LAN console default settings ( 65+21 simplification LI)

The LIC was changed to allow connecting without using the operator panel to set the console type. The documentation now says the step can be skipped.
The simplified connection is available in release 7.3 resave Q or release 7.4 resave J or release 7.5.

The general operations console service functions documentation has been enhanced and updated.
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.4?topic=network-using-operations-console-service-functions
The documentation now includes the steps for getting the fixed IP from the operator control panel.

The 7.3 documentation is in the process of being updated but it's the same as the 7.4 documentation .

In 7.5 the operations console service functions (operator panel function 65 +21) has been simplified. The 65 +21 sequence has been simplified to just a function 65.
The documentation for 7.5 has been updated.
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.5?topic=network-using-operations-console-service-functions

IBM Power Systems Development

I never heard of the 169.254.62 default range, I'll give that a try next time. Thank you for the information and for improving the 65-21 shuffle.

There is a fixed IP address already provided. If you don't do anything, the LIC already provides a 169.254.62.xx IP address when there isn't a service tool configuration. If you do 65+21, it will tell you the specific IP address (in hex) that is being used as the default LAN console IP address. (An example of this hex IP address is "A6A1500B Extended word = A9FE3Enn", where nn is a specific address.) Note that the connection cannot go through a router -- the PC needs to be either connected directly to the system or on the same subnet. Though rarely needed, you can also change the address being used via 65+21.

One of the Comments below mentioned that a default location would be helpful, but the LIC code already looks for the 'best' Ethernet adapter. There isn't a single default location because, depending upon features ordered, manufacturing places the adapters in the best locations. For POWER8 and POWER9, the LIC looks for a LAN adapter for console in slots starting from the highest (C11) slot position and working down to the lowest slot (C1). (POWER7 was the opposite -- it started at lowest location and went up.)

For even more details, see https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/ssw_ibm_i_74/rzajr/rzajrfunctions6521.htm.

Your RFE also mentions that it is very cumbersome to configure the LAN console through the 65+21 control panel functions. This aspect we are trying to make better in the next IBM i code release. Therefore we are changing status of this RFE to Planned for Future Release, with the goal of simplifying the 65+21 control panel functions for that next release.

The CEAC has reviewed this requirement and recommends that IBM view this as a MEDIUM priority requirement that should be addressed.

Background: The COMMON Europe Advisory Council (CEAC) members have a broad range of experience in working with small and medium-sized IBM i customers. CEAC has a crucial role in working with IBM i development to help assess the value and impact of individual RFEs on the broader IBM i community and has therefore reviewed your RFE.

To find out how CEAC help to shape the future of IBM i, see CEAC @ ibm.biz/BdYSYj and the article "The Five Hottest IBM i RFEs Of The Quarter" at ibm.biz/BdYSZT

Therese Eaton – CEAC Program Manager, IBM

Hi Steve,
I'm aware of the "locate console" but I have mixed experiences with it. I just think it makes sense for a networked device (the console port) to boot with a known IP unless that setting has been changed somehow.

Due to processing by IBM, this request was reassigned to have the following updated attributes:
Brand - Servers and Systems Software
Product family - Power Systems
Product - IBM i
Component - Install, Upgrade, Licensing
Operating system - IBM i
Source - None

For recording keeping, the previous attributes were:
Brand - Servers and Systems Software
Product family - Power Systems
Product - IBM i
Component - Core OS
Operating system - IBM i
Source - None

Hav you guys tried the "Locate Console" function in ACS?
On a new P8 & P9 servers with no console and pre-installed image, I have been able to connect a cable directly from laptop to the T1 Port on the NIC and automatically discover the console.

Then when ready, I change the IP Console details to be fix address and move it to the management network.

This has also worked for me when doing a D Mode IPL as well.

I've not had to use 65+21 unless the system was ordered with a HMC console or if there is more than one NIC in the system and I want to use a specific adaptor not default.

I agree it would be nice to have a function that made it easier to report / manage which Adapator and IP address was currently set for the console of any given LPAR on a system without HMC, this would be a great thing to add to the ASMI interface.

Hope this helps
Steve Bradshaw
IBM Champion , CEAC member and TD of i-UG.co.uk

This is a great idea as I have battled with initial installs using ACS LAN console on systems with no HMC or brand new out of the box. Worst case I have had to run the original CA software which allows me to connect and do the initial install ( discovery and disk setup) then I need to then cut the connection and then reconnect with ACS so as to complete the install.
Having a default IP associated with the first port on the first ethernet I/O card makes this problem go away

From a support point of view, for years we have struggled with the 65-21 shuffle as I call it. While acs has discovery, its not always a quick and easy thing to get the console connected either.

Having a set ip address as the client notes, would make connections easier. Even with the default ip options we have (c4) we still have to get through the 65-21 sequence. I realize there would be possible IP conflicts on a public network but there may be something we can change to make it easier to connect a dedicated connection on a DM ipl.