Primergy Bx Blade Server System - Overview; The Blade Server Concept; Blade Server Management; Features Of The Serverview Management Blade - Fujitsu PRIMERGY BX400 User Manual

2 PRIMERGY BX blade server system –
overview
In this chapter an overview is given of the blade server system. The concept underlying this system is explained,
and its major features are described. Furthermore, the system component is described that enables the user to
communicate with the system.
2.1

The blade server concept

A traditional server is a device that includes a multitude of components to do many different jobs at the same time.
Servers like this are distinguished by the number of CPUs they use, the number of hard disks that can be plugged
in, and the number of PCI cards that can be used to connect them to other devices such as external storage
systems or networks.
Further development has made it necessary to treat the issues of CPU power and storage capacity separately.
Rack optimized servers enable the system administrator to make adjustments in both fields according to the level
that is needed.
At the next step, the blade server concept is reached, where I/O functions, too, are separated from the CPU. A
blade server system typically consists of a number CPU boards, known as server blades, together with some
connection blades, which are the I/O modules, and finally a redundantly configured pair of ServerView
management blades, enabling the user to monitor and control the system on the whole.
All data traffic moving to and from the system is handled via TCP/IP over a LAN cable.
The outsourcing of the power supply unit and the use of low-voltage CPUs help to reduce the size of a server blade.
Thus, a high density is achieved for the system with very little power consumption compared to traditional servers.
2.2

Blade server management

When performing administrative tasks for the blade server system, the user relies on functions provided by a
system component called the ServerView management blade. There are two ServerView management blades in
a blade server system, in order to ensure redundancy.
The user gets access to the functions provided by the ServerView management blade, either via a web user
interface, or via a console menu using the Telnet protocol.

2.2.1 Features of the ServerView management blade

Within the blade server system the ServerView management blade is equipped with a number of features, which
are described in this section.
Controller
The ServerView management blade is equipped with an AMCC PPC405EP controller.
ServerView BX400 Management Blade S1 13