Use the following information if you have a backup console plan that involves the need for a change in the console type.
The recoverability of the console using a different console connectivity provides additional options for the user. Use the following information if you have a backup console plan that involves the need for a change in the console type.
Changing the console in i5/OS® can take effect immediately depending on how you change the console. For servers not managed by an HMC, the adapter location takes the place of the tagging. If the adapter of your other console type is properly located, you can change the console type value and the change takes effect when the system is restarted or you use the console service functions (65+21) to force the system to check for another console. For servers managed by an HMC, a change to the console tag is required prior to selecting a new console type. If possible, you should plan for this change in advance. Changing the partition profile usually only takes effect after you deactivate and then reactivate the partition. Therefore, attempting to change the console type value in DST or SST usually results in an error message indicating that the resource isn't available. You can, however, force the tag change using a command line interface to the HMC.
For more information, see Changing consoles, interfaces, and terminals. If you change the console Using the console service functions (65+21), then the change takes effect immediately.
Supporting hardware for each console type you want to use for recovery must be available (not in use) at the time of recovery. For example, if you want a local console directly attached device to be able to recover a local console on a network (LAN) device, both adapters must be located in their respective locations or be correctly tagged. For the console change to be completed, the user must also change the console type value, either using an available menu or using the console service functions (65+21).
To accomplish a recovery using a different console type, you must satisfy the hardware requirements for the new console before attempting the takeover. This means that either the supporting hardware must already be available (not in use), including any logical partition tagging, or you must move supporting hardware, physically or logically, before attempting the recovery. Then, you must use one of the methods to change the console type value to the desired setting. You can use an existing workstation and SST, if available, the native macro, or the console service functions (65+21). For more information on the console service functions (65+21), see Using the console service functions (65+21). For more information on using the Operations Console native macro, see Troubleshooting using the OPSCONSOLE macro.
If you change the console type value during a D-mode IPL, typically using the console service functions (65+21), you are able to connect another device without another IPL as long as the new required resources are available. For example, if the IOA to be switched to is not located on the same bus, then the target resource's bus might not be IPLed at this time.