This chapter describes how to install and operate your Altix 350 system. Specifically, the following topics are covered:
In this chapter, different installation instructions are provided for different types of system installations. Follow the instructions for your type of installation, as follows:
 | Note: It is assumed that you will be connecting a system console to your system in each installation case. |
If you have ordered a server system that is already rackmounted, which means that the modules that compose your system are also already cabled together, follow the instructions in these sections:
If you have ordered system modules and an empty rack or racks with the intention of rackmounting and cabling your own server system, follow the instructions in these sections:
If you have ordered either a single– or dual-module system that you intend to install on a table top, follow the instructions in these sections:
If you have your own rack, and have ordered system modules with the intention of rackmounting and cabling your own system, follow the instructions in these sections:
Before you install an Altix 350 system, you should familiarize yourself with the safety precautions discussed in the following subsections:
During the installation of your Altix 350 system, be alert for hazard advisory statements with icons, which signify the following:
Caution indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, can result in minor or moderate injury. A caution statement also alerts you to unsafe practices that can result in equipment damage and/or data corruption. A caution message is accompanied by an icon as shown in the following example:
Caution: Warning indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. A warning message is accompanied by icon as shown in the following example:
Warning: Danger indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. A danger message is accompanied by the same icon as a warning.
Observe electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions during the entire installation process to eliminate possible ESD damage to the equipment. Wear an SGI-approved wrist strap when you handle an ESD-sensitive device. Connect the wrist strap cord directly to earth ground.
| Caution: Observe all ESD precautions. Failure to do so can result in damage to the equipment. |
Observe the following safety measures when you install the system:
Use caution when you remove the system from the shipping crate. Failure to handle the system carefully can result in personal injury or property damage.
Caution: Ensure that the shipping crate is positioned close to its destination before you unpack the crate. Warning: Employ a minimum of two people to lift a module, to move the module(s) from one location to another, and to install the module(s) in a rack. Otherwise, someone could be seriously injured. Do not move the system while it is connected to power.
Warning: Keep fingers and conductive tools away from high-voltage areas. Failure to follow these precautions will result in serious injury or death. The high-voltage areas of the system are indicated with high-voltage warning labels. Ensure that a qualified electrician has properly installed the power receptacles.
Set all circuit breakers to the OFF (O) position before you plug in the system power cord.
Warning: Use the following guidelines to prevent the rack from toppling over. Otherwise, people could be seriously injured and/or equipment could be damaged. Follow these guidelines to prevent the rack from toppling over:
Make sure that only one module is extended out of the rack at one time.
Install all equipment in the lowest available position in the rack.
Ensure that the tip tray is bolted to the front of the rack.
This section describes how to install a rack that already has your system modules rackmounted and cabled together. The following information is provided:
After you have completed installing your rack, proceed to “Cabling the System Modules to a Power Source” to continue your installation.
If your system components were not shipped in a rack, skip this section and proceed to “Unpacking and Inspecting Modules” to begin your installation.
Perform the following preinstallation activities:
Perform site verifications (see “Site Plan Verification ”)
Gather appropriate tools to complete the installation (see “Tools Required”)
Ensure that the correct power receptacle is installed and properly wired (see “Power Receptacle Verification ”)
Note: You can perform the preinstallation activities days or weeks before you receive your system.
Ensure that all site requirements are met before your system arrives. If you have questions about the site requirements or you would like to order full-size floor templates for your site, contact a site planning representative by e-mail (site@sgi.com) or by telephone (+1 715 726 2820).
Table 1-1 lists the tools that you need to complete the installation.
Tool | Part Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
13-mm wrench | 7260744 | Adjust the leveling pads. |
13-mm socket (3/8-in. drive) | 7260726 | Remove bracket bolts from tall rack shipping crate. |
19-mm socket (3/8-in. drive) | 9470618 | Remove bolts from short rack shipping crate. |
Extension, 6-in. (3/8-in. drive) | 7260655 | Used with ratchet and sockets. |
Ratchet, reversible (3/8-in. drive) | 7260755 | Used with extension and sockets. |
Level, 9-in. | 9470556 | Level the rack. |
Ensure that a qualified technician installs the correct power receptacles. Your Altix 350 system uses one or two single-phase power receptacles. For North American sites, the single-phase receptacle is a 30-amp, 200- to 240-volt receptacle that has two phase sockets and one ground socket. For international sites, the single-phase receptacle is a 32-amp, 200-volt receptacle that has one phase socket, one neutral socket, and one ground socket. Note that the ground pin is slightly longer than the other two pins on the North American plug.
For North American sites, follow these steps to ensure that a single-phase power receptacle is properly wired:
Set the voltmeter to a high AC voltage range.
