or no console commands, you may be able to resume your operating system session by entering the continue...

  • Page 73: Doors And Panels

    Doors and Panels Doors and Panels Door and Panel To gain access to system components, remove the system’s side Removal panels (Figure 2–2). Caution Replace side panels before you turn on DC power. The system will not power up if the left panel is not in place. Do not remove the left panel when the system is running.

  • Page 74: Door And Panel Removal

    Doors and Panels Figure 2–2 Door and Panel Removal M A 0 4 4 3 9 3 B 2–6 Hardware Components...
  • Page 75 Doors and Panels Left Panel The card cage is located behind the left panel. To access the card cage, remove the left panel as shown in Figure 2–2. Caution Before removing the left panel: 1. Perform orderly shutdown of the operating system.

  • Page 76: System Front

    System Front System Front Front Front components are shown in Figure 2–3 and identified in the Components numbered callouts. Figure 2–3 System Front M A 0 4 4 4 9 3 2–8 Hardware Components...
  • Page 77 System Front Operator control panel Diskette drive Removable media drive area Removable media drive access door Key lock Leveler feet StorageWorks shelf Optional StorageWorks shelf area Hardware Components 2–9...

  • Page 78: System Rear

    System Rear System Rear Rear Rear components are shown in Figure 2–4 and identified in the Components numbered callouts. Figure 2–4 System Rear M A 0 4 4 5 9 3 2–10 Hardware Components...
  • Page 79 System Rear SCSI-2 expansion port SCSI ports or other bulkhead expansion Parallel port Serial port (COM2) Mouse port Keyboard port Serial port (COM1) EISA module bulkheads Standard I/O module bulkhead PCI module bulkheads DC power OK indicator AC power OK indicator (if AC On/Off switch is present) Primary power supply AC On/Off switch (some systems do not have this switch) AC power inlet...

  • Page 80: System Module Locations

    System Module Locations System Module Locations The locations of system modules are shown in Figure 2–5 and Card Cage identified in the numbered callouts. Accessing the To access the card cage, remove the left panel, as shown in Card Cage Figure 2–2.

  • Page 81: System Module Locations

    System Module Locations Figure 2–5 System Module Locations M A 0 6 4 9 9 3 A EISA slots Standard I/O slot PCI slots System bus slots Hardware Components 2–13...

  • Page 82: Accessories

    ECU diskette(s)—Runs the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU). The system shipment includes two ECU diskettes: one for configuring DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS and one for configuring Windows NT. Optional CD–ROM caddy—Holds a compact disc to be loaded into the CD–ROM drive.

  • Page 83: Accessories

    Accessories Figure 2–6 Accessories M A 0 4 5 5 9 3 Hardware Components 2–15...

  • Page 85: Options And Upgrades

    Options and Upgrades This chapter covers the following information: In this Chapter • Upgrade Overview • Verifying System Configuration • Supported Options • Configuring System Options System bus EISA bus ISA bus PCI bus SCSI buses • Power Supply Configurations Options and Upgrades 3–1...
  • Page 86 Refer to ‘‘Invoking Console Mode’’ in Chapter 1. Once you are in console mode, find configuration information as follows: • If you are running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS, generate a list of your system’s modules and devices by entering the command at the console prompt.

  • Page 87: In This Chapter

    Upgrade Overview 4. Determine whether the upgrade will require you to add a second power supply to your system. If you have only one power supply, determine whether you need to add a second power supply. You need a second power supply if your system is fully configured and contains a second storage assembly or more than two CPUs.

  • Page 88: Supported Options

    Supported Options Supported Options The AlphaServer 2100 system provides support for a number of Supported Options bus options. You can obtain a current list of supported options from the Internet. The list is updated regularly as new options are added.

  • Page 89: Verifying System Configuration

    Verifying System Configuration Verifying System Configuration Before You Several console commands or menu options allow you to examine Begin system configuration and environment variable settings. To use these commands or menu options, you need to invoke console mode. For information about invoking console mode, refer to ‘‘Invoking Console Mode’’...

  • Page 90: Sample Hardware Configuration Display

    (Removable) multi(0)serial(0) multi(0)serial(1) scsi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0) (1 Partition) DEC RZ26L (C)DEC440C scsi(0)cdrom(5)fdisk(0) (Removable) DEC RRD43 (C)DEC 0064 Press any key to continue... Wednesday, 8-31-1994 10:51:32 AM Alpha AXP Processor and System Information: Processor ID 21064 Processor Revision System Revision Processor Speed 190.00 Mhz...
  • Page 91 Verifying System Configuration Example 3–1 (Cont.) Sample Hardware Configuration Display Slot Device Identifier Other DEC2A01 Disk ADP0001 Network DEC4220 Network DEC3002 Network DEC4250 Display CPQ3011 Disk FLOPPY Press any key to continue... Wednesday, 8-31-1994 10:51:32 AM PCI slot information: Bus Virtual Slot Function Vendor Device Revision Device type 1000 SCSI 8086...

