EasyManua.ls Logo

IBM Power 570 User Manual

IBM Power 570
142 pages
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Previous Page IconTo Previous Page
To Previous Page IconTo Previous Page
Page #92 background image
4405ch03 Virtualization.fm Draft Document for Review September 2, 2008 5:05 pm
78 IBM Power 570 Technical Overview and Introduction
adapter and a set of Hypervisor calls to operate on them. Virtual TTY does not require the
purchase of any additional features or software such as the PowerVM Edition features.
Depending on the system configuration, the operating system console can be provided by the
Hardware Management Console virtual TTY, IVM virtual TTY, or from a terminal emulator that
is connected to a system port.
3.2 Logical partitioning
Logical partitions (LPARs) and virtualization increase utilization of system resources and add
a new level of configuration possibilities. This section provides details and configuration
specifications about this topic.
3.2.1 Dynamic logical partitioning
Logical partitioning (LPAR) was introduced with the POWER4™ processor-based product line
and the AIX 5L Version 5.1 operating system. This technology offered the capability to divide
a pSeries system into separate logical systems, allowing each LPAR to run an operating
environment on dedicated attached devices, such as processors, memory, and I/O
components.
Later, dynamic logical partitioning increased the flexibility, allowing selected system
resources, such as processors, memory, and I/O components, to be added and deleted from
logical partitions while they are executing. AIX 5L Version 5.2, with all the necessary
enhancements to enable dynamic LPAR, was introduced in 2002. The ability to reconfigure
dynamic LPARs encourages system administrators to dynamically redefine all available
system resources to reach the optimum capacity for each defined dynamic LPAR.
3.2.2 Micro-Partitioning
Micro-Partitioning technology allows you to allocate fractions of processors to a logical
partition. This technology was introduced with POWER5 processor-based systems. A logical
partition using fractions of processors is also known as a Shared Processor Partition or
Micro-Partition. Micro-Partitions run over a set of processors called Shared Processor Pool.
And virtual processors are used to let the operating system manage the fractions of
processing power assigned to the logical partition. From an operating system perspective, a
virtual processor cannot be distinguished from a physical processor, unless the operating
system has been enhanced to be made aware of the difference. Physical processors are
abstracted into virtual processors that are available to partitions. The meaning of the term
physical processor in this section is a processor core. For example, in a 2-core server there
are two physical processors.
When defining a shared processor partition, several options have to be defined:
򐂰 The minimum, desired, and maximum processing units. Processing units are defined as
processing power, or the fraction of time the partition is dispatched on physical
processors. Processing units define the capacity entitlement of the partition.
򐂰 The shared processor pool. Pick one from the list with the names of each configured
shared processor pool. This list also displays the pool ID of each configured shared
processor pool in parentheses. If the name of the desired shared processor pool is not
available here, you must first configure the desired shared processor pool using the
Shared Processor Pool Management window. Shared processor partitions use the default
shared processor pool called DefaultPool by default.

Table of Contents

Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the IBM Power 570 and is the answer not in the manual?

IBM Power 570 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandIBM
ModelPower 570
CategoryServer
LanguageEnglish

Summary

Chapter 1. General description

1.1 System specifications

Lists general system specifications including operating temperature, humidity, noise, and altitude.

1.2 Physical package

Details the physical attributes and dimensions of the CEC drawer building blocks.

1.3 System features

Outlines key features like core configurations, memory capacity, and disk drive support.

1.3.1 Processor card features

Describes processor card types, frequencies, cache, and Capacity on Demand (CoD) options.

1.3.2 Memory features

Details memory feature codes, capacities, frequencies, and population rules.

1.3.4 I/O drawers

Explains the types of I/O drawers, their slots, and connectivity options.

1.4 System racks

Covers rack compatibility, features, and installation considerations for the system.

1.4.1 IBM 7014 Model T00 rack

Describes the features and specifications of the 1.8-meter IBM 7014 Model T00 rack.

1.4.4 Intelligent Power Distribution Unit (iPDU)

Details the characteristics and function of the Intelligent Power Distribution Unit.

Chapter 2. Architecture and technical overview

2.1 The POWER6 processor

Explains the POWER6 processor's enhancements, core architecture, and advanced features.

2.1.1 Decimal floating point

Details the decimal floating-point processor's support for data types and instructions.

2.3 Processor cards

Describes the POWER6 processor cards, their layout, and memory interfaces.

2.4 Memory subsystem

Covers the memory controller, DIMM slots, and memory architecture.

2.4.1 Fully buffered DIMM

Explains the fully buffered DIMM technology for enhanced memory performance.

2.7 Integrated Virtual Ethernet adapter

Details the IVE adapter, its features, ports, and system integration.

2.8 PCI adapters

Discusses PCI and PCIe adapter types, slots, and general support.

2.8.1 LAN adapters

Lists available LAN adapters for connecting to a local area network.

2.8.3 iSCSI

Explains the iSCSI protocol for storage transport over IP networks.

2.9 Internal storage

Covers the internal disk subsystem using SAS interface and DASD backplane.

2.10 External I/O subsystems

Describes external I/O drawers like 7311-D11, 7311-D20, and 7314-G30.

2.10.1 7311 Model D11 I/O drawers

Details the 7311 Model D11 I/O drawer's features and slot configurations.

2.12 Hardware Management Console

Explains the HMC's role in managing system tasks and partitions.

Chapter 3. Virtualization

3.1 POWER Hypervisor

Introduces the POWER Hypervisor as a core component for system virtualization.

Virtual SCSI

Describes the virtual SCSI mechanism for storage virtualization using VIO Server.

Virtual Ethernet

Explains the virtual Ethernet switch function for secure inter-partition communication.

3.2 Logical partitioning

Discusses LPARs and virtualization for resource utilization and configuration.

3.2.2 Micro-Partitioning

Details Micro-Partitioning for allocating processor fractions to logical partitions.

3.3 PowerVM

Covers the PowerVM platform for industry-leading virtualization.

3.3.1 PowerVM editions

Outlines the functional elements of PowerVM Standard and Enterprise editions.

3.3.2 Virtual I/O Server

Explains the VIO Server's role in sharing physical resources among logical partitions.

3.3.4 PowerVM Live Partition Mobility

Describes moving running logical partitions between systems without disruption.

3.4 System Planning Tool

Explains the SPT for designing system configurations and planning partitions.

Chapter 4. Continuous availability and manageability

4.1 Reliability

Discusses the design principles for achieving high system reliability.

4.1.1 Designed for reliability

Covers design choices that reduce failure opportunities and improve reliability.

4.2 Availability

Details features that prevent unexpected application loss due to outages.

4.2.1 Detecting and deallocating failing components

Explains monitoring and deconfiguring faulty hardware to avoid system outages.

4.3 Serviceability

Outlines the strategy for efficient system service and repair.

4.3.1 Detecting errors

Covers the critical ability to accurately detect system errors.

4.3.2 Diagnosing problems

Explains how systems perform self-diagnosis using hardware and OS logic.

4.3.5 Locating and repairing the problem

Details methods for quickly identifying and replacing service parts.

4.5 Manageability

Covers functions and tools for efficient system management.

4.5.1 Service processor

Describes the service processor's role in monitoring, managing, and error detection.

4.5.6 IBM System p firmware maintenance

Explains the process of managing and installing microcode updates.

Related publications

IBM Redbooks

Lists IBM Redbooks relevant for detailed discussion of topics.

Online resources

Provides links to relevant IBM websites for further information.

Related product manuals