IBM Support

ACS Console Setup for Power 8 and later servers- Random Link Local Method

How To


Summary

This document contains the instructions for setting up an Access Client Solutions (ACS) for LAN Console of the initial installation of a stand-alone (No HMC or other management device) system. This method leveraged a Random Link Local connection to a server to make that initial connection. These instructions are for Power 8 and later servers for systems running V7R1 or later.


Steps

Obtain the proper image for a D-M IPL (Not needed on preinstalled systems).
When doing this on a D-Manual IPL latest version of Licensed Internal Code (LIC) are always advised (especially with V7R1).  These images can be obtained from the IBM Entitled Software Support (ESS) site.  The following document shows how to obtain those images:

https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/how-download-ibm-resave-or-ibase-image-ess-web-site
(Note: These images can then be burned to a DVD-R as an ISO image or with some systems used on a USB drive).
Obtain Access Client Solutions and install it to the PC
Access Client Solutions is a Java based component that can be run on any environment that allows a full Java Runtime Environment (JRE).  For this procedure, this is the product that you will need to make that Random Link Local connection.  The following document explains how to obtain Access Client Solutions:
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/obtaining-ibm-i-access-client-solutions
Note: As ACS is a Java Based Program, you need Java for ACS to run.  This document shows some options for Java on your PC:
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/java-options-ibm-i-access-client-solutions
Inside of the compressed file you download for Access Client Solutions (ACS) there is a QuickStartGuide as well as a Documentation folder that contains a GettingStarted for a more in-depth review of ACS.
Cabling the PC to the IBM i
The following document shows the valid adapters that LAN Console can use for all model systems:
https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/console-card-locations-power6-power7-power8-and-power9-servers
LAN Console uses the T1 (T0 on newer IBM i models) port of the card it is plugged into.  This port is usually the top or rightmost port depending on the card orientation.
When the card is vertical and the ethernet port locking clips are on the left, use the top port. When the card is horizontal and the locking clips are on the top, use the rightmost port as below:
image-20250214174140-1
Some IBM i models might have the card oriented with the locking clips on the right or bottom. In those cases, use the bottom or leftmost port respectively.
This procedure should be done as a direct connection between the PC and IBM i console port.
Note: If you have more than one ethernet card in the system, the Activation Engine will automatically select the first one found going from the last card slot to the first (ex. C11, C10, C9, etc).
Setting up the PC
The PC networking needs to be configured for DHCP so that it picks up a Random Link Local 169.254.x.x IP address.  To do this:
Start -> Settings -> Network & internet -> Advanced Network Settings -> Locate the proper adapter and click it to expand options -> Click Edit for More adapter options -> Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) -> Properties -> Change to "Obtain an IP address automatically"
or,
Start -> Search for Control Panel -> Network and Internet -> Network and Sharing Center -> Change Adapter Settings -> Right-click on your adapter-> Properties -> Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) -> Properties -> Change to "Obtain an IP address automatically"
It is also recommended to disable any secondary adapters, like WIFI, when doing this.  Once you have completed the process and gotten a console session up you can re-enable secondary adapters.
Server Power On
Set the mode to Manual and hit the power button to power on the server.
To put the system in Manual mode
  • Arrow up to 02...hit enter 2 times and you see 02 B N< (Note: The first letter could be A, B, or D...change this letter to D when powering up off media like a LIC DVD)
  • Arrow up 1 time to see 02 B M<
  • Enter button 2 times to get back to 02
Power on the server by hitting the Power button.
Note: If the AC cords are connected but the control panel is blank, you may need to remove the power supply shipping brackets. These are the orange brackets located near the power supplies to keep the connectors from damage during shipment. Remove the AC cords, remove the brackets, reseat the power supplies and reconnect the AC cords. The panel should then show it has power.
Set Console Type
Once you have powered on the server you will see that the LED screen quickly flashes many different SRC codes across the screen.  The reference code you are looking for is C6004031 which indicates that LIC is now looking for a console to continue with the IPL.  If the screen times out to A6005008 that indicates no console was found.

!!!READ THIS BEFORE STARTING THIS SECTION!!!

Power10 systems:

V7R5= When you hit function 65 the SRC will show. Example= Arrow to 65. Hit enter and you will see A6xx500x.

V7R4 and earlier= You will need to hit function 65 followed by 21. Example= Arrow to 65. Hit enter and you will see SRC D1008065. Arrow to 21. Hit enter and you will see A6xx500x.

Power8 and 9 systems:

V7R5= You will need to hit function 65 followed by function 11 for the SRC to show. Example= Arrow to 65. Hit enter and you will see 65 00. Arrow to 11 and hit enter. You will see A6xx500x.

V7R4 and earlier= You will need to use the traditional 65+21+11 sequence. Example= Arrow to 65. Hit enter and you will see 65 00. Arrow to 21 and hit enter. You will see 21 00. Arrow to 11 and hit enter. You will see A6xx500x.