  • Page 92: Viewing Arc Environment Variables

    Verifying System Configuration Table 3–1 explains the meaning of each device name. Table 3–1 Device Names Name Description multi(0)key(0)keyboard(0) The multi( ) devices are located on the system module. multi(0)serial(0) These devices include the keyboard port and the serial line multi(0)serial(1) ports.

  • Page 93: Arc Environment Variables

    Verifying System Configuration Table 3–2 explains the default ARC firmware environment Environment variables. Variables Table 3–2 ARC Firmware Environment Variables Variable Description CONSOLEIN The console input device. The default value is multi( )key( )keyboard( )console( ). CONSOLEOUT The console output device. The default value is eisa( )video( )monitor( )console( ).

  • Page 94: For More Information

    Information by your system, you may want to enter the SRM commands described in the next section for DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS users. To enter SRM commands, switch from the ARC to the SRM console. Refer to ‘‘Switching from ARC to SRM’’ in Chapter 1.
  • Page 95 Verifying System Configuration show config show config command displays all devices found on the system bus, PCI bus, and EISA bus. You can use the information in the display to identify target devices for commands such as , as well as to verify that the system sees all the boot test devices that are installed.
  • Page 96 Verifying System Configuration Synopsis: show config Example: P00>>> show config Digital Equipment Corporation AlphaServer 2100 4/200 SRM Console T3.8-33 VMS PALcode X5.48-64, OSF PALcode X1.35-42 Component Status Module ID CPU 0 B2020-AA DECchip (tm) 21064-3 Memory 1 B2021-BA 64 MB B2110-AA dva0.0.0.0.1...

  • Page 97: Device Name Convention

    Verifying System Configuration show device command displays the devices and controllers in show device the system. The device name convention is shown in Figure 3–1. Figure 3–1 Device Name Convention dka0.0.0.0.0 MA043993A Driver ID Two-letter port or class driver designator DR–RAID set device DV–Floppy drive ER–Ethernet port (EISA)

  • Page 98: Show Device

    Verifying System Configuration — Slots 6–8=Correspond to PCI card cage slots: PCI0, PCI1, and PCI2 Hose Number: 0 PCI_0 (32-bit PCI); 1 EISA; 2 PCI_1 Synopsis: show device [device_name] Arguments: [device_name] The device name or device abbreviation. When abbreviations or wildcards are used, all devices that match the type are displayed.
  • Page 99 Verifying System Configuration Example: P00>>> show device dka0.0.0.1.0 DKA0 RZ25L 0006 dka100.1.0.1.0 DKA100 RZ25L 0006 dka600.6.0.1.0 DKA600 RRD43 2893 dva0.0.0.0.1 DVA0 RX26 mka500.5.0.1.0 MKA500 TLZ06 0435 ewa0.0.0.0.0 EWA0 08-00-2B-3B-42-FD pka0.7.0.1.0 PKA0 SCSI Bus ID 7 P00>>> show device dk pk dka0.0.0.1.0 DKA0 RZ25L 0006...

  • Page 100: Show Memory

    Verifying System Configuration show memory command displays information for each memory show memory module in the system. Synopsis: show memory Examples: P00>>> show memory Module Size Base Addr Intlv Mode Intlv Unit Status ------ ----- --------- ---------- ---------- ------ 64MB 00000000 1-Way Passed...

  • Page 101: Setting And Showing Environment Variables

    Verifying System Configuration Environment variables are typically set when you are configuring Setting and Showing a system. The settings determine how a system powers up, boots the operating system, and operates. Environment Variables Synopsis: set [-default] [-integer] -[string] envar value show envar Arguments: envar...

  • Page 102: System Bus Options

    System Bus Options System Bus Options The system bus interconnects the CPUs, memory modules, and the optional PCI external I/O module. It is the hardware structure through which data processed by the microprocessor is transferred throughout the system. Figure 3–2 shows the location of the system bus and system bus options on the card cage.

  • Page 103: System Bus Option Locations

    System Bus Options Figure 3–2 System Bus Option Locations EISA8 EISA7 EISA6 EISA5 EISA4 EISA3 EISA2 EISA1 Standard I/O PCI0 PCI1 PCI2 CPU2 Expansion I/O CPU0 CPU1 MEM0 CPU3 MEM1 MEM2 MEM3 M A 0 4 5 6 9 3 A EISA Bus PCI Bus System Bus...

