The virtual control panel is an alternative to the remote control panel for parallel cable. Like the remote control panel, the virtual control panel is a way to use control panel functions through a PC.
The graphical user interface for the virtual control panel is
identical to the remote control panel. Also, the virtual control panel can
perform most of the same functions as the remote control panel. If your server
uses a keystick, the mode button works with the same
functions as the physical control panel, depending on whether the keystick
is inserted.
The biggest functional difference between the remote control panel and the virtual control panel is that the virtual control panel cannot power on the server. As an alternative, if you need to power on the system at a later time, you can use the IPL scheduling function in Operational Assistant, by pressing the Attention key. You can also use the GO POWER command and select option 2 (Change power on and off schedule).
Considerations for the virtual control panel
If you use the virtual control panel, you should be aware of the following considerations:
- The virtual control panel must have a direct connection to the server from Operations Console using the serial console cable.
- The virtual control panel is only available while the Operations Console is connected.
- You cannot use the virtual control panel remotely through a dial up connection.
- There are prerequisites to installing the virtual control panel such as PTFs for the server and service packs for the client.
- If the PC has a parallel cable connection for a remote control panel, you must remove it before you can install and use your virtual control panel.
- A unique service tools device profile must exist for each virtual control panel connection.
- You cannot use an existing network name.
- More than one virtual control panel and remote control panel can be active at the same time.
- The service tools user ID used to authenticate
the connection must have the Partition remote panel key privilege in order
to use the mode function provided by the virtual control panel. To verify
that your service tools user ID has this privilege, see Change the functional
privileges for a service tools user ID using SST.
How to choose between the virtual control panel and remote control panel
The following table shows which server models are recommended for the virtual control panel and which models are recommended for the remote control panel.
| Virtual control panel | Remote control panel |
|---|---|
270 |
170 |
For information such as prerequisites, setup instructions, and configuration instructions for the virtual control panel, see the iSeries™ Access Web site.
For information about using the virtual control
panel see Access control panel functions. See Control panel buttons, lights,
and indicators for a description of the interface for the virtual control
panel.