POWER7 information

Primary consoles or alternative consoles

The primary console is the first workstation that the system identifies. It is attached to the first input/output adapter (IOA) or input-output processor (IOP) that supports workstations. The alternative console is the workstation that functions as the console when the primary console is not operational.

A console is a workstation that is used to view and control system operations. The system can assign alternative consoles. The alternative console can be a workstation that is attached to the next IOA or IOP that is capable of supporting workstations.

The IOA or IOP that supports a console must be on the system bus (bus 1).

If a workstation is not correctly attached to the first IOA or IOP that is capable of attaching workstations, the system will not assign a primary console. If it does not assign a primary console, the system displays a reference code on the control panel. If the system is set for manual mode, it stops during the initial program load (IPL).

For more information about how to determine the primary and alternative consoles, see Identifying the consoles when the system is operational.

Primary console requirements

For a workstation to be the primary console, it must be operational and attached to the system bus. It must also have the correct port and address assigned. If the workstation is a personal computer, it must also have an active workstation emulation program.

The workstation requirements follow:

ASCII workstation
- Port 0, Bus 1
Personal computer attached to ASCII IOP
- Port 0, Bus 1
- Personal computer software to emulate a 316x or 3151 terminal
Personal computer attached to twinaxial IOP
- Port 0, Address 0, Bus 1
- 5250 emulator software active on personal computer

For more information about how to determine the primary and alternative consoles, see Identifying the consoles when the system is operational.

Identifying the consoles when the system is operational

When the system is operational, you can determine the primary console and alternative console by using one of the following options:

Look at the display.
- If the dominant operating system is IBM® i, look for a sign-on display that shows DSP01 in the upper right corner. DSP01 is the name that the system assigns to the primary console.
Note: This resource name might have been changed by the customer.
Use system commands to assist in identifying the consoles. See the system operation information for more details about commands.
Use the hardware service manager function to assist in identifying the consoles:
1. Select the System bus resources option on the Hardware Service Manager display. With the System Bus Resources display, you can view the logical hardware resources for the system bus.
  Look for the less than (<) symbol next to an IOP. The less than (<) symbol indicates that the console is attached to this IOP.
2. Select the Resources associated with the IOP and the Display detail options to collect more information about the consoles.

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Last updated: Fri, March 20, 2015