  • Page 104: Cpu Modules

    System Bus Options The AlphaServer 2100 system can support up to four CPUs in a CPU Modules symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) configuration: • The system must have a CPU module installed in system bus slot 2 (CPU 0). • Systems with more than two CPUs displace PCI expansion or memory module capacity as shown in Figure 3–3.

  • Page 105: System Bus Configurations According To Number Of Cpus

    System Bus Options Figure 3–3 System Bus Configurations According to Number of CPUs - - - EXT I/O - - - EXT I/O CPU 2 EXT I/O CPU 2 CPU 0 CPU 0 CPU 0 CPU 0 CPU 0 CPU 0 CPU 0 - - - - - -...

  • Page 106: External I/O

    System Bus Options Memory The system can support up to four memory modules, for a Modules maximum memory capacity of 2 GB. A minimum of one memory module is required. Warning Before installing a memory module, you should turn off all power to the system (both AC and DC). Refer to ‘‘Powering Down the System’’...

  • Page 107: Standard I/O Module

    Standard I/O Module Standard I/O Module The standard I/O module provides a standard set of I/O functions and is required in all systems. The standard I/O module resides in a dedicated slot (I/O) in the EISA/PCI bus card cage (see Figure 3–2).

  • Page 108: Eisa Bus Options

    EISA Bus Options EISA Bus Options The EISA bus (Extended Industry Standard Architecture bus) is a 32-bit industry standard I/O bus. EISA is a superset of the well-established 16-bit ISA bus. EISA was designed to accept newer 32-bit components while still remaining compatible with older 8-bit and 16-bit cards.
  • Page 109 EISA Bus Options For information about installing a specific option, refer to the documentation for that option. For information about configuring an EISA option, refer to the section ‘‘Configuring EISA and ISA Options’’ in this chapter. Warning Before installing EISA bus options, turn off all power to the system (both AC and DC).

  • Page 110: Isa Bus Options

    ISA bus and has been designed to be backward compatible with 16-bit and 8-bit architectures. Therefore, ISA modules can be used in the AlphaServer 2100 system, provided the operating system supports the device and enough system resources are available to configure the device.
  • Page 111 ISA Bus Options Caution Do not remove the left panel when the system is running. If you remove the left panel without first properly shutting down the system, the system will power down unexpectedly and you may lose data. For information about installing a specific option, refer to the documentation for that option.

  • Page 112: Identifying Isa And Eisa Options

    Identifying ISA and EISA Options Identifying ISA and EISA Options By examining the contacts of the option board you can determine if a board is ISA or EISA (see Figure 3–4): • ISA boards have one row of gold contacts. •...

  • Page 113: Configuring Eisa And Isa Options

    Configuring EISA and ISA Options Configuring EISA and ISA Options Whenever you add, remove, or move an EISA or ISA option EISA Configuration in your system, you must run a utility called the EISA Utility Configuration Utility (ECU). Each EISA or ISA option has a corresponding configuration (CFG) file, which describes the characteristics and the system resources required for that option.

  • Page 114: Starting The Ecu

    Use the backup copy for configuring options. • ECU Diskette DECpc AXP (AK-PYCJ*-CA) for Windows • ECU Diskette DECpc AXP (AK-Q2CR*-CA) for DEC OSF/1 and OpenVMS The ECU diskette is shipped in the accessories box with your system. Complete the following steps to start the ECU: Starting the 1.
  • Page 115 Configuring EISA and ISA Options • Systems running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS—Start ECU as follows: a. Insert the ECU diskette for DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS (AK-Q2CR*-CA) into the diskette drive. b. Enter the command. The message is displayed. loading ARC firmware Loading the ARC firmware takes approximately 2...
  • Page 116 Systems running Microsoft Windows NT—Remove the ECU diskette from the drive and boot the operating system. • Systems running DEC OSF/1 or OpenVMS—Remove the ECU diskette from the drive. Return to the SRM console firmware as follows: a. From the Boot menu, select Supplementary menu b.

  • Page 117: Configuring Eisa Options

    Configuring EISA Options Configuring EISA Options EISA boards are recognized and configured automatically. Table 3–3 summarizes the steps necessary to configure an EISA bus that contains no ISA options. Review the section entitled ‘‘Before You Run the ECU.’’ Then run the ECU as described in the section ‘‘Starting the ECU.’’...

