NEC ExpressA1160 - Manual (Page 24)

Server Management
1-2
Modular Expansion
The cell-based building-block design allows Express5800/A1160 systems to grow as
business needs evolve. By connecting cells together, you can expand an
Express5800/A1160 system from 4 to 16 processor sockets. Memory expands from 2 to
128 DIMM sockets. With 4-GB fully buffered DIMMs, a cell can contain up to 128 GB of
memory, and a 4-cell system can contain up to 512 GB of memory. The I/O subsystem
expands from 6 to 24 PCIe slots and adding PCIe expansion modules can further
increase the number of I/O slots. Hardware to connect the cells together is added only
as the server size increases.
System Partitioning
Each cell in an Express5800/A1160 system can function as an independent partition. In
multiple-cell systems, two or more cells can be combined into a single partition. Each
partition can run an operating system different from the operating system in any other
partition.
Customer Installation and Servicing
Express5800/A1160 systems are designed to be installed by the customer without any
special tools or training. Likewise, no special tools or training are required to service
customer-replaceable units (CRUs).
Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability
Express5800/A1160 systems contain many features to detect and isolate faults.
Systems with two or more cells provide 99.995% or better hardware availability.
Distributed System Management
Management controllers within each cell of an Express5800/A1160 system cooperate to
provide management of the system. Hosted remotely, a server management application,
such as NEC Server Management software, can monitor and control the system.
1.3. Server Management
Management of Express5800/A1160 systems consists of both hardware and software
components. The main hardware component is the management board, which contains
the Service Processor and other components. Software components include the
management firmware, remote console interfaces, and the BIOS.
External management platforms, such as a management server or a workstation, enable
system administrators to manage the system when the operating system network
drivers or the partition are not functioning properly. External management platforms also
provide access to additional features and third-party software.
Figure 1-2 illustrates the management architecture of Express5800/A1160 systems.