Power8's and later will automatically discover the card slot so it is no longer necessary to use the 65+21+11 sequence to set the adapter location.  With that being said you do have to tell the system that it will be LAN Console managed (if it's not already set to that).  To do that:
  • Enable Extended functions
    • Arrow to 25 on the Front Control Panel.  Hit enter to see 25 00.
    • Arrow to 26 on the Front Control Panel.  Hit enter to see 26 00.  Note: If you see 26 FF you will need to re-do 25 and 26.
  • Check Current Console Type- The 65+21+11 sequence is now different depending on model of system and the version that you are running. 
    • 65...enter...65 00
    • 21...enter...21 00
    • 11...enter...A60x500A (where x is the console type...if this is a 0 then no console type is set)
      • 1 = Twinax Console (Not supported on Power 8 and later systems)
      • 2= Async Console (Not supported on Power 8 and later systems)
      • 3= LAN Console
      • 4= HMC Console (For HMC-Managed Systems)
    • If you see A600500A then no console type is set and you will need to set that in order to get a LAN Console Connection
      • 65+21+11= A600500A
      • 65+21+11= A601500B
      • 65+21+11= A602500B
      • 65+21+11= A603500B
      • 21+11= A603500C (Note: Other SRC's may flash across before you see this.  Be patient and wait for this to display).
Open ACS Console
  1. Start ACS
  2. Under Management select System Configuration
image 5222
3. In lower right corner select Locate Console:
System Configuration
4. Make sure that the "Find Console Near" and "Filter" boxes are empty and click Search in the lower left corner
image 5229
5. When your system comes up select it and then select Console.
image 7511
6. You will then be presented with a sign-on box asking for a Service Tools User and Password.
Note: It is recommended to use QSECOFR/QSECOFR. You may be prompted to change the password, make the new one unique.
image 7512
7. Accept the SSL certificate so the secure connection can be made.
image 7513
8. This will bring you to the main IPL DST screen:
image 7514
Setting a static address to the console adapter- This can be done either once the system comes up via System Service Tools (SST) or at this time via Dedicated Service Tools (either option is fine):
Via DST:
1. Option 3- Use Dedicated Service Tools
2. Option 5- Work with DST environment
3. Option 2- System devices
4. Option 7- Configure service tools LAN adapter
Via SST:
1. Option 8- Work with service tools user ID's and devices
2. V7R3 and earlier= Option 4- Configure service tools LAN adapter
     V7R4 and later= Option 3- Configure service tools LAN adapter
Once into the Service Tools LAN adapter:
image 7515
Note: Screen may look different as should have Resource name, adapter type, adapter model and adapter serial number filled.
To set the address:
1. Put in the information for Internet Address, Gateway router address and Subnet Mask
2. Hit F7 to Store the information
3. Hit F17 to Deactivate followed by activate.
4. Once the screen goes blank click the X in the upper right corner of the window to close it.
5. Either put the cable that is currently on the PC into your network or configure your PC to be in the same subnet as what was just assigned to the Service tools LAN adapter.
Create a config for the new connection
1. Go back to main ACS GUI
2. Go into System Configurations
3. Click New in the lower left corner
4. Give it a system name:
image 7516
Note: This can be the actual system name or just one that helps you remember what it is for
5. Click the Console tab:
image 7517
6. Under the portion for LAN Console/Virtual Control Panel for the Service host name put the new IP address of your console.
7. Click Ok.
8. Close out System Configurations and go back to the main menu
9. Select your new system from the drop-down and click the option for 5250 console
image 7518
This will bring the console back up (likely at the Configure service tools LAN adapter screen).  At this point you can exit back out to the main DST screen and continue with whatever actions you need to do next.
For reference if you need to use front panel options for any reason.  The 65+21+11 sequence will vary depending on version and model of system:
Power10 systems:
  • V7R5= When you hit function 65 the SRC will show.  Example= Arrow to 65.  Hit enter and you will see A6xx500x.
  • V7R4 and earlier= You will need to hit function 65 followed by 21.  Example= Arrow to 65.  Hit enter and you will see SRC D1008065.  Arrow to 21.  Hit enter and you will see A6xx500x.
Power8 and 9 systems:
  • V7R5= You will need to hit function 65 followed by function 11 for the SRC to show.  Example= Arrow to 65.  Hit enter and you will see 65 00.  Arrow to 11 and hit enter.  You will see A6xx500x.
  • V7R4 and earlier= You will need to use the traditional 65+21+11 sequence.  Example= Arrow to 65.  Hit enter and you will see 65 00.  Arrow to 21 and hit enter.  You will see 21 00.  Arrow to 11 and hit enter.  You will see A6xx500x.
image 7522
These are the options available for the 65+21+11 sequence.  This is only typically done if you are having problems in a worse case scenario.
As Power8 and later models will automatically set the console adapter slot when LAN console is set this is not typically needed.  To re-trigger that process you can do the following:
  • Go to the Front Control Panel
  • 65+21+11= A603500A
  • 65+21+11 until you get A6C3500B
  • 21+11 to get A6C3500C (clears adapters current config)
  • 65+21+11 until you get A6A3500B
  • 21+11= A6A3500C (resets adapter and LIC stack)
  • Wait until the panel times out to 01 and then return to ACS to search again.

Document Location

Worldwide

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Document Information

Modified date:
14 February 2025

UID

ibm16236506

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