Overview Of The Service Processor; Introduction To Service Processor Interfaces; Service Processor (Mp Or Gsp) Features - HP rp7420 User Manual

1 Overview of the Service Processor

This chapter provides an introduction to the service processor on HP cell-based servers.

Introduction to Service Processor Interfaces

The service processor (MP or GSP) utility hardware is an independent support system for
nPartition servers. It provides a way for you to connect to a server complex and perform
administration or monitoring tasks for the server hardware and its nPartitions.
The main features of the service processor include:
• Command Menu
• nPartition Consoles
• Console Logs
• Chassis Code Viewer (on HP 9000 servers with HP PA-8700 processors) or Event Log Viewer
(on servers based on the HP sx1000 chipset)
• Virtual Front Panels (live displays of nPartition and cell states)
These features are described in more detail in
The service processor is available when the cabinet has standby power even if the main (48-volt)
cabinet power switch is turned off.
Access to the service processor is restricted by user accounts. Each user account is password
protected and provides a specific level of access to the server complex and service processor
commands.
Multiple users can independently interact with the service processor because each service
processor login session is private. However, some output is mirrored: the Command menu and
each nPartition console permit one interactive user at a time and mirrors output to all users
accessing those features. Likewise, the service processor mirrors live chassis codes to all users
accessing the Live Chassis Logs feature (or the Live Events feature).
Up to 32 users can simultaneously login to the service processor through the network (customer
LAN) interface, and they can independently manage nPartitions or view the server complex
hardware states.
Two additional service processor login sessions can be supported by the local and remote serial
ports. These allow for serial port terminal access (through the local RS-232 port) and external
modem access (through the remote RS-232 port).
In addition to providing enhanced features necessary for managing a multiple-nPartition server,
the service processor (MP or GSP) on nPartition servers is similar to the service processor on
other HP servers.
For example, the service processor manages the complex profile, which defines nPartition
configurations as well as complex-wide settings for the server.
The service processor also controls power, reset, and TOC capabilities; displays and records
system events (or chassis codes); and can display detailed information about the various internal
subsystems.

Service Processor (MP or GSP) Features

The following list describes the primary features available through the service processor on
nPartition-capable HP servers.
Command Menu
"Service Processor (MP or GSP) Features" (page
The Command menu provides commands for system
service, status, and access configuration tasks.
To enter the Command menu, enter CM at the service
processor Main menu. To exit the service processor
Introduction to Service Processor Interfaces
11).
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