Server Monitoring and Control by System Monitoring Facilities (SCF and XSCF)
PRIMEPOWER constantly monitors CPUs, memory, and system boards, as well as the status of the main unit such as fan revolutions and internal equipment temperatures. This information is sent to and collected by the system monitoring function (SCF or XSCF).
The system monitoring function is provided as standard with PRIMEPOWER. Since all pieces of information involving the main unit are collected by the system monitoring function, defective areas in whatever server circuit can be promptly identified.
The system monitoring function makes it possible to track the status of the main unit, helping to reduce the load on the system administrator and cut server management costs.
Since the system monitoring function is run by a dedicated processor (service processor) separate from the standard CPUs, the main unit continues to be monitored and controlled even while the OS is down.
SCF (System Control Feature)
For PRIMEPOWER 650, 850, 900, 1500 and 2500, the main unit can be monitored and controlled by the SCF. Information on the operating status of the main unit, as well as information on fan state, internal equipment temperature, and ambient temperature, is all collected by the SCF.
In the high-end servers (PRIMEPOWER 1500 and 2500) that require particularly high reliability, the SCF is redundant.
XSCF (eXtended System Control Feature)
The space-saving entry models PRIMEPOWER 250 and 450 are often constructed with multiple servers configured in series. For this reason, they incorporate XSCF, which supports a network-based control feature, in addition to SCF functions.
Mail notification function
If an error occurs in the main unit, notification can be transmitted to cellular phones or personal computers by e-mail. Even when the system administrator is based at a remote location, the equipment information can be received in real-time, making it possible to take immediate corrective action.
Remote monitoring via LAN
The main unit can be monitored and controlled from a distance via a LAN. In addition to standard protocols such as http, telnet, and SNMP, support is also provided for encrypted communications by SSL or SSH. The appropriate monitoring and control interface can be selected to suit client needs.
Equipment monitoring via Web browser
The operating status of each component and indicators such as internal equipment temperature can be graphically displayed. The administrator can click on a normally operating component, in which case the component changes color to green, and a detailed status report is displayed to its right.
In the case of the CPU, for example, the serial no., clock speed, and temperature are displayed. Revolutions per minute and other information is displayed for fans. A component in error is indicated in red, allowing instant identification of faulty components. A description of the problem is displayed to right of the component, allowing prompt identification of the defective area and analysis of the cause of failure.
Components in error are displayed in red.
When clicked, the component changes to green, with the status shown to the right.
Shell-based equipment monitoring and control
The main unit can be monitored and controlled from a command line interface using the XSCF shell.
Link to Systemwalker operations management software
Use of Systemwalker in combination with the SCF or XSCF enables collective management of multiple server units.
Turning power on/off from a remote location
A remote panel is provided to control the main unit from a Web browser. The power to the main unit can be turned on or off from the power switch located on the remote panel. The message screen of the remote panel permits confirmation of messages output when the power is turned on or off.
Since LEDs indicating the status of the main unit are displayed on the remote panel, visual information on the main unit being managed can be obtained away from the main unit via a LAN. The system administrator can control the main unit, including power on/off, from a remote location.
Remote pannel
Turning on the LEDs
The LEDs located at the front and back of the main unit can be turned on. In cases in which multiple servers of the same type are installed on a rack, if a failure occurs in one main unit and certain components require replacement, it can be difficult under normal conditions to determine which main unit is faulty at a glance.
In such cases, when the LEDs are turned on and off, the main unit that requires component replacement is readily identified from either the front or reverse side of the equipment. This helps prevent errors in replacement work.
