Server Design

Server design requires the analysis of many features and options. Generally, low-end servers have fewer availability features and options than high-end servers. Here are the server design features and options you must consider:

• Multiple power supplies in dual, N+1, or 2N+2 redundant mode. Hot-swappable power supplies can reduce the MTTR.

• Multiple power inputs to the expansion racks and multiple power sequencers in the racks. Dual-grid options are available for some products.

• Automatic system recovery (ASR).

• Environmental monitoring and alarm capability.

• Hot-pluggable field-replaceable units (FRUs).

• Console access. For most Sun servers, this access is through the serial port. Some servers also offer Ethernet connections for console services. You can use a terminal concentrator to provide access to serial ports through the network. A single terminal concentrator can support many servers.

• Server key switches. These switches must be in “locked” position for production use.

• System server capacity. CPU, RAM, and I/O must be sufficient to handle the load in case a node fails. Also, consider the capacity required during the recovery of data services.