This chapter describes how to install and operate your Altix 330 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: Information is referenced in each case for connecting an optional system console to your server. |
If you have ordered one or two system modules for table-top use or with the intention of rackmounting and cabling your own server system, follow the quick start instructions in these sections:
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 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 330 system, you should familiarize yourself with the safety precautions discussed in the following subsections:
During the installation of your Altix 330 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.
Figure 1-1 shows the basic components that ship with your System. If parts of your shipment are damaged or missing, contact your support provider. Note that the figure shows only the basic system components.
The base system server weighs approximately 31 lb. (14.1 kg). Exercise care when you lift the unit to move or install the server. Lift the unit by placing your hands under the bottom edges of the chassis, do not lift the unit by the front bezel. Use two people to lift the unit whenever possible.
To become familiar with your system, refer to the following figures:
Figure 1-2, which shows the front view of the system.
Figure 1-3 shows the rear panel items on the system.
Items on the front panel include
Power button
Three status LEDs
DVD-ROM drive
For more information on front panel controls, see “Powering the System On and Off Manually” and “Operating the System Modules Using Front Panel Controls”.
The rear panel of the SGI Altix 330 has the following items:
Standard PCI/PCI-X slot. This full-length PCI card slot supports a number of PCI/PCI-X option cards.
Serial Attached SCSI and Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SAS/SATA) connector. Provides external SAS/SATA hard disk and removable media device support.
Six SAS/SATA activity LEDs. Located next to the SAS/SATA port reflect the activity on the port when an external device is present. If an amber LED in the right column is lit, it indicates that no device is present. The green LEDs on the left column will flash to indicate device activity.
L1 (USB A) port. Provides a connection to the module's L1 system controller.
NUMAlink LEDs. The NUMAlink connector has two LEDs. These LEDs are located next to the NUMAlink connector. One LED lights yellow to indicate that the base compute module and the module to which it is connected are powered on. The other LED lights green when the link between the base compute module and the module to which it is connected is established.
This section describes how to unpack and inspect individual modules. Follow these instructions if you need to install individual modules in a rack or on a table top. Go to “Installing a Rack System” if your system came pre-mounted in a rack.
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 diskless module, for example), and you choose to operate it on a table top, you need to install the 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 circular marks on the bottom of the unit, as shown in Figure 1-4.
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.
For instruction on cabling the Altix 330 modules go on to “Cabling a Basic System”.
To set up the system, follow these steps:
Connect the Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on the back, as shown in Figure 1-5.
If you are connecting the base enclosure to another Altix 330 module or other optional module, attach the NUMAlink-4 cable to the back, as shown in Figure 1-6 otherwise, go on to the next step.
Plug the module's AC power cable into an approved outlet or the power distribution unit (PDU) of the rack (as applicable), see Figure 1-7 for an example. Note that the green LED on the front of the system lights up after the unit is fully powered on.
This section describes how to install a rack that already has your system modules installed, 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 “Rack Tools Required”)
Ensure that the correct power receptacle is installed and properly wired (see “Rack 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 330 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 1-8). 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 1-9). 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 330 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 1-10 shows the lift openings and dimensions of a tall rack shipping crate. This figure also shows where to position the pallet jack.
Figure 1-11 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 1-10 and Figure 1-11 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 1-12 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 can weigh 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 1-13 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 1-14, 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 1-15). 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 1-16, 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 1-17.
Using the provided straps, screws, and washers, bolt the racks together in the four designated locations shown in Figure 1-17.
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 1-15). Use these holes to secure the seismic tie-downs. SGI does not supply the seismic tie-downs.
This section describes how to install the modules that compose an Altix 330 system in a rack with a rail assembly. For example, the base compute module, and any CPU expansion compute modules, are rackmounted with rails designed specifically for the Altix 330.
Other optional system modules such as an SGI storage system module, use different style shelf mounting rails. Always reference the documentation shipped with any optional rackmount module to identify the proper mounting rail hardware.
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 slide-rail assemblies. You can use the instructions to rackmount all Altix 330 compute and expansion modules. Optional storage or PCI expansion modules may use different mounting techniques. This section includes the following topics:
Table 1-2 specifies the space requirements when rackmounting Altix 330 modules in a 19-inch rack.
