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Level 03c, May 2011
Chapter 7. Remote support facility (RSF) installation planning
The Remote Support Facility (RSF) provides communication to a centralized IBM
support network for problem reporting and service, as well as providing a means for
remote operation of the Hardware Management Console. You may use either an
Internet or modem connection for communicating with IBM's Remote Support
Facility.
Note that there are some specific services for which a modem is required, rather
than an Internet connection:
v External Time Source
v Auto Answer - if specifically enabled, to allow a customer to access the HMC
Choosing a communications method for remote support
You have three choices for connecting to IBM's Service Support System through the
RSF:
v A direct connection from the Hardware Management Console to the Internet. This
v An indirect connection from the Hardware Management Console to the Internet
v Use a modem. This method compared to a direct or indirect Internet is more
The benefits of either a direct or indirect connection to the Internet will facilitate
more rapid problem resolution for your enterprise.
An Internet-based Remote Support Facility (RSF) connection is recommended
unless your enterprise security policies prohibit HMC communication with the
Internet. The following information is designed to provide your networking team with
the information they need to enable the Hardware Management Console to connect
securely to the Internet.
Security characteristics of Remote Support Facility communications include:
v RSF requests are always initiated from the HMC to IBM. No inbound connections
v All transferred data is encrypted in a high-grade Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
v When the HMC initiates a connection to RSF, it validates the trusted host by its
v Data sent to IBM consists solely of hardware problem information and
Using the internet for remote support
The HMC can be enabled to connect directly to the Internet or to connect indirectly,
through a proxy server that you provide. The decision to use either a direct or
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2008, 2011
remotely from an external location.
method is fast, reliable and uses the external customer firewall to control the
connection.
using a proxy server. This method has the advantages of the direct connection
plus it allows your enterprise the added control of the proxy. Potential additional
advantages include the possibilities of logging and audit facilities using the proxy
server.
costly (telephone line, associated equipment, and monthly charges) and slower.
are ever initiated from IBM's Service Support System.
method.
digital signature issued for the IBM Service Support System.
configuration data. No application or customer data is transmitted.
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