In a logically partitioned environment, alternate console refers to a twinaxial console connected to a different IOA or IOP that is tagged as the alternate console.
The console tag must also specify a twinaxial console. An alternative console gives you an added layer of protection because if the system detects a failure of the primary console during an attended initial program load (IPL), it automatically tries the alternate console's tagged resource. However, the system will not use an alternate console to perform tasks normally associated with a system console like installing the IBM® i operating system or system backups. Only the device located on port 0, address 0 of the IOA designated for console can be the system console. Alternate consoles are normally only used to debug the system console. It is important to remember that tagging the same resource as the console and alternate console can result in an inability to select a console at all. You can use Operations Console as a backup console in the event that a twinaxial console is not available.
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