Table 1-2. Module Space Requirements
Height | 1.7 inches (4.3 cm) |
Width | 17.5 inches (44 cm) |
Depth | 31.75 inches (80.6 cm) (with bezel) |
Weight | 31 lbs (14.1 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 front clearance for rack | 36 in. (91 cm) |
Required rear clearance for rack | 36 in. (91 cm) |
[a] Weight will vary slightly depending on the number of DIMMs installed (four or eight), the number of proces sors (one or two), and on whether you have one or two disk drives in your system. | |
The base compute module and any additional CPU expansion compute modules each require one unit (1U) of space within the rack (one unit is equivalent to 1.75 inches [44.5 cm]). To determine where you should install the rails in the rack, you must count mounting holes. Each U contains three mounting holes; therefore, in the 1U of space that the module occupies, there are three mounting holes. The bottom hole of the 1U space is hole 1. The top mounting hole in the 1U space is hole 3. See Figure 1-18 for a description.
| Note: A module in the rack is identified by the lowest U number that it occupies regardless of the height of the enclosure. A 2U option module, such as the PA would be identified by the U number its bottom half occupies. In Figure 1-18 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 U number that the module will occupy) - 2. For example, when you want to install the module in location U9, count 25 mounting holes (3 x 9 - 2) starting from the bottom of the rack. The 25th hole is the first (lowest) mounting hole of the U9 location.
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 |
|---|---|---|
Rail assembly (includes length adjustment hardware) | 2 | Allows the module to slide in and out of the rack and holds it locked vertically. |
Tx 20 length adjustment screws | 4 | Four Tx 20 screws in each rail make length adjustment of the rails possible to fit 19-inch racks with different depths. |
2 front retention mounting brackets | 2 | Holds the system in place and prevents any horizontal movement of the unit. (The left and right retention brackets are identical.) |
M5 x 10mm screw (torx head) | 10 | Secures the chassis rails to the rack at front and rear. |
The rack mounting rail assembly consists of a pair of length-adjustable mounting rails, ten rack-mounting screws and two front retention brackets that hold the Altix 330 in place at the front of the rack. You need a Tx 20 screw driver to adjust and mount the rack rails. The Altix 330 rail mounting design requires that you install the rails and then slide the unit on.
If you need to adjust the length of the mounting rails, follow these steps:
Remove the two rail assemblies and the front mounting brackets from the shipping container. Check the depth of the rack to confirm that you need to extend the rail length. If not, go on to the next section and install the rails. Be sure to keep the retention brackets.
Remove the single screw that stops the extension of each rack rail.
Extend each rail assembly by loosening the three remaining screws with the Tx 20 screw driver until the rails slide easily, see Figure 1-19.
Fit the depth of each rail to the exact depth of the rack and then tighten the Tx 20 extension screws to that length.
Reinstall the single extension screw in its original hole in each rail before mounting the rails.
To attach the mounting rails to the rack, follow these steps:
 | Tip: The rack rails must be level in the rack. To ensure that you install the two rails correctly, carefully count the mounting holes on all of the rack rails (two front rails and two rear rails). Mark the top mounting hole in each case if needed. |
Locate eight M5 x 10mm screws and the two front retention brackets.
Place the right-hand rack rail in the location selected and secure it with a screw through the top hole on the front of the rail (see Figure 1-20).
Insert and tighten two screws in the rear of the rail to hold it in place.
Repeat this process for the left-side rack rail.
Note: Install the front retention brackets after the Altix 330 is installed on the rails.
To install the module in the rack, follow these steps:
| Note: Two people are highly recommended for this installation. |
With one person holding each side of the module, align the inner lip on each side to fit over the rack rails. Note that the left side rail must be placed under the inner lip or the unit will not fit.
Slide the unit onto the rails until the module is stopped by the rear retention bracket at the back of the right rail. The front bezel of the Altix 330 should be flush with the front of the rack.
Insert the first front retention bracket tongue into the sheetmetal slot directly behind the plastic bezel (see Figure 1-22???).
Align one of the front retention bracket's holes with the middle hole of the rail and secure it using a Tx 20 screw. Repeat this procedure on the other side of the module.
