294 IBM eX5 Implementation Guide
Operating system updates, fixes, and patches
The performance and reliability of an x3850 X5 tightly relate to the OS running on it. IBM
supports an assortment of modern and widely used OSs capable of utilizing the system’s
potential. Each vendor supports their OS by releasing updates, fixes, and patches that
provide enhanced functionality and fixes to known problems. Several of these updates, fixes,
and patches only apply to certain configurations, while other updates, fixes, and patches
apply to all configurations. The OS vendors support website has extensive information about
these updates, fixes, and patches.
System update resources
Table 6-12 provides useful web address links to IBM tools, as well as vendor OS support
links.
Table 6-12 Internet links to supports and downloads
6.10.6 SAN storage reference and considerations
The System x3850 X5 with its MAX5 memory expansion capability is the high-end server
solution in the IBM System x product line. Target workloads for this design include
virtualization and database application. In both designations, it is typical for the user to attach
storage area network (SAN) storage to the server for data storage.
SAN storage attachment
A storage area network (SAN) is a network whose primary purpose is the transfer of data
between computer systems and storage elements. The following list describes the typically
used SAN protocols, each with their own characteristics:
Fibre Channel (FC)
The Fibre Channel Protocol (FCP) is the interface protocol of SCSI on Fibre Channel. FCP
is a transport protocol, which predominantly transports SCSI commands over Fibre
Channel networks. Fibre Channel (FC) is the prevalent technology standard in the Storage
Area Network (SAN) data center environment. Typical requirements for this configuration
require an FC HBA and FC SAN infrastructure. Despite its name, Fibre Channel signaling
can run on both twisted-pair copper wire and fiber optic cables.
Tip: IBM UpdateXpress is a tool that allows the IBM System x firmware and drivers to be
updated via the OS. More information about this tool is available at the following website:
http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=SERV-XPRESS
Vendor Product Address
IBM Systems Support http://ibm.com/systems/support/
IBM ServerGuide http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=SERV-GUIDE
IBM UpdateXpress http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=SERV-XPRESS
IBM Bootable Media Creator http://ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=TOOL-BOMC
Microsoft Windows Server http://support.microsoft.com/ph/14134
Red Hat RHEL https://www.redhat.com/support/
Novell SLES http://www.novell.com/support/
VMware vSphere http://downloads.vmware.com/d/
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