Re: Proper Break entry for Ctrl-Alt-Del (Rackable Systems)

As long as we're on the topic...

I have been favorably impressed by Sun's V20z and V40z servers, which 
incorporate a Linux/PowerPC management subsystem capable of doing 
console redirection and power-cycling.  The mgmt unit has an internal 
3-port etherswitch-on-a-chip, with 2 of the ports exposed as RJ45's on 
the back panel.  This enables you to daisy-chain a whole stack of these 
guys to just two ethernet drops -- the servers at each end of the 
daisy-chain get connected to the patch panel.

Oh, and the serial-port redirection software used by the mgmt unit? 
It's a modified variant of Conserver.  :)

-T.

Zonker Harris wrote:
>   Lest I forget, I also wanted to point out the Remote
> Management options offered by Rackable Systems...
>
>    http://www.rackable.com/products/remotemngmt.htm  
>      (Check out the Flash-driven demo...)
>
>   They have an interface that piggy-backs on one of
> the COM ports, provides the ability to power the unit
> *on*, *off*, or cycle the power off-on, and also reset
> the unit. (It gets power from the PS when the server
> is off...) There is also some environmental monitoring
> built into the unit, but it can also support external
> probes as well. The unit has an LED that can be commanded,
> as well as an LCD panel that you can send a message to
> (for on-site staff to read) using the console interface.
> When the system boots, if the OS console is redirected
> to that COM port, it is passed through as well.
>
>   It's a very cool tool, built into the servers, so you
> don't need to use one of the rare card slots on a 1-RU
> server. If you're looking for new hardware, consider
> these as an option to buying a cheaper server plus the 
> PC Weasel card.
>
>   The PC Weasel can work in most servers, and it uses 
> short cables from the Weasel card to the KBD and Mouse
> ports for commanding BIOS and etc., while Rackable's 
> Lights Out features are only available on some of their
> servers.
>
>          -Z-


--
Trevor Fiatal -- trevor@fiatal.net
650.862.3715 (mobile)