IBM z13s, Technical Manual

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Chapter 9. Reliability, availability, and serviceability
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The zBX Model 004 is based on the BladeCenter and blade hardware offerings that contain
IBM certified components. zBX Model 004 BladeCenter and blade RAS features are
extended considerably for IBM z Systems servers:
򐂰 Hardware redundancy at various levels:
– Redundant power infrastructure
– Redundant power and switch units in the BladeCenter chassis
– Redundant cabling for management of zBX and data connections
– Redundant 1U rack-mounted support elements
򐂰 Concurrent to system operations:
– Install more blades
– Hardware repair
– Firmware fixes and driver upgrades
– Automated call home for hardware/firmware problems
The zBX has two pairs of ToR switches, the INMN N+1 pair and the IEDN N+1 switch pair,
which are installed in Frame B. The management switch pair (INMN) provides N+1
connectivity for the private networks between the internal zBX support elements SEs and the
zBX hardware. The connection is used for monitoring, controlling, and managing the zBX
components. The data switch pair (IEDN) provides
N+1 connectivity for the data traffic
between the defined virtual servers and client’s networks.
Because of the MES conversion from previous zBX Models, a zBX Model 004 became a
stand-alone machine, independent of the z Systems servers for management and control
functions. The zBX Model 004 internal SEs are used for firmware updates and other related
service activities. Therefore, the distance restriction of 23 meters from the CPC to the zBX
that existed with the previous models was removed.
Not only hardware and firmware provide RAS capabilities. The operating system can also
contribute to improving RAS. IBM PowerHA® SystemMirror® for AIX (PowerHA) supports the
zBX PS701 8406-71Y blades. PowerHA enables setting up a PowerHA environment on the
stand-alone zBX.
Table 9-1 provides more information about PowerHA and the required AIX levels that are
needed for a PowerHA environment on zBX. AIX 6.1 Technology Level (TL)06 Service Pack
(SP) 3 with RSCT 3.1.0.4 (packaged in Cluster Systems Management (CSM) PTF 1.7.1.10
installed with AIX 6.1.6.3) is the preferred baseline for zBX Virtual Servers running AIX.
Table 9-1 PowerHA and required AIX levels
zBX Model 004 includes major firmware changes in almost all areas compared to the zBX
Model 003. zBX Model 004 takes the RAS concept of the zBX to higher levels.
Important: Depending on the type of hardware repair being performed and the firmware
fixes being installed or activated, a deactivation of a target blade might be required.
IBM zBX Model 004 AIX V6.1 AIX V7.1
PowerHA V6.1 AIX V6.1 TL05
RSCT 2.5.5.0 PowerHA V6.1
SP3
AIX V7.1
RSCT V3.1.0.3
PowerHA V7.1 AIX V6.1 TL06
RSCT V3.1.0.3 AIX V7.1
RSCT V3.1.0.3