Using an Administrative Console

You can use either a dedicated workstation or a workstation connected through a management network 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 about the CCP, see How to Log Into the Cluster Remotely. For instructions on installing the Cluster Control Panel module for Sun Management Center and Sun Cluster Manager GUI tools, see the Sun Cluster Software Installation Guide for Solaris OS.

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 SPARC cluster consists of a Sun Enterprise^TM 10000 server, you must log in from the administrative console to the System Service Processor (SSP). Connect by using the netcon command. The default method for netcon to connect with a Sun Enterprise 10000 domain is through the network interface. If the network is inaccessible, you can use netcon in “exclusive” mode by setting the -f option. You can also type ~* during a normal netcon session. Either of the previous solutions gives you the option of toggling to the serial interface if the network becomes unreachable.

Sun Cluster does not require a dedicated administrative console, but using a console provides the following 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