User`s guide

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2: Using the L1 and L2 Controllers
Monitoring Feedback and Entering Commands
You can monitor the L1 controller status and error messages on the L1 controller’s liquid
crystal display (LCD) located on the front panel of the individual bricks. The L1
controller and L2 controller status and error messages can also be monitored at your
system console.
The L2 controller hardware includes L2 controller firmware. To access the L2 controller
firmware, you must connect a system console, such as the SGIconsole or a dumb
terminal, to the L2 controller. For instructions on connecting a console to the L2
controller, see your server or graphics system owner’s guide.
The L2 firmware is always running as long as power is supplied to the L2 controller. If
you connect a system console to the L2 controller’s console port, the L2 prompt appears.
Note: See “Upgrading L1 and L2 Firmware” on page 28 for instructions to upgrade your
L1 controller firmware and L2 controller firmware.
The system console allows you to monitor and manage your server or graphics system
by entering L1 controller commands. You can also enter L2 controller commands to
monitor and manage your system if your system has L2 controller hardware and a
system console or if you are using an SGIconsole as your system console. See Chapter 3,
“L1 and L2 Controller Commands,” for a list of L1 and L2 controller commands you can
use to monitor and manage the various devices.
Operating the L2 Controller
The L2 firmware operates in one of the following three modes, each of which is discussed
in the sections that follow.
• L2 mode. The L2 prompt is visible and all input is directed to the L2 command
processor.
• Console mode from L2. Output from the system is visible and all input is directed
to the system.
• L1 mode from L2. The prompt from a single L1 is visible, and all input is directed to
that L1 command processor.