HP 9000 rp7410 Service Processor (GSP or MP) - User Guide, Second Edition - Page 11

1 Overview of the Service Processor This chapter provides an introduction to the service processor on HP cell-based servers. Introduction to Service Processor Interfaces The service processor (MP or GSP) utility hardware is an independent support system for nPartition servers. It provides a way for you to connect to a server complex and perform administration or monitoring tasks for the server hardware and its nPartitions. The main features of the service processor include: • Command Menu • nPartition Consoles • Console Logs • Chassis Code Viewer (on HP 9000 servers with HP PA-8700 processors) or Event Log Viewer (on servers based on the HP sx1000 chipset) • Virtual Front Panels (live displays of nPartition and cell states) These features are described in more detail in "Service Processor (MP or GSP) Features" (page 11). The service processor is available when the cabinet has standby power even if the main (48-volt) cabinet power switch is turned off. Access to the service processor is restricted by user accounts. Each user account is password protected and provides a specific level of access to the server complex and service processor commands. Multiple users can independently interact with the service processor because each service processor login session is private. However, some output is mirrored: the Command menu and each nPartition console permit one interactive user at a time and mirrors output to all users accessing those features. Likewise, the service processor mirrors live chassis codes to all users accessing the Live Chassis Logs feature (or the Live Events feature). Up to 32 users can simultaneously login to the service processor through the network (customer LAN) interface, and they can independently manage nPartitions or view the server complex hardware states. Two additional service processor login sessions can be supported by the local and remote serial ports. These allow for serial port terminal access (through the local RS-232 port) and external modem access (through the remote RS-232 port). In addition to providing enhanced features necessary for managing a multiple-nPartition server, the service processor (MP or GSP) on nPartition servers is similar to the service processor on other HP servers. For example, the service processor manages the complex profile, which defines nPartition configurations as well as complex-wide settings for the server. The service processor also controls power, reset, and TOC capabilities; displays and records system events (or chassis codes); and can display detailed information about the various internal subsystems. Service Processor (MP or GSP) Features The following list describes the primary features available through the service processor on nPartition-capable HP servers. Command Menu The Command menu provides commands for system service, status, and access configuration tasks. To enter the Command menu, enter CM at the service processor Main menu. To exit the service processor Introduction to Service Processor Interfaces 11