  • Page 118: Summary Of Procedure For Configuring Eisa Bus (Eisa Options Only)

    Save and Exit information to the system’s nonvolatile memory. Return to the SRM Refer to step 4 of the previous section for operating-system- console (DEC OSF/1 and specific instructions. OpenVMS systems only) and restart the system. 3–34 Options and Upgrades...

  • Page 119: Configuring Eisa/Isa Options

    Configuring EISA/ISA Options Configuring EISA/ISA Options ISA boards are configured manually, whereas EISA boards are configured through the ECU software. Study Table 3–4 for a summary of steps to configure an EISA bus that contains both EISA and ISA options. Review the section entitled ‘‘Before You Run the ECU.’’...

  • Page 120: Summary Of Procedure For Configuring Eisa Bus With Isa Options

    Return to the SRM Refer to step 4 of the section ‘‘Starting the ECU’’ for console (DEC OSF/1 and information about returning to the SRM console. OpenVMS systems only) and turn off the system.

  • Page 121: Pci Bus Options

    I/O options, such as network interconnects (FDDI, Ethernet, Token Ring), storage interconnects (SCSI, Fast SCSI, IPI), and high-performance video applications. The AlphaServer 2100 system supports 32-bit PCI options. The PCI bus is shown in Figure 3–2. There are three slots for 32-bit PCI options.

  • Page 122: Installing Pci Boards

    PCI Bus Options Install PCI boards according to the instructions supplied with Installing PCI Boards the option. PCI boards require no additional configuration procedures; the system automatically recognizes the boards and assigns the appropriate system resources. Warning Before installing a PCI option, turn off all power to the system (both AC and DC).

  • Page 123: Scsi Buses

    6 meters for single-ended SCSI-2 at 5 MB/sec, or 3 meters for single-ended SCSI-2 at 10 MB/sec. For AlphaServer 2100 pedestal enclosures, the internal cabling for the removable media bus is 2.5 meters; therefore the maximum length for external expansion is 3.5 meters.

  • Page 124: Configuring The Removable Media Bus

    SCSI Buses The system supports up to two internal StorageWorks shelves that can each support up to eight SCSI disk drives in a dual-bus configuration. Removable-media storage devices should only be installed by a Configuring qualified service person. the Removable Media Bus Warning Before connecting removable-media SCSI devices to your...

  • Page 125: Removable-Media Bus Configurations

    SCSI Buses To display bus node IDs for devices that are already connected to your system, enter the show device command. Refer to ‘‘Verifying System Configuration’’ earlier in this chapter for information about interpreting the command show device display. Figure 3–6 Removable-Media Bus Configurations M A 0 4 3 7 9 3 A External Expansion (SCSI) SCSI External Expansion Cable...

  • Page 126: Internal Storageworks Shelves

    SCSI Buses Internal The backplane of the StorageWorks shelf supplies the drive’s StorageWorks SCSI node ID according to the location of the drive within the Shelves storage shelf. Each internal StorageWorks shelf can support up to four pair of drives (node IDs 0–3, top to bottom) in a dual-bus configuration (Figure 3–7).

  • Page 127: Scsi Cable Routing To Internal Storageworks Shelves

    SCSI Buses Figure 3–8 shows the SCSI cable routing from a SCSI controller to internal StorageWorks shelves. Figure 3–8 SCSI Cable Routing to Internal StorageWorks Shelves M A 0 6 8 9 9 3 Options and Upgrades 3–43...

  • Page 128: Installing Storageworks Fixed Disks

    SCSI Buses Installing If your StorageWorks drives are plugged into a RAID controller, StorageWorks such as the SWXCR-Ex controller, you can ‘‘hot swap’’ drives, Fixed Disks that is, you can install or replace drives without first shutting down the operating system or powering down the server hardware.

  • Page 129: Installing Hard-Disk Drives

    SCSI Buses Figure 3–9 Installing Hard-Disk Drives M A 0 6 0 6 9 3 Options and Upgrades 3–45...

  • Page 130: Guidelines For Systems With Swxcr-Ex Controller

    If you purchased a StorageWorks RAID Array 200 Subsystem Guidelines for Systems with for your AlphaServer 2100 system, observe the guidelines below when you add, move, or reconfigure RAID devices. The RAID SWXCR-Ex subsystem includes the SWXCR-Ex EISA backplane RAID Controller controller.

  • Page 131: Power Supply Configurations

    SCSI Buses Power Supply Configurations AlphaServer 2100 systems offer added reliability with redundant power options, as well as uninterruptible power supply (UPS) options. Figure 3–10 shows some of the system’s power supply options. The power supplies for AlphaServer 2100 pedestal systems...

