Tagging a Host Ethernet Adapter logical port or IOA for the console

You need to specify the tag for the console or Operations Console setting.

Consider the following when determining what to tag for Operations Console:

Operations Console (LAN): If you use a LAN-based PC for your console, the only tag you need to set is for console.
Operations Console (direct): If you use a direct cable attached PC for your console, you need to specify the tag for console and Operations Console.

The console tag requires that you specify a Host Ethernet Adapter logical port or an IOA. The Operations Console tag is required if you are using a directly connected console, if you are configuring for a directly connected backup console, or if you are using an asynchronous communications adapter for remote service.

You can tag a Host Ethernet Adapter logical port for the console in the partition profile. When doing this, you are actually tagging a physical port of the Host Ethernet Adapter and using the assigned logical port.

Tagging the IOA allows you to select the specific adapter used for the Operations Console. Therefore, if multiple console-capable adapters exist in the IOP, only the selected console-capable adapter is used for the console. Tagging the IOA in the partition profile automatically sets the console type during the next activation following the partition profile update. An initial program load (IPL) will not read the changed partition profile.

You can also use the HMC command window to specify the tag. This allows the change to be used without the need to power off the server or perform an IPL, in most cases. For more information about how to change the console, see Changing consoles, interfaces, and terminals.

For more information about making console type changes without an IPL, see Completing a console change with the logical partition and managed system powered on.

Occasionally the console is not connected by using this network adapter, but the service tools server is configured to support the System i® Navigator interface for hard-disk drive configuration or similar functions. With IBM® i 6.1, the service interface can be shared with an IBM i line description, therefore, sharing the same interface. This works only when the Host Ethernet Adapter or the 5706, 5707, 5767, or 5768 adapters are supporting the service interface.

It is possible to configure a local console that is directly attached for a service tools server by using a 2793 adapter and a 2849 network adapter, for example. Each adapter is dedicated to support its respective function and is not available by the IBM i operating system. If you were to use the Host Ethernet Adapter, the 2793 adapter is dedicated, but the service tools server that is running on the Host Ethernet Adapter can be shared with IBM i.