Re: Ops Console: LAN vs. Direct Attach

Joe,

LAN Console. Great answer!

Initially you will set up one PC as 'The Console'. When you summon the wizard to configure that PC it asks what address you want the port on the i5 to use. It then sets up a Bootp server on that PC. When SLIC loads up on the i5 it sends bootp requests out on the LAN but will only accept an address from an ops console machine. (That's why you put the System i serial number into the wizard.) Initially you will use the console device of QCONSOLE as it's the only one configured to SLIC by default. Once you've gotten in though you can go into DST and configure additional console device IDs for other PCs. Each needs it's own and you'll notice they don't get a password as the Ops Con software and the i5 negotiate one, encrypt it, and store it - you never see it. If you ever crash the PC or replace it you'll need to have one of those backup device ID available or, for a small fee, I'll get you the magic front panel dance to reset QCONSOLE. :-)

I use an old thinkpad with a busted display for my ops console. I put Win2kSvr on it and simply use Terminal Services to get to it, so I can get to the consoles from anywhere. Sweet!

- Larry

Joe Pluta wrote:

Just a simple question. I'm going to get a new machine, and I've decided to
make the bold leap out of the Industrial Age and finally retire the twinax
console. That being the case, I was wondering about experiences (including
failures and especially failure recovery) with Operations Console, and
whether you would suggest LAN or Direct Attach.

Given all the input I've received by the folks I trust on this list, my
leaning is towards LAN attach, especially since it requires almost nothing
extra on the 515 (with V5R4 I understand that I can just use one of the
built-in TCP/IP ports), except for the SLIC console device setup. I'll need
to read about that, but I'm pretty comfortable this is the way to go,
especially since down the road I could theoretically use the same PC to
connect to my model 270 and then the brick will be history (maybe an
alternate for the 270).

My old laptop can probably be pressed into service as the console, and then
maybe I can finally convince the CFO that I need a new laptop <grin>.
Seriously though, can any PC on the LAN act as the console? Specifically,
can I install the console software on multiple PCs and use any of them as
needed?

Joe