  • Page 132: Ordering Guidelines

    Power Supply Configurations If you are ordering additional options for your server, consider Ordering Guidelines the above guidelines for power consumption to determine if you need to upgrade the power supply configuration. The single and redundant mode power supply configurations are available to those systems drawing: •...

  • Page 133: Power Supply Configurations

    Power Supply Configurations Figure 3–10 Power Supply Configurations 1280W M A 0 4 3 6 9 3 A Single—602 Watts DC or less Redundant—602 Watts DC or less (J3 installed on standard I/O) Full—Up to 1150 Watts DC Options and Upgrades 3–49...

  • Page 135: Troubleshooting The System

    Troubleshooting the System Introduction This chapter provides troubleshooting information. This chapter covers the following information: In This Chapter • Before You Begin • Task Overview • Determining Type of Problem • Reporting Problems to Digital Services • Power Problems • Problems Getting to Console Mode •...

  • Page 136: Before You Begin

    Before You Begin Before You Begin Determine Before you begin, be sure you are aware of the service agreement Service for your system. Your agreement will help you determine how Provider much troubleshooting and repair you should undertake yourself. • If you plan to maintain the system yourself, use the information in this chapter to help identify and fix the problem.

  • Page 137: How To Identify A Problem

    Before You Begin Identifying Table 4–1 lists ways to identify problems, and indicates where Problems each method is described: Table 4–1 How to Identify a Problem Method Reference Using the troubleshooting This chapter tables Running diagnostic tests test command or show fru command as described in the ‘‘Console Reported Problems’’...

  • Page 138: Task Overview

    Task Overview Task Overview Table 4–2 describes the steps required to identify and fix system Steps to Identifying a problems. Problem Table 4–2 Steps to Resolving Problems Step Description Determine type of problem. Locate problem in troubleshooting tables. Follow suggested actions to resolve problem. If necessary, run diagnostic tests.

  • Page 139: Determining Type Of Problem

    Determining Type of Problem Determining Type of Problem Types of Determine the type of problem that your system is experiencing System from the list in Table 4–3. Problems Table 4–3 Problem Reference Problem Section System powers down Power Problems unexpectedly or does not power Power-up screens are not Problems Getting to Console displayed on the console terminal.

  • Page 140: Reporting Problems To Digital Services

    Reporting Problems to Digital Services Reporting Problems to Digital Services If you are unable to locate the system problem in the previous Pre-Call Checklist sections of this chapter, or the actions suggested could not resolve the problem, contact the nearest Digital support center. Before calling to report a problem, complete these steps.

  • Page 141: Digital Support Centers

    Reporting Problems to Digital Services Table 4–4 Digital Support Centers Country Telephone Number UNITED STATES 1-800-354-9000 Colorado Springs, CO From US/Canada/Mexico 719-592-7000 Shrewsbury, MA From US/Canada/Mexico 508-841-3700 Alpharetta, GA From US/Canada/Mexico 404-343-0000 AUSTRALIA 31-2-5615252 AUSTRIA 0222-86630-555 BELGIUM 02-7297744 CANADA English 1-800-267-5251 French 1-800-267-2603...
  • Page 142 Reporting Problems to Digital Services Table 4–4 (Cont.) Digital Support Centers Country Telephone Number PHILLIPPINES 623-810-5156 PORTUGAL LISBON 01-3877051 OPORTO 02-6068805 PUERTO RICO 800-981-4764 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND 01-381216 SINGAPORE 330-6225 SPAIN MADRID 34-(9)1-5834257 BARCELONA 34-(9)3-4012222 SWEDEN 08-988835 THAILAND 66-254-8191 UNITED KINGDOM 025 6-59200 JAPAN (Tokyo) Trouble...
  • Page 143 Reporting Problems to Digital Services AlphaServer 2100 Problem Worksheet DEC service representative telephone number: Serial Number: Status of the System (check all that apply): DC power light is not on Diagnostic test error message Console program fails to boot OCP power/diagnostic display...

  • Page 144: Power Problems

    Power Problems Power Problems This section describes how to troubleshoot the system when there is no power at the system enclosure or when the power supply subsystem lights indicate power trouble. Table 4–5 Troubleshooting Power Problems Symptom Action No AC power. as indicated by AC OK light on the power •...

  • Page 145: Problems Getting To Console Mode

    Problems Getting to Console Mode Problems Getting to Console Mode This section describes how to troubleshoot the system when you power up the system, but the console terminal does not display the power-up screen. Table 4–6 Troubleshooting Problems Getting to Console Mode Symptom Action Power-up screen is not...

