Chapter 4. Continuous availability and manageability 161
By delivering on these goals, IBM Power Systems servers enable faster and more accurate
repair, and reduce the possibility of human error.
Client control of the service environment extends to firmware maintenance on all of the
POWER processor-based systems. This strategy contributes to higher systems availability
with reduced maintenance costs.
This section provides an overview of the progressive steps of error detection, analysis,
reporting, notifying and repairing found in all POWER processor-based systems.
4.3.1 Detecting
The first and most crucial component of a solid serviceability strategy is the ability to
accurately and effectively detect errors when they occur. Although not all errors are a
guaranteed threat to system availability, those that go undetected can cause problems
because the system does not have the opportunity to evaluate and act if necessary. Power
processor-based systems employ IBM System z® server-inspired error detection
mechanisms that extend from processor cores and memory to power supplies and hard
drives.
Service processor
The service processor is a microprocessor that is powered separately from the main
instruction processing complex. The service processor provides the capabilities for the
following items:
POWER Hypervisor (system firmware) and HMC connection surveillance
Several remote power control options
Reset and boot features
Environmental monitoring
The service processor monitors the servers built-in temperature sensors, sending instructions
to the system fans to increase rotational speed when the ambient temperature is above the
normal operating range. Using an operating system interface, the service processor notifies
the operating system of potential environmentally related problems so that the system
administrator can take appropriate corrective actions before a critical failure threshold is
reached.
The service processor can also post a warning and initiate an orderly system shutdown in the
following circumstances:
The operating temperature exceeds the critical level (for example, failure of air
conditioning or air circulation around the system).
The system fan speed is out of operational specification (for example, because of multiple
fan failures).
The server input voltages are out of operational specification.
The service processor can immediately shut down a system in the following circumstances:
Temperature exceeds the critical level or remains above the warning level for too long.
Internal component temperatures reach critical levels.
Non-redundant fan failures occur.
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