Diagnostic Tools

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The selection of diagnostic tools available for your server range in complexity from a comprehensive validation test suite (Oracle VTS) to a chronological event log (Oracle ILOM System Log). The selection of diagnostic tools also include standalone software packages, firmware-based tests, and hardware-based LED indicators.

The following table summarizes the diagnostic tools that you can use when troubleshooting or monitoring your server.

Diagnostic Tool	Type	What It Does	Availability	Remote Capability
Oracle ILOM	SP firmware	Monitors environmental condition and component functionality sensors, generates alerts, performs fault isolation, and provides remote access.	Available in either standby power mode or full power mode. It is not OS dependent.	Designed for remote and local access.
Preboot Menu	SP firmware	Enables you to restore some of Oracle ILOM defaults (including firmware) when Oracle ILOM is not accessible.	Available in either standby power mode or full power mode. It is not OS dependent.	Local, but remote serial access is possible if the SP serial port is connected to a network-accessible terminal server.
Hardware-based LED indicators	Hardware and SP firmware	Indicates status of overall system and particular components.	Available when system power is available.	Local, but sensor and indicators are accessible from Oracle ILOM web interface or command-line interface (CLI).
Power-on Self-Test (POST)	Host firmware	Tests core components of system: CPUs, memory, and motherboard I/O bridge integrated circuits.	Runs on startup. Available when the operating system is not running.	Local, but can be accessed through Oracle ILOM Remote Console.
U-Boot	SP firmware	Initializes and test aspects of the service processor (SP) prior to booting the Oracle ILOM SP and operating system. Tests SP memory, SP, network devices and I/O devices.	Available in either standby power mode or full power mode. It is not OS dependent.	Local, but remote serial access is possible if the SP serial port is connected to a network-accessible terminal server.
Solaris commands	Operating system software	Displays various kinds of system information.	Requires operating system.	Local, and over network.
Oracle VTS	Diagnostic tool standalone software	Exercises and stresses the system, running tests in parallel.	Requires operating system. Install Oracle VTS software separately.	View and control over network.