  • Page 146: Interpreting The Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display

    Table 4–7 describes how to interpret messages that may be displayed on the power-up display located on the operator control panel on the front of the system (Figure 2–1). AlphaServer 2100 multiprocessor systems, with the exception of CPU Failover the model 4/200, offer high-availability ‘‘failover’’ functionality.
  • Page 147 Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display How to Determine the Status of CPU Tests If a CPU fails during power-up, the Halt button LED on the operator control panel lights for a few seconds and the power-up /diagnostic display message shows the failing CPU CPU STATUS (‘‘F’’...

  • Page 148: Interpreting Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display

    Interpreting the Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display Table 4–7 Interpreting Operator Control Panel Power-Up Display Message Meaning Displayed while the system performs diagnostic tests and TEST exercisers. The type of module under test, its slot number, and the currently executing test number are also displayed. NO MEM INSTALLED Displayed if you power up with no memory installed.

  • Page 149: Console Reported Problems

    Console Reported Problems Console Reported Problems This section describes how to troubleshoot your system when self-tests do not complete or when error messages are displayed on your console terminal in console mode. Table 4–8 describes problems reported by the console and their solutions.

  • Page 150: Show Fru

    Console Reported Problems Table 4–8 (Cont.) Troubleshooting Console Reported Problems Symptom Action If power-up screens or console event log indicate problems with PCI devices, or if PCI devices are missing from the display, use the show config troubleshooting flow chart (Table 4–12) to determine the problem.
  • Page 151 Console Reported Problems Example: P00>>> show fru Events logged Slot Option Part# Hw Sw Serial# B2110-AA H2 0 KA427P0593 CPU0 B2020-AA B2 9 KA426C0457 MEM0 B2021-BA A1 0 ML34156292 Slot Option Hose 0, PCI Slot Option Hose 1, EISA CPQ3011 DEC4220 Slot Option...

  • Page 152: Test

    Console Reported Problems test command runs firmware diagnostics for the entire core test system. The tests are run sequentially and the status of each subsystem test is displayed to the console terminal as the tests progress. If a particular device is not available to test, a message is displayed.
  • Page 153 Console Reported Problems Synopsis: test [lb] Arguments: [lb] The loopback option includes console loopback tests for the COM2 serial port and the parallel port during the test sequence. Example: In this example, the system is tested, and the tests complete successfully.

  • Page 154: Mass Storage Problems Indicated At Power-Up

    Mass Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up Mass Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up Mass storage failures at power-up are usually indicated by read fail messages. • Table 4–9 provides information for troubleshooting fixed-media mass storage problems indicated at power-up. • Table 4–10 provides information for troubleshooting removable-media storage problems indicated at power- up.
  • Page 155 Mass Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up Table 4–9 (Cont.) Troubleshooting Fixed-Media Problems Problem Symptom Corrective Action I/O module failure (if Problems persist after Replace storage adapter removable-media bus is eliminating the above module or standard I/O extended to StorageWorks problem sources. module.

  • Page 156: Troubleshooting Removable-Media Problems

    Mass Storage Problems Indicated at Power-Up Table 4–10 Troubleshooting Removable-Media Problems Problem Symptom Corrective Action Drive failure. Fault LED for drive is on Replace drive. (steady). Duplicate Drives with duplicate SCSI Correct SCSI IDs. SCSI IDs. IDs are missing from the display.

  • Page 157: Eisa Bus Problems Indicated At Power-Up

    EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up EISA bus failures at power-up are usually indicated by the following message displayed during power-up: EISA Configuration Error. Run the EISA Configuration Utility. Run the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) if this message is displayed.

  • Page 158: Troubleshooting Eisa Problems

    EISA Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up Table 4–11 Troubleshooting EISA Problems Step Action Confirm that the EISA module and any cabling are properly seated. Run the ECU as described in Chapter 3 to: • Confirm that the system has been configured with the most recently installed controller.

  • Page 159: Pci Bus Problems Indicated At Power-Up

    PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up PCI Bus Problems Indicated at Power-Up PCI bus failures at power-up are usually indicated by the inability of the system to see the device. Use Table 4–12 to diagnose the likely cause of the problem. Table 4–12 Troubleshooting PCI Problems Step Action...

  • Page 160: Boot Problems

    For problems booting over a network, check the er*0_ protocols or ew*0_protocols environment variable settings: Systems booting from a DEC OSF/1 server should be set to bootp; systems booting from an OpenVMS server should be set to mop. •...
  • Page 161 Device does not boot. For problems booting over a network, check the er*0_protocols or ew*0_protocols environment variable settings: Systems booting from a DEC OSF/1 server should be set to bootp; systems booting from an OpenVMS server should be set to mop.