Check the voltage between socket X and socket Y (see Figure 1-1). The meter should read between 200 and 240 VAC.
Check the voltage between socket X and the ground socket. The meter should read approximately 120 VAC.
Check the voltage between socket Y and the ground socket. The meter should read approximately 120 VAC.
Check the voltage between the ground socket and an earth-ground location. The meter should read 0 VAC.
Change the voltmeter to a low-resistance setting.
Measure between the ground socket and an appropriate earth-ground location and ensure that resistance is less than 1 ohm.
Repeat steps 1 through 7 for any additional single-phase power receptacles.
Caution: If a voltage reading is incorrect, or if the resistance measured in step 7 is more than 1 ohm, contact a site-approved electrician. Do not proceed with the installation.
For international sites, follow these steps to ensure that a single-phase power receptacle is properly wired:
Set the voltmeter to a high AC voltage range.
Check the voltage between socket 1 and socket 2 (see Figure 1-2). The meter should read between 200 and 240 VAC.
Check the voltage between socket 1 (line) and the ground socket. The meter should read between 200 and 240 VAC.
Note: The ground pin is slightly larger in diameter than the other two pins. Check the voltage between socket 2 (neutral) and the ground socket. The meter should read approximately 0 VAC.
Check the voltage between the ground socket and an earth-ground location. The meter should read 0 VAC.
Change the voltmeter to a low-resistance setting.
Measure between the ground socket and an appropriate earth-ground location and ensure that resistance is less than 1 ohm.
Repeat steps 1 through 7 for any additional single-phase power receptacles.
Caution: If a voltage reading is incorrect, or if the resistance measured in step 7 is more than 1 ohm, contact a site-approved electrician. Do not proceed with the installation.
Your Altix 350 system arrives at the site in cardboard shipping crates.
For a short rack system, the documentation carton and the accessories carton are packed with the system. The documentation carton contains the system manuals as well as warranty and licensing information. The accessories carton contains the I/O, peripheral, and system cables, and any additional connectors or tools that are required for a specific configuration. The PC, workstation, or terminal is shipped in a separate carton.
For a tall rack system, the system documentation; accessories; and PC, workstation, or terminal arrive in separate cartons.
This section describes how to unload and transport the system to its designated location, as follows:
If your loading dock is the same height as the transportation vehicle, use a pallet jack to unload the system from the transportation vehicle. The pallet jack should have 48-in. tines or forks. Follow any instructions that are printed on the packing crates.
If the loading dock is not the same height as the vehicle, you must provide a forklift or another approved method to unload the system. You can use a platform or ramp to obtain the desired level as long as the ramp incline does not exceed a ratio of one unit vertical to six units horizontal. For more information on site requirements, contact site planning by e-mail (site@sgi.com) or by telephone (+1 715 726 2820).
| Warning: Use two or more people to prevent computer equipment from rolling off the transportation vehicle. Failure to do so could result in serious damage to the computer equipment. |
If your site does not have a loading dock, arrange for a forklift to unload the system from the transportation vehicle. Ensure that two or three people are available to help unload the equipment. Move all crates slowly and carefully.
Figure 1-3 shows the lift openings and dimensions of a tall rack shipping crate. This figure also shows where to position the pallet jack.
Figure 1-4 shows the lift openings and dimensions of a short rack shipping crate. This figure also shows where to position the pallet jack.
After the system is unloaded from the truck, follow these steps before you unpack it:
Ensure that the crates and cartons arrive unopened.
Inspect the shipping crate for signs of external damage such as dents, holes, crushed corners, and water marks.
Ensure that the tilt watch has not been tripped.
If the crate is damaged, file a damage claim with the carrier immediately. In addition, notify your local Customer Support Center (CSC) for any missing, incorrect, or damaged items. For CSC contact information, see http://www.sgi.com/support/supportcenters.html.
Use a pallet jack with forks that are 48 in. (122 cm) long or longer to transport the shipping crate to the designated location. See Figure 1-3 and Figure 1-4 for the crate dimensions and location to position the pallet jack. For system weight and dimensions, contact site planning by e-mail (site@sgi.com) or by telephone (+1 715 726 2820).
If the crate does not fit through all access doors, you may need to partially disassemble the crate.
| Caution: If the system shipping or storage environment is significantly colder than the environment in which it will be installed [40 ºF (22 ºC) or greater disparity], leave the rack in its shipping crate for at least 24 hours at room temperature before you start the installation. This acclimation prevents damage to the equipment that could result from thermal shock and condensation. |
| Warning: Be careful when you unpack and move the short rack system. Ensure that the rack remains on a level surface and that the rack weight remains evenly distributed across the four casters. If you must lift the casters over an obstacle, such as a door threshold, use proper lifting techniques and employ a minimum of two people. |
| Caution: Do not subject the rack to any unnecessary shocks or vibration while you unpack and install the system. |
See Figure 1-5 as you follow these steps; the numbered illustrations correspond to the numbered steps.
