IBM i Series Handbook page 33

This scenario discusses a situation in which you want to manage multiple systems or partitions.
Your company owns a System i product, and you want to use the PC to manage your system. You need
to manage multiple systems or partitions from one console. You have a secured network that you can
configure your console on.
For this scenario, configure a local console on a network.
Advantages:
v You can configure a single PC to be the console for several different systems or partitions as long as
they are connected to the service connection network. A maximum of 26 consoles can be active at a
time, but you might have a virtually unlimited number of configurations.
v The administrator does not need to be physically near the system to manage the console.
v Security features are available to protect your console connections.
v A local console on a network is the connectivity of choice for partitions in an LPAR environment.
v Multiple PCs can be configured as a console to a system or partition, but only one PC can act as an
active console at a time.
Disadvantages:
v No console is available when a network failure takes place unless a backup console is available.
Configure a local console that is directly attached to the system or a twinaxial console for backup.
v Your system will need a separate LAN card to be used by the console or other service tools.
Related concepts
"PC preparations for Operations Console" on page 27
After you complete the planning requirements and know which configuration and PC operating
system you will be using, you can go through one of the predefined checklists for setting up
Operations Console. You can also create a customized checklist and complete that.
Related reference
"Operations Console hardware requirements" on page 7
You need to meet the PC and System i hardware requirements for an Operations Console
configuration.
"Planning considerations for your backup console" on page 5
Most system plans include a level of redundancy to allow for the event of hardware failures; however,
many people do not consider the console in their plans. To recover quickly from an unexpected loss of
your console, you need to plan for a backup console.
Related information
Plan for logical partitions
21
Operations Console