To remove a rackmounted Altix 330 module, follow these steps:
Power off the module. For instructions on how to power off the module, see “Powering the System On and Off Manually”.
Disconnect all of the cables at the rear of the module. Be sure the power cable is disconnected and able to pull free from the rack along with the server.
Remove the two screws and brackets that secure the module to the front rails of the rack.
Carefully pull the module from the rack (two people are recommended for this procedure) until it is clear of the rails, (see Figure 1-23) and place it on a stable work surface.
Many configurations of an Altix 330 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 Altix 330 base compute module, and one additional expansion module can connect via the module's NUMAlink connectors. Figure 1-24 shows an example cabling of a base compute module to an expansion module using the NUMAlink cable.
| Note: Before you connect two Altix 330 compute modules to each other, you must assign unique system ID numbers to the compute modules, using the following steps: |
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 Manually”).
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 330 compute modules to each other with a NUMAlink cable, follow these steps:
Power off both compute modules (see “Powering the System On and Off Manually”).
Connect the NUMAlink-4 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 Manually”.
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: See the SGI L1 and L2 Controller Software User's Guide (007-3938-00x) for more information on L1 and L2 commands. |
Figure 1-25 shows the cabling of an Altix 330 compute system module to the following components:
Altix 330 expansion compute module (disk drives optional).
PA-brick PCI/PCI-X option module.
If you have a larger (greater than 4 processor) Altix 330, your system will use an optional router module. The router-based systems use a different cabling scheme than those that are connected in a point-to-point topology.
Figure 2-5 illustrates 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 330 modules within a system. Chapter 5, “Optional Router” describes this module in detail.
This section describes how to make the following connections to a power source:
If you are operating a small (one or two module) system on a table top, connect the system modules to a wall-mounted or other approved power receptacle. Figure 1-26 shows the connecting of a dual-module server system (an expansion 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 1-27 shows an example of a system that consists of the following components:
Altix 330 base compute module (contains disk(s) and operating system)
Altix 330 expansion compute modules (disks optional)
An optional Router (R-brick), and optional TP900 mass storage module
Power distribution unit (PDU)/Power adapter
This section describes how to establish a console connection to an Altix 330 server.
Note that in the Altix 330 systems when a USB-to-Ethernet adapter is connected to the L1 system controller, that brick emulates an L2 controller and becomes an L1/L2 controller. Separate physical L2 controllers are not used with the Altix 330 systems. Access to the L2 functionality is made by way of an Ethernet connection to a PC or Laptop.
The Altix 330 modules communicate with each other and share L1/L2 commands and information through their NUMAlink-4 connections using low voltage differential signaling (LVDS). There is no L1/L2 system control in the optional mass storage modules sold with the Altix 330.
The Altix 330 server does not have a serial console port connection. The console port is supported through the USB L1 port. Because the updated design of the L1 controller in the Altix 330 shares both Level 1 and (emulates) Level 2 (L1/L2) control functions, it will be referred to as the L1/L2.
When the L1/L2 system controller in the Altix 330 initially powers up, it will function as a DHCP client, that is, it attempts to obtain an IP address from a DHCP server. If it cannot obtain an IP address from a DHCP server, then the L1/L2 controller itself will function as the DHCP server. It will assign its own static IP address (10.x.x.x, netmask 255.0.0.0), which is based on its own Media Access Control (MAC) address.
The MAC address will be different on each Altix 330 module.
The L1/L2 controller also configures a static IP address alias of 10.0.0.1 (netmask 255.0.0.0). This allows L3's, laptops, PCs, etc. to initially communicate with the L1/L2 controller via telnet to a known static IP address.
The following parts are required:
Laptop/PC running Linux or Windows OS that is configured as a DHCP client.
Ethernet crossover cable
USB to Ethernet adaptor cable
When running Linux, to configure a PC or Laptop as a DHCP client you need to change the /etc/sysconfig/network-script/ifcfg-eth0 back to the DHCP client settings:
Change the BOOTPROTO=static line to ---> BOOTPROTO=dhcp
Remove the IPADDR and NETMASK lines
Example of ifcfg-eth0 file:
DEVICE=eth0
ONBOOT=yes
BOOTPROTO=dhcp
Reboot PC/laptop to implement changes.