Ensure that the temperature of the rack is acclimated to the environment in which you are installing it.
Remove the crate cover.
Lift the ramp out of the crate and set it aside.
Remove the documentation carton, accessories carton, and cardboard packing material.
Lift the sidewalls of the crate up and over the system.
Remove the four bolts that secure the rack to the crate. You must reach underneath the crate and feel for the bolts.
Align the holes in the edge of the ramp with the pegs in the base of the crate. Ensure that the ramp is secure.
Remove the gate pins from the left and right ends of the gate. Then remove the gate.
Pull the rack down the ramp.
Warning: The maximum weight of the short rack is 488 lb (221 kg). Use caution when you roll the rack down the ramp.
| Warning: In its maximum configuration, a tall rack system weighs approximately 1,366 lb (620 kg). Use caution when you unpack and move this rack. Ensure that the rack remains on a level surface and that the rack weight remains evenly distributed across the four casters. |
To unpack a tall rack, you will need the following tools:
Extension, 6-inch, 3/8-in. drive
13-mm standard 3/8-in. drive socket
Ratchet, reversible, 3/8-in. drive
See Figure 1-6 as you follow these steps; the numbered illustrations correspond to the numbered steps.
Ensure that the temperature of the rack is acclimated to the environment in which you are installing it and that the system crate is in a stable, upright position.
Remove the bands that secure the crate.
Note: Brace the wooden ramp as you remove the horizontal band that surrounds the crate and the wooden ramp. The ramp moves freely after you remove this band. Place the ramp so that the three holes in the edge of the ramp align with the pegs in the base of the pallet deck.
Remove the cardboard cover, the two cardboard sidewalls, and the foam cushion.
Remove the bolts that secure the rack to the pallet deck, as follows:
Remove the top four bolts from the rear mounting bracket; do not remove the bottom bolts.
Remove the four bolts that secure the front mounting bracket and tip tray to the bottom of the pallet deck. Set the tip tray aside.
Remove the top four bolts from the front mounting bracket. Set the mounting bracket aside.
Use two people to roll the rack out of the crate and down the ramp.
Warning: Use extreme caution when you roll the tall rack down the ramp. Personal injury and system damage could result if the rack becomes unbalanced or gains too much momentum when it rolls down the ramp. Bolt the tip tray to the front of the rack before you move the rack to its designated location. This tray prevents the rack from tipping while you move the rack.
| Caution: To avoid ESD damage to the electronic components, be sure to position the rack before you remove the ESD bag that covers the rack assembly. |
To position and level a single-rack system, follow these steps:
Grasp the rear of the rack and roll the rack to its designated location.
Remove the ESD bag.
If you are installing a tall rack, adjust the leveling bolts, as shown in Figure 1-7, until the rack is level.
Ensure that the circuit breaker on the power distribution unit is in the OFF (O) position. Then connect the power cord to a grounded power outlet. Plugging in the power cord grounds the rack.
Secure the rack with seismic tie-downs if you are installing the system in an earthquake zone.
Note: Tall and short racks have four threaded holes that are located at the bottom of the rack (see Figure 1-8). Use these holes to secure the seismic tie-downs. SGI does not supply the seismic tie-downs.
| Caution: To avoid ESD damage to the electronic components, be sure to position the racks before you remove the ESD bags that cover the rack assemblies. |
To position and level multiple racks, follow these steps:
Grasp the rear of each rack and roll the rack to its designated location.
Remove the ESD bags.
Adjust the leveling bolts of rack 001, as shown in Figure 1-9, until the rack is level.
Using the leveling bolts of rack 002, adjust rack 002 so that the joining holes of rack 002 align with the joining holes of rack 001. See Figure 1-10.
Using the provided straps, screws, and washers, bolt the racks together in the four designated locations shown in Figure 1-10.
If your system has additional racks, repeat steps 4 and 5 until all of the racks are bolted together.
Ensure that the circuit breakers on the power distribution units are in the OFF (O) position. Then connect the power cords to grounded power outlets. Plugging in the power cords grounds the racks.
Secure the racks with seismic tie-downs if you are installing the system in an earthquake zone.
Note: Tall racks have four threaded holes that are located at the bottom of the rack (see Figure 1-8). Use these holes to secure the seismic tie-downs. SGI does not supply the seismic tie-downs.
