HMC-Basics

 

Hardware Management Console (HMC)

The HMC is an appliance for planning, deploying, and managing IBM Power Systems servers. It can be used to create and modify logical partitions, including dynamically adding and removing resources from a running partition

Local HMC

 

A local HMC is an HMC that is physically located close to the system it manages and is connected by either a private or public network. An HMC in a private network is a DHCP server for the service processors of the systems it manages. An HMC may also manage a system over an open network, where the managed system’s service processor IP address has been assigned manually using the Advanced System Management Interface (ASMI).

 

Physical proximity

 

Prior to HMC version 7, at least one local HMC was required to be physically located near the managed systems. This is not a requirement with the Version 7 and the HMC’s web browser interface.

 

Remote HMC

 

A remote HMC is an HMC that is not physically located near its managed systems. This could be in another part of the same room or data center, in another building, or even on another site. Typically, a remote HMC is attached to its managed servers using a public network, but configurations with a remote HMC attached to a private network are also possible. Prior to HMC version 7, at least one local HMC was required. With Version 8, any or all HMCs may be virtual HMC (vHMC).

 

Redundant HMC

 

The HMC allows you to configure and manage servers. One HMC can manage multiple servers, and dual HMCs can provide redundant support by managing the same system. To help ensure consistent function, each HMC is preinstalled with the Hardware Management Console Licensed Machine Code. 

The IBM Power Systems HMC virtual appliance can be used to manage any of the systems that are supported by the Version 8 HMC, which includes Power Systems servers with IBM POWER6®, POWER7®, and POWER8® processors.