System Power-On Methods - IBM pSeries 690 Service Manual

System Power-On Methods

This section discusses the following system power-on methods:
v Hardware Management Console (HMC)
Using the HMC is the preferred method of powering on a managed system. For details on using the
HMC to power up a system, see the IBM Hardware Management Console for pSeries Installation and
Operations Guide.
v Power-on Switch
v Service Processor Menus
Privileged users can power on the system by selecting the System Control Power Menu option from
the main menu and then selecting the Power-on System option from the System Power Control Menu.
General users should select Power-on System on the General User Menu.
v Remote Power-on via Ring-Indicate Signal
The server automatically powers on when it detects a "ring indicate" signal from a modem attached to
serial port 1 (S1) or serial port 2 (S2).
A remote user can call the server to activate ring detection by the modem. Listen for a few more rings
than the threshold number for starting the system. The system powers on without answering the call.
v Unattended start mode - refer to Enable/Disable Unattended Start Mode on page 792.
The service processor can be enabled to recover from the loss of ac power (see Enable/Disable
Unattended Power-On Mode in the SYSTEM POWER CONTROL MENU). When ac power is restored,
the system returns to the power state at the time ac loss occurred. For example, if the system was
powered on when ac loss occurred, it reboots/restarts when power is restored. If the system was
powered off when ac loss occurred, it remains off when power is restored.
v Timed power-on - refer to the shutdown -t command on servers using AIX.
Working in conjunction with AIX, the Service Processor in your server can operate a timer, much like the
wake-up timer on your clock radio. You can set the timer so that your server powers on at a certain time
after shutting down. The timer is battery-operated, so power interruptions that occur while the server is
off do not affect its accuracy. Refer to the AIX shutdown -t command for details on setting the timer.
Note: If an ac power loss (exceeding the hold-up time of any optional IBFs) is in progress when the
timed power-on attempt occurs, the server cannot power on when ac power is restored.
v Follow-up to a Failed Boot Attempt
The service processor initiates a power-on sequence if a failed boot attempt is detected (due to a
hardware or software failure).
v Fast or Slow Boot (IPL)
Using the service processor menus, you can select the IPL type, mode, and speed of your system.
Attention: Selecting fast IPL results in several diagnostic tests being skipped and a shorter memory
test being run.
816 Eserver pSeries 690 Service Guide