This section describes how to unpack and inspect individual modules. Follow these instructions if you plan to install individual modules in a rack or on a table top.
Before unpacking your modules, inspect the packaging container for evidence of mishandling during transit. If the packaging container is damaged, photograph it for reference. After you remove the contents, keep the damaged container and the packing materials.
Remove the module or modules from the packaging container and ensure that all accessories are included. Inspect the module(s) and accessories for damage. If the contents appear damaged, file a damage claim with the carrier immediately. In addition, notify your local Customer Support Center (CSC) for any missing, incorrect, or damaged items. For CSC contact information, see http://www.sgi.com/support/supportcenters.html.
If your system is a single module system (the base compute module) or a dual-module system (a base compute module cabled to a CMPX module, for example), and you choose to operate it on a table top, you need to install five self-adhesive feet that are supplied with the module(s). To install the feet, follow these steps:
Place the module upside down on a flat, stable surface.
Peel off the protective film from the feet and place them on the five circular marks, as shown in Figure 1-11.
If you have a dual-module system, repeat steps 1 and 2 to put feet on the second module. (If you have a dual-module system, it is recommended that you place the base compute module on the bottom, and that you place the other module on top.)
Note: If you mount the system in a rack at a later date, you will need to remove the feet.
This section describes how to install the modules that compose an Altix 350 system in a rack with either a slide-rail assembly or with a shelf-rail assembly (also known as a fixed-rail assembly). The module type determines which rail assembly you should use. For example, the base compute module, the CPU expansion compute module, and the CMPX module are rackmounted with shelf rails or optional slide rails. The SGI TP900 storage system is always rackmounted with shelf rails.
This section also describes how to remove the modules from a rack.
This rackmounting information is found in the following sections:
This section describes how to rackmount modules with optional slide-rail assemblies. You can use the instructions to rackmount base compute modules, CPU expansion compute modules, and CMPX modules. This section includes the following topics:
Table 1-2 specifies the space requirements when rackmounting either a base compute module, a CPU expansion compute module, or an CMPX module in a 19-inch rack.
Table 1-2. Module Space Requirements
Height | 3.44 inches (8.74 cm) |
Width | 17.06 inches (43.33 cm) |
Depth | 27 inches (68.58 cm) (with bezel) |
Weight | 50 lb (22.7 kg) maximum configuration[a] |
Required front clearance for module | 8.25 in. (20.96 cm) |
Required rear clearance for module | 10 in. (25.40 cm) |
Required side clearance for module | 6 in. (15.24 cm) (right side) |
Required front clearance for rack | 36 in. (91 cm) |
Required rear clearance for rack | 36 in. (91 cm) |
[a] Weight will vary depending on whether the system has one or two power supplies, on the amount of DIMMs installed, and on whether you have one or two disk drives in your system. | |
Table 1-3 lists the hardware that you will use to mount the module in a 19-inch rack.
Table 1-3. Rackmounting Hardware
Hardware Type | Qty | Usage |
|---|---|---|
Slide rail assembly (includes chassis rail) | 2 | Allows the module to slide in and out of rack. |
2-in. rear mounting bracket | 2 | Mounts the slide rails to the rear rack rails. |
10-24 x 1/4-in. Phillips screw | 10 | Secures the chassis rails to the module. |
10-32 x 1/2-in. Phillips screw | 8 | Secures the slide rails to the rack rails. |
10-32 x 1/2-in. Phillips screw | 4 | Secures the slide rails to their mounting brackets. |
10-32 clip nut | 2 | Provides a threaded hole for fastening the module front panel to the rack rails. |
10-32 x 1/2-in. Phillips screw | 2 | Fastens the module front panel to the clip nut. |
The slide-rail assembly consists of a chassis rail and a slide rail. You need to remove the chassis rail from the slide rail so that you can install a mounting bracket to the slide rail and attach the chassis rail to the module. To remove the chassis rail from the slide rail, follow these steps:
Remove the two slide-rail assemblies and the rear mounting brackets from the shipping container.
Extend each slide-rail assembly until the safety latch snaps into place.
Press the safety latch and remove the chassis rail from the slide rail, as shown in Figure 1-12.
Place one of the mounting brackets on the back of the slide rail, as shown in Figure 1-13. Adjust the position of the mounting bracket on the slide rail according to the depth of the rack.
Place a barnut next to the mounting bracket.
Secure the mounting bracket to the slide rail by inserting two 10-32 x 1/2-in. screws through the assembly and into the barnut, as shown in Figure 1-13.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 to attach a mounting bracket to the other slide rail.
To attach the chassis rails to the module, follow these steps:
Place the module on a flat, stable surface.
