[rescue] advice on rescuing an e10k

[Ahmed Ewing]

On 10/20/06, Andrew Gaylard <ag at computer.org> wrote:
>
> On 10/20/06, Ahmed Ewing <aewing at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > A slightly different aspect of E10K rescue advice:
> >
> > Whatever you do, for the sake of the non-profit effort, *MAKE ABSOLUTELY
> > CERTAIN* that the donor is also agreeing to transfer the E10K license
> keys
> > with the physical hardware. Without the keys you will be unable to
> create
> > the virtual NVRAM files and thus be unable to create any domains.
> >
> > In other words, you'll be spending thousands to transport a large, loud,
> > power-hungry boat anchor/paperweight. :)
> >
> > All domain configuration including NVRAM information is stored on the
> SSP
> > workstation(s) if a domain is already configured on the frame... but
> even
> > if
> > they are donating you the SSP(s) too, there's never a guarantee that the
> > disks will survive the transport trip. Get the license keys (a very long
> > hexadecimal string) in writing from the donor, or be prepared to go back
> > to
> > Sun, to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars the first time you need
> > to
> > create/recreate a domain.
>
>
> Does this apply to the E6800 too?


No. F6800s have their system controllers built into the frame and do not
require additional licensing schemes for domain creation. An F6800 supports
up to four domains, IIRC (A/B/C/D).

I've been offered one for free, but again, the costs of transportation are
> considerable...
>
> If it makes any difference, I'd prefer to go with Linux on it instead of
> Solaris.


Domains still need to be created regardless of the OS you intend to run,
even if it's a single domain that encompasses all hardware in the frame...
Linux vs Solaris has no bearing on this matter. Also, in case you were
curious, you have no choice on what to use for the control hardware: SSP
workstations must be running Solaris because the SSP software package is
only available for Solaris, and SunFire SCs run a custom embedded RTOS.

-A