AlphaServer GS80/160/320 Getting Started with Partitions

This document, "Getting Started with Partitions," is a manual for users and field service engineers of Compaq AlphaServer GS80/160/320 systems. It describes how to divide a single physical server into multiple, independent smaller systems, known as partitions, using the system's firmware.

Key aspects covered include:

1. Purpose of Partitions: Enables running multiple instances of operating systems (Tru64 UNIX and OpenVMS) on a single server, allowing for resource consolidation, parallel operation of different OS versions (e.g., for upgrades), and enhanced system reliability by isolating hardware failures to specific partitions.

2. Types of Partitions:

   • Hard Partitions: Defined by SCM (System Management Console) firmware, these are rigid divisions where CPU, memory, and I/O resources cannot be shared between partitions. Each hard partition runs an independent operating system. Configuration involves setting SCM environment variables like hp_count and hp_qbb_maskn.
   • Soft Partitions: Defined by SRM (System Reference Manual) firmware (specifically for OpenVMS Galaxy), these allow for shared memory and dynamic CPU reallocation between operating system instances. Their boundaries are considered "soft." Soft partitions can be set up within hard partitions. Configuration involves SRM environment variables such as lp_count, lp_io_mask, lp_cpu_mask, lp_mem_size, lp_shared_mem_size, and the lpinit command.

3. Configuration Requirements:

   • Hardware: Each partition requires a minimum of one CPU, 64 MB of memory, and an I/O riser module connected to a master PCI box.
   • Firmware/Software: Specific versions of system firmware (e.g., Micro Firmware V5.6+, SRM V5.8-1+) and operating systems (Tru64 UNIX 4.0G/5.1+ or OpenVMS Alpha 7.2-1H1+ with Galaxy license) are required.
   • Management: A central System Management Console, typically a PC with a terminal server, is used to manage and interact with all partitions.

4. Partitioning Process: Involves planning the resource allocation, defining hard partitions using SCM commands, defining soft partitions using SRM commands, and then installing and booting the desired operating system within each partition.

5. Status Display and Troubleshooting: The document provides commands (show nvram, show system, show config, show device) to display the configuration and status of both hard and soft partitions. It also offers tips for troubleshooting, such as stopping hung partitions, reconfiguring allocations, correcting environment variable errors, and understanding the impact of physical reset buttons (which affect all partitions).