  • Page 162: Troubleshooting Operating System Reported Errors

    Utility Manual for information on how to interpret OpenVMS crash dump files. Refer to the Guide to Kernel Debugging (AA–PS2TA– TE) for information on using the DEC OSF/1 Krash Utility. Operating system is up. Have the Digital support center examine the operating system error log files to isolate the problem.

  • Page 163: Troubleshooting Raid Problems

    Problems with RAID Devices Problems with RAID Devices Table 4–15 provides troubleshooting hints for AlphaServer 2100 systems that have the StorageWorks RAID Array 200 Subsystem. The RAID subsystem includes the SWXCR-Ex EISA backplane RAID controller. Table 4–15 Troubleshooting RAID Problems Symptom Action Some RAID drives do not...
  • Page 165 Glossary 10BASE-T Ethernet network IEEE standard 802.3-compliant Ethernet products used for local distribution of data. These networking products characteristically use twisted-pair cable. AlphaGeneration Identifies products and services that take advantage of Digital’s Alpha 64-bit computing environments. AlphaServer Digital’s new generation of server systems based on the Alpha 64-bit computing architecture.
  • Page 166 BA720 enclosure The enclosure that houses the AlphaServer 2000 deskside pedestal system. BA740 enclosure The enclosure that houses the AlphaServer 2100 large pedestal system. BA741 enclosure The enclosure that houses the AlphaServer 2100 RM (rackmountable) system and AlphaServer 2100 CAB (cabinet) system.
  • Page 167 boot Short for bootstrap. To load an operating system into memory. boot device The device from which the system bootstrap software is acquired. boot flags A flag is a system parameter set by the user. Boot flags contain information that is read and used by the bootstrap software during a system bootstrap procedure.
  • Page 168 cache memory A small, high-speed memory placed between slower main memory and the processor. A cache increases effective memory transfer rates and processor speed. It contains copies of data recently used by the processor and fetches several bytes of data from memory in anticipation that the processor will access the next sequential series of bytes.
  • Page 169 One of two modes of operation in the AlphaServer operator interface. The command line interface supports the OpenVMS and DEC OSF/1 operating systems. It allows you to configure and test the hardware, examine and alter system state, and boot the operating system.
  • Page 170 AlphaGeneration computers. DEC OSF/1 Version 2.0 for Alpha systems A general-purpose operating system based on the Open Software Foundation OSF/1 2.0 technology. DEC OSF/1 V2.0 runs on the range of AlphaGeneration systems, from workstations to servers. DEC VET Digital DEC Verifier and Exerciser Tool.
  • Page 171 Ethernet IEEE 802.3 standard local area network. ERF/UERF Error Report Formatter. ERF is used to present error log information for OpenVMS. UERF is used to present error log information for DEC OSF/1. Glossary–7...
  • Page 172 Factory Installed Software (FIS) Operating system software that is loaded into a system disk during manufacturing. On site, the FIS is bootstrapped in the system. fail-safe loader (FSL) A program that allows you to power up without initiating drivers or running power-up diagnostics. From the fail-safe loader you can perform limited console functions.
  • Page 173 full-height device Standard form factor for 5 1/4-inch storage devices. half-height device Standard form factor for storage devices that are not the height of full-height devices. halt The action of transferring control of the computer system to the console program. hose The interface between the card cage and the I/O subsystems.
  • Page 174 Industry Standard Architecture. An 8-bit or 16-bit industry- standard I/O bus, widely used in personal computer products. The EISA bus is a superset of the ISA bus. Local area network. A high-speed network that supports computers that are connected over limited distances. latency The amount of time it takes the system to respond to an event.
  • Page 175 memory interleaving The process of assigning consecutive physical memory addresses across multiple memory controllers. Improves total memory bandwidth by overlapping system bus command execution across multiple memory modules. menu interface One of two modes of operation in the AlphaServer operator interface.
  • Page 176 Operator control panel. open system A system that implements sufficient open specifications for interfaces, services, and supporting formats to enable applications software to: • Be ported across a wide range of systems with minimal changes • Interoperate with other applications on local and remote systems •...
  • Page 177 portability The degree to which a software application can be easily moved from one computing environment to another. porting Adapting a given body of code so that it will provide equivalent functions in a computing environment that differs from the original implementation environment.