Using four 10-24 x 1/4-in. screws, attach one of the chassis rails to the right side of the module chassis. Ensure that the rail is installed in the correct direction (see Figure 1-14).
Caution: Use only the 1/4-in. (0.64 cm) length screws. Longer screws damage internal components in the module. Using five 10-24 x 1/4-in. screws, attach the second rail to the left side of the module chassis. Again, ensure that the rail is installed in the correct direction.
The base compute module, CPU expansion compute module, and CMPX module each require two units (2U) of space within the rack (one unit is equivalent to 1.75 inches [44.5 cm]). To determine where you should install the slide rails in the rack, you must count mounting holes. Each U contains three mounting holes; therefore, in the 2U of space that the module occupies, there are six mounting holes. The bottom hole of the 2U space is hole 1. The top mounting hole in the 2U space is hole 6. See Figure 1-15.
| Note: A module in the rack is identified by the lowest U number that it occupies. For example, in Figure 1-15 the module resides in U5 (the fifth unit within the rack). |
To determine how many mounting holes you must count, use the following formula: 3 x (the lowest U number that the module will occupy) - 2. For example, when you want to install the module in locations U9 and U10, count 25 mounting holes (3 x 9 - 2) starting from the bottom of the rack. The 25th hole is the first mounting hole of U9.
To attach the slide rail to the rack, follow these steps:
 | Tip: The slide rails must be level in the rack. To ensure that you install the slide rails correctly, carefully count the mounting holes on all of the rack rails (two front rails and two rear rails). |
Locate eight 10-32 x 1/2-in. Phillips screws, eight shoulder washers, and four barnuts.
Place one of the barnuts inside the rack and align it with the second and third holes of the selected 2U of space (see Figure 1-16).
Note: The holes in the barnuts are not centered. The barnuts need to be placed in such a way that the holes are closest to the inside edge of the rack rails. See Figure 1-16. Insert two screws with shoulder washers through the rack rail to hold the barnut in place. The screws should not be tightened at this point.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 to install the remaining three barnuts on the other three rack rails (front and rear of rack).
Insert the front and rear brackets of one of the slide rails between the rack rails and the barnuts, as shown in Figure 1-17.
Tighten the screws on the front- and rear-end of the rails. Do not tighten firmly at this point, because all screws will be firmly tightened once the module is installed in the rack.
Repeat steps 5 and 6 to attach the second slide rail to the other side of the rack.
Clip nuts secure the modules to the rack. To install the clip nuts, slide the clip nuts over the fifth hole of the selected 2U of space on each of the front rails. See Figure 1-18 for details.
To install the module in the rack, follow these steps:
| Note: Step 2 requires two people. |
Fully extend the left and right slide rails from the rack until they lock into place.
With one person holding each side of the module, align the chassis rails of the module with the slide rails of the rack.
Slide the chassis rails into the slide rails until the chassis rails are stopped by the safety latches.
Press the safety latches on both sides of the module to fully seat the chassis rails into the slide rails (see Figure 1-19).
Firmly tighten all screws (the eight screws that secure the slide rails to the rack rails).
Secure the module to the rack by inserting a 10-32 x 1/2-in. Phillips screw in the top hole of each chassis ear (see Figure 1-20).
Once the module is installed in the rack, you can adjust the position of the module in the rack (upward and sideways). To adjust the position of the module, loosen the front mounting screws, adjust the module to the desired position, and then tighten the mounting screws.
| Caution: Do not lift the module by its bezel; it is not designed to handle the weight of the module. Instead, use the chassis ears to move the module (see Figure 1-20). |
To remove the module that is on slide rails on a rack, follow these steps:
Power off the module. For instructions on how to power off the module, see “Powering the System On and Off”.
Disconnect all of the cables at the rear of the module.
Warning: Components may be hot. To avoid injury, allow the components to cool for approximately five minutes before you proceed with these instructions. Remove the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack.
Carefully pull the module from the rack until it is stopped by the safety latches.
With one person holding each side, release the safety latches on both sides of the module and pull the module out of the slide rail (see Figure 1-21).
Place the module on a flat, stable surface.
To slide the slide rails back into the rack, push down on the slide latches as shown in Figure 1-22.
Note: Before you can reinstall a module into the rack, fully extend the slide rails from the rack until they lock into place.
This section describes how to rackmount a module using shelf rails. The shelf rails, which are shipped with the module, support the module within the rack. To attach the shelf rails to the rack, follow these steps:
Locate the slot location in the rack in which you will install the module.
In the slot location from step 1, position the left shelf rail at a 90-degree angle to the front and rear rack rails (see Figure 1-23).
