Specifications
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Technology Overview
Xserve
More than 100 embedded hardware sensors in the Xserve enclosure integrate with
Apple’s sophisticated Server Monitor software to check the condition of critical
subsystems, such as memory, fans, power supplies, and Ethernet links. Temperature
measurements for hard drives, processors, memory, PCI, power supply, and incoming
ambient temperature are processed using a microcontroller and dedicated communi-
cations buses on the logic board.
Server Monitor Software
To maximize server uptime, Server Monitor software aids in the early identification
and easy diagnosis of system problems. This powerful application uses data from
the hardware sensors and the LOM processor to continuously report on the status
of all Xserve subsystems, for servers on the network. If operating conditions for any
component exceed predefined thresholds, Server Monitor can instantly send notifi-
cation via email or email-capable pager, so network administrators can respond
quickly to prevent or repair the problem.
Server Monitor can monitor hundreds of servers using a single, intuitive interface.
Each server is identified by name and IP address (or DNS host name), and at-a-glance
summary information (green indicates OK, yellow means warning, red alerts of an
error) indicates the status of individual components. A click on any icon displays
detailed status and performance information.
Server Monitor provides instant access to status and performance details, including
these individual server attributes, subsystems, and system variables:
•
Info. Lists key attributes of the server: name, IP address, device kind, operating system
version, processor type, amount of memory, firmware version, uptime, last monitoring
update, and hardware serial number.
•
Memory. Displays the size, speed, and type of memory installed in each system, as
well as ECC error counts.
•
Drives. Provides the status of each of the server’s hard drives, including SMART data
for predictive failure notification.
•
Power. Shows the current, voltage, and processor power, as well as a historical line
graph for each supply rail. Also provides uninterruptible power supply (UPS) informa-
tion and status when available.
Automatic notifications
Server Monitor can send an email to
alert specified individuals when operating
conditions exceed predefined thresholds.
Short text messages can be sent to email-
capable pagers, cell phones, or PDAs;
full-text details can be sent to email
clients or full-function PDAs.
Apple Xserve diagnostics
Xserve includes a server-class diagnostic
tool that supports advanced hardware
diagnostics. Capable of being run from
the provided Admin Tools DVD, from a
configured USB key, or through NetBoot,
this powerful diagnostics tool provides
an easy-to-use GUI that can be run locally
or remotely.