1.3.2 Using an Administrative Console

You can use a dedicated SPARC workstation, known as the administrative console, to administer the active cluster. Typically, you install and run the Cluster Control Panel (CCP) and graphical user interface (GUI) tools on the administrative console. For more information on the CCP, see "1.4.1 How to Remotely Log In to Sun Cluster". For instructions on installing the Sun Management Center and SunPlex Manager GUI tools, see the Sun Cluster 3.0 U1 Installation Guide.

The administrative console is not a cluster node. The administrative console is used for remote access to the cluster nodes, either over the public network or through a network-based terminal concentrator.

If your cluster consists of a Sun Enterprise^TM 10000 server, you must have the ability to log in from the administrative console to the System Service Processor (SSP) and connect using the netcon(1M) command. The default method for netcon to connect with a Sun Enterprise 10000 domain is through the network interface. If the network is inaccessible, the cluster console (cconsole) access through the network connection will hang. To prevent this, you can use netcon in "exclusive" mode by setting the -f option or by sending ~* during a normal netcon session. This gives you the option of toggling to the serial interface if the network becomes unreachable. Refer to netcon(1M) for more information.

Sun Cluster does not require a dedicated administrative console, but using one provides these benefits:

• Enables centralized cluster management by grouping console and management tools on the same machine

• Provides potentially quicker problem resolution by Enterprise Services or your service provider