Introduction to the HMC
Learn about some of the concepts and functions of the Hardware Management Console (HMC) and the user interface that is used for accessing those functions.
You can configure and manage servers on the HMC. One HMC can manage multiple servers, and dual HMCs can provide redundant support by managing the same system. To ensure consistent function, each HMC is shipped preinstalled with the HMC Licensed Machine Code Version 9, Release 1.
To provide flexibility and availability, you can implement HMCs in several configurations.
- HMC as the DHCP server
- An HMC that is connected by either a private network to the systems it manages might be a DHCP server for the service processors of the systems. An HMC might also manage a system over an open network, where the managed system's service processor IP address is assigned by a customer-supplied DHCP server or manually assigned by using the Advanced System Management Interface (ASMI).
- Physical proximity
- Before HMC Version 7, at least one local HMC was required to be physically located near the managed systems. As an alternative to the local HMC, you can use a supported device, such as a personal computer that has connectivity and authority to operate through a remotely attached HMC. The local device must be in the same room as your server and at a distance of 8 m (26 ft) from your server. The local device must have the functional capability that is equivalent to the HMC that it replaces and that is needed by the service representative to service the system. For a virtual HMC, the functional capabilities also include the method of transferring service data, such as firmware updates or diagnostic data, and transferring the log information to and from the HMC.
- Redundant or Dual HMCs
- A server might be managed by either 1 or 2 Hardware Management Consoles. When two Hardware Management Consoles manage one system, they are peers, and each HMC can be used to control the managed system. The best practice is to attach one HMC to the supported networks or HMC ports of the managed systems. The networks are intended to be independent. Each HMC might be the DCHP server for a service network. Because the networks are independent, the DHCP servers must be set up to provide IP addresses on two unique and nonroutable IP ranges.