IBM i Series Handbook

Also see for i Series: Cabling guide User guide Manual TCP/IP Configuration and Reference Handbook

Contents

need to deallocate the LAN card if you are not planning on using an Operations Console local consoleon a network configuration or the service tools server.Related reference“Installing an Operations Console cable” on page 32You need to install an Operations Console cable when your configurations have a local console that isdirectly attached to the system.Related informationInstalling, upgrading, or deleting i5/OS and related softwarePreparation for your network environmentTo prepare for your network environment, you need to identify and comply with the minimum networkconfiguration required to set up an Operations Console local console on a network (LAN) configuration.Important: You need to install the LAN adapter for Operations Console according to your model.If your system is new and you chose a local console on a network configuration, the adapter is alreadyallocated for use by the system. The LAN adapter is dedicated for service tools. It is suggested that yourestrict LAN topologies for LAN-attached local consoles to a single, physical ring, hub, switch, or routerenvironment. In the event that the local console on a network is used in a larger network topology, it issuggested that you use broadcast (DHCP) packet filtering. This might be as simple as connecting the PCand system using an inexpensive hub or router. Temporarily, you could also use an Ethernet crossovercable (when using a 2849 adapter). When you have only a single PC or a small number of devicesconnected to the system using a hub, and these devices do not connect to another network or theInternet, you can then use any numeric numbers for addresses, for example, 1.1.1.x or 10.220.215.x (wherex can be 2 through 255, but avoid x.x.x.1, which might cause problems in some hubs). However, if youhave a network that many users share, or in which the devices are connected to the Internet, then youshould consult a network administrator for addresses.A crossover cable is a standard network cable that has the transmit and receive signal wires reversed. Thisvirtually allows each end to act as if a hub, switch, or router were between them. The use of a crossovercable might also require a nonstandard network configuration at the system and PC.Network securityIt is suggested that you treat the console over a LAN connection with the same physical securityconsiderations and controls as a local console directly attached to the system or a twinaxial console. Forinstance, consider configuring a local console on a network separate from the main network (or thecompany intranet) and strictly controlling access to the PC that acts as the console.BOOTstrap ProtocolA local Operations Console on a network uses the BOOTstrap Protocol (BOOTP) to configure the systemservice IP communications stack. The IP stack configuration plus the system serial number and thepartition ID are requested in the Operations Console configuration wizard. The system broadcasts aBOOTP request. The Operations Console PC replies with the information submitted during theconfiguration wizard. The system then stores and uses the configuration information for the service IPcommunications stack.The system will perform a BOOTP when the console type is set to Operations Console (LAN) and thesystem does not contain a valid IP address for the service host name (service interface).The Operations Console PC must be placed on a network that can be accessed by the system. This can bethe same physical network or a network that permits broadcast packets to flow. This is an initial setuprequirement. Normal Operations Console operation does not require this. It is suggested that this setupoccur on the same physical network.Operations Console 13|||||||||||||||||