Glossary

admin file

An ASCII administration file that defines default installation actions for Solaris packages.

boot

To load the system software into memory and start it. In the N1 System Manager, you can use the start command to power on and boot a server if needed. See also Reset.

bootip

Also known as the provisioning IP. IP addresses that are used during the installation process for Linux based provisionable servers. This IP address may be temporary just for the duration of the installation process. Some sites may reuse the same range of bootip addresses for subsequent provisioning operations.

browser interface

A web-based user interface for the N1 System Manager that provides a subset of the command line features.

command line

The Sun N1 System Manager n1sh shell that enables you to run N1 System Manager commands. The n1sh shell is available from the browser interface or through the n1sh command on the management server. The n1sh shell run time environment is signified by the N1-ok> prompt.

data network

The network that is used to access provisionable servers from other machines in the data center or enterprise. This network might not be visible to the management node.

data network interface

This interface provides access from the provisionable server to the data center network. Multiple data network interfaces might exist.

data network switch

One or more switches used for data transfers outside the horizontally scaled system (HSS). Both GigE and Infiniband switches are supported.

distribution group

A collection of software clusters and packages that is to be installed on a provisionable server.

event

A change in the N1 System Manager system or a provisionable server, which is tracked in the Sun N1 System Manager event log and may initiate a notification message to external systems.

fault

An identified problem with a component, usually at the field replaceable unit (FRU) level.

firmware

Software stored in read-only memory (ROM) or programmable ROM (PROM). Firmware is usually used to help with the initial booting stage.

FRU

Field Replaceable Unit. An assembly that a manufacturer replaces on failure of an assembly component.

job

A user-defined task to be completed by a computer system. In the N1 System Manager, an asynchronous action initiated and tracked by a user to perform a task.

in use profile

An OS profile that is currently being installed on a provisionable server. An in-use profile cannot be deleted.

installation script

A script used to provide a customized installation of Solaris packages or patches.

IP

IP addresses that are used after the installation process. This is intended to be a more permanent address for the interface.

IPMI

Intelligent Platform Management Interface. A common management interface used by the N1 System Manager to discover servers. IPMI credentials can be used to authenticate servers and accounts during discovery.

load

Installing software to a provisionable server, such as the operating system, firmware updates, and software updates.

log

A single logical location of events in the N1 System Manager network.

management agents

Management software that must be added to a provisionable server to provide remote command functionality, OS resource monitoring, package deployment, and inventory management. Also known as management features.

The N1 System Manager provides two management features: base management and OS monitoring.

management feature

See management agents.

management IP address

The IP address of a provisionable server that the N1 System Manager uses to manage the server.

management name

A unique name used to denote a provisionable server within the N1 System Manager environment. By default, the name is set to the server's management IP address determined during discovery. However, a user-defined name can be assigned.

management network interface

This interface provides access to the management information and functions primarily for the provisionable server's hardware and firmware. This interface is the interface to the provisionable server's service processor or ALOM processor.

management network switch

An Ethernet switch used for sending management signal data within the horizontally scaled system (HSS).

management server

The server on which the N1 System Manager software is installed.

N1 System Manager

Software running on the management server that acts as the entry and control point for provisioning and managing servers. A browser interface and a command-line interface are provided.

notification message

A message sent using email or SNMP traps to notify an external entity of server events.

notification rule

A user-specified configuration for when, where, and how to send a class of notification messages.

operating system

A collection of programs that monitor the use of the system and supervise the other programs executed by the operating system. The N1 System Manager enables you to install a operating system such as RedHat Linux and Solaris x86 to a provisionable server or server group.

OS

See operating system.

OS distribution

A installable image of an operating system. In the N1 System Manager, you must copy an OS distribution from a CD/DVD or ISO file before it can be installed on a provisionable server or group of provisionable servers. See also OS profile.

OS profile

Specifies how to install an operating distribution, including which operating system components to install, which additional files and programs to install with the operating system, and configuration information such as root password and disk partitioning specifications. See also OS distribution.

physical server

A FRU server such as a Sun Fire V20z machine.

privilege

A predefined set of permissions enabling a user to perform certain operations within the N1 System Manager. A privilege is granted to a user by assigning to a role and then assigning the role to the user.

provision

The process of using the N1 System Manager to install a preconfigured operating system on a server managed by the N1 System Manager.

provisioning network

The network used to provision the server from the N1 System Manager management server. This network must be visible to the management node.

provisioning network interface

This interface provides access to the provisionable server's OS management functions. This interface is used to provision an operating system and OS updates to a provisionable server, monitor provisionable serverOS resources, and for remote command execution on theprovisionable server. Typically only one provisionable network interface exists.

provisionable server

A physical server that has been successfully discovered and is subsequently managed by the N1 System Manager.

reboot

See reset.

reset

Power off and power on a hardware device. In the N1 System Manager, you can use the reset command to reboot a server (power off, power on, and boot a server).

response file

A file that provides the interaction responses that would be requested during a Solaris package installation in interactive mode onto a provisionable server. A response file enables a package to be installed without user intervention.

role

A set of permissions and privileges regarding what a user may do to the system.

server

See provisionable server.

server group

A user-defined group of servers for the purpose of creating a logical target for management operations. For example, server groups enable operations such as reboot and OS install to be performed on multiple servers with a single command.

shutdown

The process of taking a system from a multiuser OS state to a single user state and a complete halt and power down. In the N1 System Manager, you can use the stop command to shut down and power off a server.

SNMP

Simple Network Management Protocol. A preferred network management protocol for TCP/IP-based networks.

SSH

Secure shell. An encrypted remote login protocol that provides strong authentication and secure communications over insecure channels.

start

See boot.

terminal server

A network device that provides a serial connection to the switches, management server, and servers.

update

A software update for an OS. In the N1 System Manager, a RedHat Linux RPM or a Solaris package or patch.

user

A person who is authorized to log in to and use the N1 System Manager.