Insert the top-front bracket tab into one of the narrow slots in the front rack rail.
Insert the top-rear bracket tab into the narrow slot in the rear rack rail.
Note: Verify that the tabs are the same height to ensure that the module is level in the rack. Lower the bottom of the shelf rail until its two lower tabs engage with the wide slots in the front and rear rack rails.
Install the two push-in fasteners that secure the shelf rail to the front and rear rack rails.
Place the EMI gasket bracket on the rear rack rail. Then install the two screws that secure the bracket and the shelf to the rear rack rail.
Repeat steps 2 through 7 for the right shelf rail.
Set the rear edge of the module on the shelf rails. Then slide the module into the rack until the module ears are snug against the rack rails. See Figure 1-24.
Fasten the module to the front rails of the rack with the screws and clip nuts provided. See Figure 1-24.
Fasten the module to the rear rails of the rack with the screws and clip nuts provided.
To remove the module that is on shelf rails in a rack, follow these steps:
Power off the module. For instructions on how to power off the module, see “Powering the System On and Off”.
Disconnect all of the cables at the rear of the module.
Warning: Components may be hot. To avoid injury, allow the components to cool for approximately five minutes before you proceed with these instructions. Remove the two screws and clip nuts that secure the module to the front rails of the rack.
Remove the two screws and clip nuts that secure the module to the rear rails of the rack.
Caution: For added safety, always use two people while removing or replacing a module from the rack. Carefully and slowly slide out the module by holding and pulling on one of the module ears with one hand, while placing the other hand securely under the module so that it supports the weight of the module as it clears the rack.
Place the module on a flat, stable surface.
Some configurations of an Altix 350 system will consist of either two or more modules. This section describes how to cable together these multiple modules.
| Note: If your system is made up of a single module, you can skip this section and proceed to “Cabling the System Modules to a Power Source” for instructions to connect your system to power. |
The base compute module, CPU expansion compute module, or CMPX module connect via the module's NUMAlink connectors. Figure 1-25 shows an example cabling of a base compute module to a CMPX module.
| Note: Before you connect two Altix 350 compute modules to each other, you must assign unique system ID numbers to the compute modules, as follows: |
Designate one of the compute modules as the master server and the other compute module as the slave.
Connect a console to the slave compute module (see “Connecting the System Console”), and power on the compute module (see “Powering the System On and Off”).
Use the brick slot <slotnumber> L1 command to set the slave system ID number to a higher number than the master system ID number. For example, if the master compute module's L1 prompt indicates that its ID number is 01 (001c01-L1>), then the slave system ID number should be 02 or higher (001c02-L1>).
001c01-L1>brick slot 02 brick slot set to 02.
See the SGI L1 and L2 Controller Software User's Guide (007-3938-00x) for more information on L1 commands.
To connect two Altix 350 compute modules to each other with a NUMAlink cable, follow these steps:
Power off both compute modules (see “Powering the System On and Off”).
Connect the NUMAlink cable to the NUMAlink connectors on both compute modules.
Connect a system console to the master compute module, as described in “Connecting the System Console”.
Power on both compute modules as described in “Powering the System On and Off”.
The console output should indicate that the processors and memory on both compute modules have been discovered. If the slave compute module has not been discovered, use the reset L1 command to perform a reset of the system.
| Note: For module-to-module communication to work correctly, the network mode on the module must be set to 422 (when connecting a PC [system console] to a serial port). Use the network L1 command to set the network mode. (See the SGI L1 and L2 Controller Software User's Guide (007-3938-00x) for more information on L1 commands.) |
Figure 1-26 shows the cabling of the system modules to the following components:
System console (for example the SGIconsole), which you can use to monitor and manage your system. (The LAN2 port of the SGIconsole connects to the L2 controller's Ethernet port with an RJ–45 twisted-pair cable.)
L2 controller. (Using an RJ-45 twisted-pair cable, the L2 controller's L1 port connects to the L1 port of a base compute module, CPU expansion compute module, or CMPX module.)
TP900 storage module. (Using a SCSI cable, the SCSI port on the base compute module connects to the TP900 module's SCSI port.) Note that the type of connection shown in this example is only available in systems using IO9 base I/O cards. For systems using the IO10 base I/O card, an optional SCSI PCI card is required.
If you have a larger (greater than 16 processor) Altix 350, your system will use one or two optional router modules. The router-based systems use a completely different cabling scheme than those that are connected in a ring topology.
Figure 2-3 and Figure 2-4 illustrate the cabling of an optional router system using block diagrams. The section “Optional Router System Cabling” details the cable connection points used in an optional router system.
