Configuring a service host name (interface name)

 

The service host name (interface name) is the name that identifies the System i™ service connection on your network that is used for service tools, which includes an Operations Console local console on a network (LAN) configuration.

You need a service host name (interface name) any time a console or remote control panel is being connected using a network connection. One reason to add this function is when a system has been logically partitioned. Although the primary partition can have a non-networked console, a remote control panel to a secondary partition might be desirable.

Regardless of which method you use to implement the configuration data, the actual name and associated address used for the service host name depends on the network environment in which the system will be placed. The implementation method has no bearing on whether the configured connection is the first connection. Follow these guidelines when entering the name for the service host:

• For small network infrastructures in which only a few devices are connected, you can typically specify anything you want for the name and associated address. When you set up a small network, you can specify the name and an address range.

• For large network infrastructures managed by IT personnel, a specific name might be required. This avoids confusion with other devices on the same network, and might be used to allow the network infrastructure's equipment to know in advance what the connection name is and what address the connection will use to communicate on the network. Alternatively, you might be able to specify an original name, but the address might be given to you by the network administrator.

There are two methods to create a service host name (interface name):

• A service host name (interface name) cannot be created during the manufacturing process for a system that has Operations Console local console on a network (LAN) configuration ordered. The LAN adapter is installed and the correct console type is specified. Then, when the user gets the system, the Operations Console configuration wizard, when completed, supplies the system with the customer network parameters, including the service host name (interface name). During the initial connection, this data finishes the system configuration for the network. This process is also known as BOOTP.

• The second method to create a service host name (interface name) is by using an existing console. This method could be used during a migration or an upgrade before disconnecting your old console. When using the following procedure, you can either verify or create the configuration for the System i service connection. You can find the service host name (interface name) by going into Dedicated Service Tools (DST), or System Service Tools (SST) on the partition that you are configuring and use the Configure Service Tools Adapter display. Enter the same name on the PC as the existing service host name (interface name) defined in DST or SST.

  You might need to temporarily change the console type to complete this work. You can also use any option pertaining to the service tools LAN adapter to verify the service host name or data.

To create a service host name (interface name):

To perform the following procedure using SST, select the option Work with service tools user IDs and Devices everywhere it says select Work with DST environment. Also note that if you are using a console mode other than Operations Console (LAN), you can use the option Configure service tools LAN adapter to create or change the service host name or its data.

1. Access Dedicated Service Tools (DST) or System Service Tools (SST).

2. Select Work with DST environment.

3. Select System devices (skip this step if using SST).

4. Select Select Console.

5. Select Operations Console (LAN) and press Enter. This should show Verify Operations Console Adapters.

6. Press F11 to configure.

7. The service host name (interface name) field contains the name. If you are creating a new service connection follow these steps:

   1. Enter the network data in the appropriate fields.

   2. Store your configuration by pressing F7.

   3. Activate the LAN adapter by pressing F14.

   4. Press F3 to exit.

 

Parent topic:

Managing your local console on a network

 

Related reference

Preparation for your network environment

 

Related information

Service tools user IDs and passwords
Access service tools