Electronic Mode Switch - IBM R30 Operator's Manual

Electronic Mode Switch

The electronic mode switch (E-key) enables you to remotely change the status of the key
mode switch and:
places the system for maintenance or debug purpose from a remote location, from
Normal to Service mode, without a person physically being present near the system to
change the key mode switch position,
assists remote access and service of a customer installed machine from a central
customer hub (CH) or IBM service center and to run off-line and online diagnostics from a
remote location to isolate a problem to the FRU level,
activates from an enabled terminal (via a software command) the use of the maintenance
features on the remote line
breaks a remote maintenance session by the service people, if some intrusion attempt is
suspected
prevents non-authorized access to the system setting the system in Secure mode.
The Electronic Mode Switch has validity only when the operator panel key mode switch is
set to the Normal position. It is able to electronically move the position of the "key mode
switch" on the operator panel in the following way:
Key Mode
Switch
Normal
Secure
Service
Note: (*) The status of the system matters only during IPL and in off-line maintenance
mode; once the Operating System is up and running, the key mode status is relavent
only for maintenance application software and diagnostic aids.
The following functions of the key mode switch cannot be performed remotely by setting the
E-Key:
Indicate to the diagnostic program that no console is available
Start a manual dump.
See the AIX Version 4 System Management Guide: Communications and Networks and the
keycfg command for detailed information on the electronic mode switch.
Setting the Electronic Mode Switch (E-Key)
See "How to Set the Electronic Key" on page 3-39 for information about setting the
electronic key mode switch.
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Operator Guide
Electronic Status of the System (*)
Mode Switch
Normal Normal
Service Service
Secure Secure
Set to any mode Secure
Set to any mode Service