The router module or R-brick is an eight-port 2U high module that functions as a high-speed switch to route network packets between Altix 350 modules within a system. Chapter 6, “Optional Router” describes this module in detail.
This section describes how to make the following connections to a power source:
If you are operating your system on a table top, connect the system modules to a wall power receptacle. See Figure 1-27 for the location of the module's power connector.
Figure 1-28 shows the connecting of a dual-module server system (a CMPX module and a base compute module), located on either a tabletop or desktop, to a power source.
This section describes how to cable the system modules that reside in a rack to a power source. Figure 1-29 shows an example of a system that consists the following components:
This section explains how to attach and establish a connection between a system console and an Altix 350 system. The system console enables you to perform the following activities:
Start a Linux or IRIX console session to set up networking and other configuration parameters.
Monitor your system by reading the status and error message information that the L1 controller generates.
Enter L1 controller commands to monitor or change particular system functions. You can, for example, monitor the speed of fans for a particular module. See the SGI L1 and L2 Controller Software User's Guide (007-3938-00x) for descriptions of the L1 controller commands that you can use.
Power on or power off your system.
The system console can be a server that runs the SGIconsole remote multiserver management software or a laptop/personal computer (PC). SGIconsole provides a central server control environment that has the following features:
Support for SGI clusters, partitioned systems, and large single-system-image servers.
Expandable to support additional systems.
Rackmountable, space-efficient platform.
Software applications and tools for installation and configuration, for console functionality, and for monitoring and managing system-level performance.
Web-based user interface.
For information on connecting a system console that runs SGIconsole software to your system, see the SGIconsole Hardware Connectivity Guide (007-4340-00x).
To attach a PC to your server system, connect a null modem serial cable between the PC and the CONSOLE port of the base compute module of your system (see Figure 1-30). To establish a connection between your system and the system console (PC), follow these steps:
Ensure that the L1 controller of the base compute module is powered on. When the base compute module is connected to a power source, the L1 controller should be powered on.
Note: When powered on, the L1 controller displays L1 running. If it does not display L1 running, check the connection between the base compute module and the power source. In addition, ensure that the circuit breaker of the power source is on. Power on the system console.
Ensure that the system console has the following network settings:
Baud 38400
No parity
8 data bits
1 stop bit
Hardware flow control on (RTS/CTS)
Type cu -l ttyd2 for an IRIX based console, or cu -l ttys0 -S38400 for a Linux based console, and then press Enter to display the L1 prompt. If the console uses another operating system, start a terminal emulation program as instructed in the console's user documentation.
This section describes how to operate your Altix 350 system, as follows:
This section describes how to power on and power off your system (or an individual module) at a system console, or manually, as follows:
To prepare to power on your system, follow these steps:
Confirm that all the cable connections between the modules and between the modules and other system items are connected securely. If necessary, see “Cabling the System Modules” for information.
Confirm that all the power cables are plugged in securely to a power source. If necessary, see “Cabling the System Modules to a Power Source” for information.
To power on and boot your system using the system console, follow these steps:
| Note: You must manually power on the TP900 storage module by placing the power switch(es) in the ON (I) position. You must turn this module on before starting the operating system. |
If not yet done so, connect a system console to the server system as described in “Connecting the System Console”.
If the monitors and other peripherals are equipped with voltage select switches, verify that they are set for the appropriate AC voltage and plug them in. Note that they are normally plugged into sources outside the rack system.
Turn on the circuit breaker switch of the PDU as shown in Figure 1-31.
Verify that all of the L1 controllers display “L1 running.” If any L1 controllers are not running, contact your SGI system support engineer (SSE).
At the system console, access the L2 controller by entering the following command:
$> /stand/sysco/bin/12term
From the L2 prompt, display the system configuration by entering the following command:
L2> cfg
This command lists the modules that the L2 controller detects in the system and their system controller addresses. If a module that you want to power on does not appear in the list, it will not power on. Ensure that the module's L1 controller is running and that the module is cabled properly.
From the L2 prompt (L2>), power on an individual module by entering the following command. (If you want to power on the entire system, proceed to Step 8.)
L2> r <rack#> s <slot#> pwr u
For example, to power on a module in rack 1, slot 18, enter the following command:
L2> r 1 s 18 pwr u
The slot number is the unit number of the module within the rack.
If you want to power on several selected modules of a rack at the same time, you must enter the rack number followed by the slot numbers of the modules that you want to power on. For example, to power on the modules in slots 18, 20, and 22, enter the following command:
L2> r 1 s 18,20,22 pwr u
If you want to power on the entire system, enter the following command:
L2> pwr u
(The default setting for the pwr u command is all racks and slots.)
