Service node

A service node is a critical component of a distributed network, responsible for providing a specific set of capabilities to the network. The service node is pre-wired and integrated as a part of the IBM Fusion HCI with default configuration and it acts as a jump server, provides serviceability functions, and enhances overall infrastructure management.

This topic outlines its purpose, configuration, and networking aspects to facilitate seamless integration into the existing IBM Fusion HCI environment.

Key capabilities

The following are the key capabilities of the service node:
  • Act as a jump server for secure remote access.
  • Acts as the central control point for managing clusters, virtual machines, storage, and networking within the IBM Fusion HCI.
  • Provides a secure entry point for administrators and support teams.
  • Ensures system health monitoring, logging, and alerting for smooth operations.

Hardware configuration

The Lenovo SR630 V3 server is a high-performance, multi-core 2U rack server that is designed to support many kinds of workloads with high agility.
  • Lenovo SR630 V3
  • Intel Xeon Bronze 3408U 8C 125W 1.8 GHz processor
  • ThinkSystem 16 GB TruDDR5 4800 MHz (1Rx8) RDIMM
  • ThinkSystem Intel I350 1 GbE RJ45 4-port OCP Ethernet Adapter
  • ThinkSystem Mellanox ConnectX-6 Lx 10/25 GbE SFP28 2-Port PCIe Ethernet Adapter
  • M.2 7450 PRO 960 GB Read Intensive NVMe PCIe 0.4 x 4 NHS SSD
  • M.2 NVMe 2-Bay Raid enable kit
  • 750 W 230V/115V Platinum hot-swap Gen2 power supply v3
  • V3 1U x16/x16 BF PCIe Gen5 Riser 1
Note: For more information about the network prerequisites, see Network switches and configuration.

Advantages

The following are the key benefits of the service node:
Centralized administration
Administer nodes and switches from the service node, even when the OpenShift® Container Platform cluster or the IBM Fusion user interface is down.
Simplified troubleshooting
  • Enable remote support sessions to eliminate the need for live debugging with the service node.
  • Initiate remote debugging of IBM Fusion HCI problems by accessing nodes and switches through the service node, even when the IBM Fusion HCI user interface is inaccessible.
Easy log collection
Collect logs from switches and nodes using the service node, even when the IBM Fusion user interface is down.
Simplified recovery
If you need to reset IBM Fusion HCI to its original configuration, you can redeploy the OpenShift cluster from the service node.