Sun Microsystems 3U Network Card User Manual


 
Chapter 3 Installing and Extracting the Adapter 13
In a hot swap installation, you can install the adapter while the system is running,
without interrupting the operation of the server. Depending on the level of hot
swap your server is running (full or basic), you may be required to enter software
commands before and after the installation.
In a cold installation, you must shut down the operating system and power down
the system before installing the adapter. After the installation, you must power
the system back on for the system to recognize the new adapter.
Note – This chapter describes the general procedure needed for either a hot swap or
a cold installation. Because software commands and LED displays can differ for each
server, refer to you server’s documentation for the exact installation procedures.
Models of Hot Swap
Hot swap, a key feature of the PCI Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group
(PICMG) standard, means that a CompactPCI adapter that meets the PICMG
standard can be reliably inserted into or extracted from a powered and operating
CompactPCI platform without affecting the other functions of the platform. The
standard also defines state transitions fro the hardware and software connection
processes that allow the card to be connected and configured.
The adapter supports two models of hot swap:
Basic hot swap
Full hot swap
The models can be explained by first defining the following processes:
Hardware connection process—the electrical connection (and disconnection) of an
I/O card.
Software connection process—the software management by the operating system
of the board (allocating/releasing resources, attaching/detaching device drivers,
and so on).
In the basic hot swap model, the hardware connection process can be performed
automatically by the hardware, while the software connection process requires
operator assistance.
In the full hot swap model, both the hardware and the software connection process
are performed automatically.
If you install the adapter in a server set to full hot swap mode, you will not need to
type in any software commands during the installation. However, if you install the
adapter in a server set to basic hot swap mode, you will need to type in software