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v Boot to the open firmware prompt. See the "System Power Control Menu" on page 202 for instructions
on setting up the boot mode to enable the boot to the open firmware prompt. To display a menu that will
allow you to turn on the desired FRU identify LED, type FRU-LED-MENU on the command line.
Service Agent for the Model 275
Service support for the Model 275 can be enhanced through the use of the service agent application. This
application provides a number of advantages for the system user, including automatic error reporting and
analysis without customer intervention. The service agent is shipped with the system.
Using the Service Processor and Service Agent Features
The service processor and service agent features protect users against unnecessary system downtime by
keeping support personnel (both internal and external) aware of any unexpected changes in the system
environment. In combination, the two features provide a flexible solution to automated system
maintenance.
Service Processor
The service processor runs on its own power boundary and continually monitors hardware attributes, the
AIX operating system, and the environmental conditions within the system. Any system failure which
prevents the system from returning to an operational state (a fully functional AIX operating system) is
reported by the service processor. The service processor is controlled by firmware and does not require
the AIX operating system to be operational to perform its tasks. If any system failures are detected, the
service processor can take predetermined corrective actions. The methods of corrective actions are:
v Surveillance
v Call home
v AIX operating system monitoring
Surveillance is a function in which the service processor monitors the system through heartbeat
communication with the system firmware. The heartbeat is a periodic signal that the firmware can monitor.
During system startup, the firmware surveillance monitor is automatically enabled to check for heartbeats
from the firmware. If a heartbeat is not detected within a default period, the service processor cycles the
system power and attempts to restart until the system either restarts successfully, or a predetermined retry
threshold is reached. In the event that the service processor is unsuccessful in bringing the system online
(or in the event that the user asked to be alerted to any service processor-assisted restarts), the system
can call home to report the error.
The call home function can be initialized to call either a service center telephone number, a customer
administration center, or a digital pager telephone number. The service processor can be configured to
stop at the first successful call to any of the numbers listed, or can be configured to call every number
provided. If connected to the service center, the service processor transmits the relevant system
information (the system's serial number and model type) and service request number (SRN). If connected
to a digital pager service, the service processor inputs a customer voice telephone number defined by the
customer. An established sequence of digits or the telephone number to a phone near the failed system
could be used to signal a system administrator to a potential system failure.
During normal operations, the service processor can also be configured to monitor the AIX operating
system. If AIX does not respond to the service processor heartbeat, the service processor assumes the
operating system is hung. The service processor can automatically initiate a restart and, if enabled, initiate
the call home function to alert the appropriate people to the system hang. Enabling operating system
surveillance also affords AIX the means to detect any service processor failures and report those failures
to the service agent application.
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IntelliStation POWER 9114 Model 275 Service Guide
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