  • Page 178 RAID Configuration Utility (RCU) A configuration utility supplied on diskette that is used to set up the disk drives and logical units on systems that have the StorageWorks RAID Array 200 Subsystem. redundant Describes duplicate or extra computing components that protect a computing system from failure.
  • Page 179 serial control bus A two-conductor serial interconnect that is independent of the system bus. This bus links the processor modules, the I/O, the memory, the power subsystem, and the operator control panel. serial ROM In the context of the CPU module, ROM read by the DECchip microprocessor after reset that contains low-level diagnostic and initialization routines.
  • Page 180 superscalar Describes a processor that issues multiple independent instructions per clock cycle. symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) A processing configuration in which multiple processors in a system operate as equals, dividing and sharing the workload. symptom-directed diagnostics (SDDs) An approach to diagnosing computer system problems whereby error data logged by the operating system is analyzed to capture information about the problem.
  • Page 181 Windows NT ‘‘New technology’’ operating system owned by Microsoft, Inc. The AlphaServer systems currently support the Windows NT, OpenVMS, and DEC OSF/1 operating systems. write back A cache management technique in which data from a write operation to cache is written into main memory only when the data in cache must be overwritten.
  • Page 182 write-enabled Indicates a device onto which data can be written. write-protected Indicates a device onto which data cannot be written. write through A cache management technique in which data from a write operation is copied to both cache and main memory. Glossary–18...
  • Page 183 Boot menu (ARC), 1–22 removing a disc from, 1–45, 1–46 Boot problems, troubleshooting, 4–26 Configuration Boot procedure, 1–25 See also ECU booting DEC OSF/1 automatically, 1–27 console port, 1–18 booting OpenVMS automatically, 1–27 EISA boards, 3–33 for OpenVMS, 1–25 EISA/ISA boards, 3–35 for OSF/1, 1–25...
  • Page 184 Configuration, verifying for DEC OSF/1, 3–5 for OpenVMS, 3–5 DAT tape drive for Windows NT, 3–5 operating, 1–48 Console commands DC On/Off button, 1–14, 2–3 set bootdef_dev, 3–17 Device naming convention, 3–13 set boot_osflags, 3–17 Devices set envar, 3–17 displaying (SRM), 3–13 show auto_action, 3–17...
  • Page 185 Enclosure, 1–4 Installation, xiv Environment variables Internal SCSI bus, 3–39 configuring, 3–17 Internal StorageWorks resetting, 1–23 dual-bus configuration, 3–42 setting and examining, 3–17 shelf, 3–40 Environmental requirements, 1–6 ISA boards, identifying, 3–28 Errors ISA bus commands to report, 4–16 defined, 3–26 Ethernet ISA/EISA boards external loopback, 4–18...
  • Page 186 PCI bus, 1–3 defined, 3–37 location, 2–13, 3–18 Networks troubleshooting, 4–25 connecting to, 1–32 Peripheral devices, connecting, 1–34 Ethernet, 1–32 Phone numbers customer support, 4–7 Power cords order numbers, 1–9 Power problems See Operator control panel troubleshooting, 4–10 Operating system Power requirements, 1–6, 1–8 boot failures, reporting, 4–28 Power supplies, 1–8...
  • Page 187 (SRM), 4–16 System Configuration Diskette, 3–29 show memory command (SRM), 3–16 System configuration, verifying Site preparation, xiv for DEC OSF/1, 3–5 environmental requirements, 1–6 for OpenVMS, 3–5 power requirements, 1–6 for Windows NT, 3–5 Specifications, environmental, 1–7...
  • Page 188 System software mass storage problems, 4–20 booting, 1–25 operating system problems, 4–28 System startup screen, 1–19 PCI problems, 4–25 SYSTEMCFG volume label, 3–29 power problems, 4–10 problem reference, 4–5 problem worksheet, 4–9 problems getting to console mode, 4–11 Tape drive problems reported by the console, 4–15 RAID device problems, 4–29 See QIC tape drive;...

  • Page 189: Technical Support

    How to Order Additional Documentation Technical Support If you need help deciding which documentation best meets your needs, call 800-DIGITAL (800-344-4825) and press 2 for technical assistance. Electronic Orders If you wish to place an order through your account at the Electronic Store, dial 800-234-1998, using a modem set to 2400- or 9600-baud.
  • Page 191 Reader’s Comments AlphaServer 2100 Owner’s Guide EK-KN450-OP. B01 Your comments and suggestions help us improve the quality of our publications. Thank you for your assistance. I rate this manual’s: Excellent Good Fair Poor Accuracy (product works as manual says) Completeness (enough information)
  • Page 192 Do Not Tear – Fold Here and Tape No Postage Necessary If Mailed in the United States BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 33 MAYNARD MASS. POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION Information Design and Consulting MRO1-3/J10 200 Forest Street Marlboro, MA...

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