Alternative System Console Configuration - Sun Microsystems Sun Fire V445 Server Administration Manual

Alternative System Console Configuration

In the default configuration, system controller alerts and system console output
appear interspersed in the same window. After initial system installation, you can
redirect the system console to take its input from and send its output to the serial
port TTYB, or to a graphics card's port.
A serial port and the PCI slots are located on the rear panel. Two USB ports are
located on the front panel.
The chief advantage of redirecting the system console to another port is that it
allows you to divide system controller alerts and system console output into two
separate windows.
However, there are some serious disadvantages to alternative console configuration:
POST output can only be directed to the serial management and network
management ports. It cannot be directed to TTYB or to a graphics card's port.
If you have directed the system console to TTYB, you cannot use this port for any
other serial device.
In a default configuration, the serial management and network management ports
enable you to open up to four additional windows by which you can view, but
not affect, system console activity. You cannot open these windows if the system
console is redirected to TTYB or to a graphics card's port.
In a default configuration, the serial management and network management ports
enable you to switch between viewing system console and system controller
output on the same device by typing a simple escape sequence or command. The
escape sequence and commands do not work if the system console is redirected to
TTYB or to a graphics card's port.
The system controller keeps a log of console messages, but some messages are not
logged if the system console is redirected to TTYB or to a graphic card's port. The
omitted information could be important if you need to contact Sun customer
service with a problem.
For all the preceding reasons, the best practice is to leave the system console in its
default configuration.
You change the system console configuration by setting OpenBoot configuration
variables. See "Reference for System Console OpenBoot Configuration Variable
Settings" on page 59.
You can also set OpenBoot configuration variables using the ALOM system
controller. For details, see the Sun Advanced Lights Out Manager (ALOM) Online Help.
Chapter 2 Configuring the System Console 31