36 Chapter 3
SSP operation
SSP and the V-Class system
SSP and the V-Class system
The Service Support Processor (SSP) is either a Hewlett-Packard B180L
or 712 workstation that performs the following functions for the V-Class
system:
• Running diagnostics
• Updating of CUB (Core Utility Board) firmware
• Logging environmental and system level events
• Configuring of hardware and boot parameters
• Booting the operating system
• Accessing V-class console
The SSP is closely interfaced with the Core Utility Board (CUB), located
on the Mid-plane Interconnect Board (MIB). It has the ability to access
each section of the CUB, allowing for control, verification, testing, and
normal management of the V-Class server.
A private ethernet bus called the “test bus” connects the SSP to the CUB
located within the V-Class server.
The SSP has HP-UX installed and operates independently from the main
server.
IMPORTANT HP-UX 10.20 is required to allow the workstation to function as the SSP.
Additional software has been added to the basic HP-UX 10.20 to provide
all the necessary functions of the SSP.
