Cabling your server

Learn how to cable your server to a console, terminal, or interface (such as the Advanced System Management Interface (ASMI)), to an expansion unit, or to other adapters and peripheral equipment.

To learn more about the consoles, terminals, and interfaces that are available for your server, see the following descriptions.

Advanced System Management Interface (AIX®, IBM® i, and Linux® operating systems): The Advanced System Management Interface (ASMI) is the interface to the service processor on your system. From the ASMI, you can perform tasks such as controlling the firmware power-on settings, Time of Day, and network configuration. Set up access to the ASMI if you plan to manage the IBM AIX, IBM i , or Linux operating system without a Hardware Management Console (HMC). If your system is managed by an HMC, you can access the ASMI through the HMC when you need to use it.
Hardware Management Console (AIX, IBM i, and Linux operating systems): The HMC is a dedicated workstation that runs integrated system management software. The HMC manages hardware tasks and configures logical partitions on managed systems. It also acts as a focal point for hardware detection and reporting. You can use the HMC to manage System i® models, System p® servers, or the IBM Power Systems™ servers.
Integrated Virtualization Manager (AIX or Linux operating system): The Integrated Virtualization Manager provides a Web-based system-management interface and a command-line interface that you can use to manage and configure IBM System p servers or IBM Power Systems servers that run AIX or Linux and use the IBM Virtual I/O Server. On the managed system, you can create logical partitions, manage the virtual storage and virtual Ethernet, and view service information related to the server. The Integrated Virtualization Manager is packaged with the Virtual I/O Server, but it is enabled only on certain platforms and where no Hardware Management Console (HMC) is present.
ASCII terminal (AIX or Linux operating system): The ASCII terminal is connected to a server running AIX or Linux through a serial link. You can use the terminal with or without the HMC.
Graphics terminal (AIX or Linux operating system): The graphics terminal is available to customers who want to use a graphical user interface (GUI) to their AIX or Linux servers. You can use the graphics terminal with or without the HMC.
Operations Console (IBM i operating system): Use Operations Console to access and control System i models or IBM Power Systems servers that are running the IBM i operating system . You can set up Operations Console if you plan to manage the IBM i operating system in a partitioned or nonpartitioned environment. In a partitioned environment, you must also use the HMC or the ASMI to configure, manage, and maintain your hardware.
Twinaxial console (IBM i operating system): The twinaxial console uses a command-line interface to access and manage the IBM i operating system without the need for a PC to act as a console. You can use a twinaxial console to manage IBM i in a partitioned or nonpartitioned environment. In a partitioned environment, you must also use the HMC or the ASMI to configure, manage, and maintain your hardware. For POWER6™ systems, an HMC or Operations Console is required for your system console. However, you can use the twinaxial console as an alternative console if you install it in an expansion unit.