Check the /etc/sysconfig/network-script/ifcfg-eth0 file to ensure that it contains the lines:
BOOTPROTO=dhcp
ONBOOT=yes
The following procedure will work with PC/laptops running Linux or Windows.
To establish a connection to the L1/L2 controller in an A330 server (see Figure 1-28), follow these steps:
Connect a PC/laptop that is functioning as a DHCP client from the Ethernet port of the PC/laptop to the USB to Ethernet dongle on the A330 server. The USB side of the dongle is plugged into the USB-A L1 port on the back of the Altix 330.
Note: This procedure will only work if the laptop is configured as a DHCP client. See “Configuring a PC or Laptop as DHCP Client”. Apply power to the A330 server and wait at least 15 seconds before completing step 3.
The Altix 330 does not have to be powered on. The L1/L2 controller will boot up as soon as the A330 is plugged into 120/220V power.
Power on the PC/laptop.
The PC/laptop will automatically get a 10.x.x.x address from the Altix 330.
On the PC/laptop, open a telnet connection to IP address 10.0.0.1.
The Altix 330 system will respond with an "L2" prompt: L2>
See the SGI L1 and L2 Controller Software User's Guide (007-3938-00x) for descriptions of the L1/L2 controller commands that you can use.
This section describes how to operate your Altix 330 system, as follows:
The Altix 330 system L1 operates in (emulated) L2 mode. Need for a separate optional hardware L2 system controller has been eliminated from the system control network.
All information, warnings, and error messages generated by any of the system controllers are in the following form:
001c05 ERROR: invalid arguments for `ver' command, try “help ver” |
The general format includes a module identification and the type of message, followed by the message. A message may be the result of an invalid command, as shown in the example, or the result of tasks running on the L1/L2, such as the environmental monitor.
Each L1 has a log of local events. Use the L1 command log to view events on any of the L1s.
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:
L2> init 0
You can power on and power off the system with the power command. This command is interpreted by the L2 emulator, because the modules must be powered on in a specific order.
L2> power up L2>
The power command may require several seconds to execute. In the example, all Altix 330 modules NUMAlinked to the L1/L2 would be powered up.
To power on or power off a specific brick, specify a current destination:
L2> r 1 s 5 power up L2>
To power on or power off all bricks in a partition, enter the following:
L2> partition <partition number> <power up or power down>
To reset the system, enter the following:
L2> reset L2>
This command restarts the system by resetting all registers to their default settings and rebooting the system controllers.
 | Important: Resetting a running system will cause the operating system to reboot and all memory will be lost. |
Note that the L1/L2 controller(s) is still powered on.
To power down an L1/L2 controller, (and remove any input voltage from the module) you must unplug the module from the PDU or other power source.
In console mode, all output from the system is visible and all input is directed to the system.To enter console mode from L2, press Ctrl+D at the L2 prompt and observe the response:
L2> Ctrl+D entering system console mode (001c05 console0), <CTRL_T> to escape to L2 . <system output appears here> . |
To return to L2 mode from console mode, press Ctrl+T:
Ctrl+T
escaping to L2 system controller L2> At this point, you can enter any L2 or L1 command. When the command completes, the L2 returns to console mode: Re-entering system console mode (002c05 console0), <CTRL_T> to escape to L2 |
This section describes how to power on and power off your system (or an individual module) 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.
If your system does not have a local system console nearby, you can manually power on and power 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.
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 Altix 330 compute and expansion modules, press the power button on the front panel of each module (see Figure 1-30).
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 Altix 330 compute modules, press the power button with the LED on the front panel of each module (see Figure 1-30).
The front panel of the Altix 330 module provides the following control features, as shown in Figure 1-31:
Power button. Press this button to either power-on or power-off the Altix 330 module. Alternatively, you can power on the module at the system console.
Status LEDs. The front panel has the following LEDs:
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.
System fault (failure) LED. This LED illuminates red to indicate that a failure has occurred and the module is down.
System running LED. This LED illuminates green when the internal components are on.
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.