When the L2 prompt appears, you will not see the output that is produced during the power-on procedure unless you redirect the keyboard input from the L2 controller to the normal console by typing control d.
L2> ctrl d
If your system does not have a a local system console, you can manually power on and off the server by using the power button(s). To power on your system or an individual module manually, follow these steps:
If the monitors and other peripherals are equipped with voltage select switches, verify that they are set for the appropriate AC voltage and plug them in. Note that they are normally plugged into power sources outside the rack system.
Turn on the circuit breaker switch of the PDU as shown in Figure 1-31.
Press the power buttons on each of the modules that you want to power on in the following order:
For the TP900 storage module, press the rear-panel power button to ON (I).
For the CMPX module, the base compute module, and the CPU expansion compute module, press the power button with the LED on the front panel of each module (see Figure 1-32).
To boot the system from the L1 interface you must have a console connected to the system via the console port. Use the following commands depending on your system type:
To power off your system using the system console, follow these steps:
| Caution: If you power off the system before you halt the operating system, you can lose data. |
Shut down the operating system by entering the following command:
# init 0
To access the L2 prompt, direct the keyboard input to the L2 controller by entering Ctrl+T.
$> ctrl t
From the L2 prompt (L2>), power off an individual module by entering the following command. (If you want to power off the entire system, proceed to Step 4.)
L2> r <rack#> s <slot#> pwr d
For example, to power off the module in rack 1, slot 18, enter the following command:
L2> r 1 s 18 pwr d
The slot number is the unit number of the module within the rack.
If you want to power off several selected modules from the rack at the same time, enter the rack number followed by the slot numbers of the modules that you want to power off. For example, to power off the modules in slots 18, 20, and 22, enter the following command:
L2> r 1 s 18,20,22 pwr d
If you want to power off all of the modules within the rack, enter the following command:
L2> pwr d (The default setting for the pwr d command is all racks and slots.)
“Powered Down” appears on the L1 display when the module is powered off. The L1 controller is still powered on.
To power down an L1 controller, unplug the module from the PDU.
To power off your system manually, follow these steps:
| Caution: If you power off the system before you halt the operating system, you can lose data. |
Shut down the operating system by entering the following command:
# init 0
Press the power buttons or power switches on each of the modules that you want to power off. You may power off the modules in any order:
To power off the TP900 storage module, press the power button on its rear panel to the OFF (O) position.
To power off the base compute module, the system expansion compute module, and the CMPX module, press the power button with the LED on the front panel of each module (see Figure 1-32).
The front panel of the base compute module, the CPU expansion compute module, and the CMPX module provides the following control features, as shown in Figure 1-33:
Status LEDs. The front panel has the following LEDs:
Power button LED. This LED illuminates green when the internal components are on.
Service-required LED. This LED illuminates yellow to indicate that an item is not functioning properly (for example, a fan is off), but the module is still operating.
Failure LED. This LED illuminates red to indicate that a failure has occurred and the module is down.
Power button. Press this button to power on the module. Alternatively, you can power on the module at the system console.
Reset button. Actuate this button to reset the internal processors and ASICs. The reset will cause a memory loss. (To perform a reset without losing memory, see the NMI button information that follows.)
NMI button. Actuate the NMI (non-maskable interrupt) button to reset the internal processor(s) and ASICs, and write register data and memory to the /var/adm/crash file.
Use a paperclip or other small object to access the “pin-hole” actuator for this button.
| Note: If your system includes a TP900 storage module, see the SGI Total Performance 900 Storage System User's Guide (007-4428-00x) for operating instructions. |
The L1 controller operates in one of the two following modes:
L1 mode. The L1 prompt (001c01-L1>) is visible and all input is directed to the L1 command processor.
Console mode from L1. Output from the system is visible and all input is directed to the system.
The L1 controller is ready to accept commands when you see a prompt of the following form:
001c01-L1>
See the SGI L1 and L2 Controller Software User's Guide (007-3938-00x) for a detailed list of L1 commands.
To enter console mode, press Ctrl+D at the L1 prompt, as follows:
001c01-L1> Ctrl+D entering console mode 001c01 console, <CTRL-T> to escape to L1 . <system output appears here> . |
To return to L1 mode, press Ctrl+T, as follows:
Ctrl+T escaping to L1 system controller 001c01-L1> |
At this point, you can enter any L1 command. When the command completes execution, the L1 returns to console mode:
re-entering console mode 001c01 console, <CTRL-T> to escape to L1 |
To permanently engage the L1 mode, press Ctrl+T and then enter the l1 command, as follows:
Ctrl+T escaping to L1 system controller 001c01-L1> l1 L1 command processor engaged, <CTRL-D> for console mode. 001c01-L1> |