Interpreting Event Log Time Stamps

The time stamps in the event log are related to the service processor clock settings. If the clock settings change, the change is reflected in the time stamps.

When the service processor reboots, the SP clock is set to Thu Jan 1 00:00:00 UTC 1970.

The SP reboots as a result of the following:

• A complete system unplug/replug power cycle

• An IPMI command; for example, mc reset cold

• A command-line interface (CLI) command; for example, reset /SP

• ILOM web interface operation; for example, from the Maintenance tab, selecting Reset SP

• An SP firmware upgrade

After an SP reboot, the SP clock is changed in these circumstances:

• When the host is booted. The host’s BIOS unconditionally sets the SP time to that indicated by the host’s real time clock (RTC). The host’s RTC is set by the following operations:

  • When the host’s CMOS is cleared as a result of changing the host’s RTC battery or inserting the CMOS-clear jumper on the motherboard. The host’s RTC starts at Jan 1 00:01:00 2002.

  • When the host’s operating system sets the host’s RTC. The BIOS does not consider time zones. Solaris and Linux software respect time zones and set the system clock to UTC. Therefore, after the OS adjusts the RTC, the time set by the BIOS is UTC.

  • When the user sets the RTC using the host BIOS Setup screen.

• Continuously through NTP if NTP is enabled on the SP. NTP jumping is enabled to recover quickly from an erroneous update from the BIOS or user. NTP servers provide UTC time. Therefore, if NTP is enabled on the SP, the SP clock is in UTC.

• Through the CLI, ILOM web interface, and IPMI