之前有同事问我Exadata用的是什么操作系统这个问题？
最早Oracle与HP合作的Exadata V1采用的是Oracle Enterprise Linux，而Oracle-Sun Exadata V2则目前还仅提供OEL，但是已经通过了Solaris -11 Express在 Exadata V2上的测试， 所以很快Exadata V2将会有Solaris的选择。
目前现有的Exadata X2-2 和 X2-8 绝大多数采用2个OEL 5的小版本：
较早出厂的使用OEL 5.3
# cat /etc/enterprise-release
Enterprise Linux Enterprise Linux Server release 5.3 (Carthage)
近期出场的使用OEL 5.5
# cat /etc/enterprise-release
Enterprise Linux Enterprise Linux Server release 5.5 (Carthage)
# uname -a
Linux vrh1.us.oracle.com 2.6.18-128.1.16.0.1.el5 #1 SMP Tue x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/Linux
The IB should be one of the compatible cards specified in Note 888828.1
If you build a backup server machine it is best tro build as close a clone of the Exadata Compute nodes as you can get.
I.e. install OEL 5 Update 5 and one of the IB cards specified in the note and you will have the correct ofed versions and kernel
This will guarantee interoperabilty and correct operation with the kernel and ofed drivers
From the doc
InfiniBand OFED Software
Exadata Storage Servers and database servers will interoperate with different InfiniBand OFED software versions, however, Oracle recommends that all versions be the same unless performing a rolling upgrade. Review Note 1262380.1 for database server software and firmware guidelines.
InfiniBand HCA
Exadata Storage Servers and database servers will interoperate with different InfiniBand host channel adapter (HCA) firmware versions, however, Oracle recommends that all versions be the same unless performing a rolling upgrade. Review Note 1262380.1 for database server software and firmware guidelines.
For a complete list of the Oracle QDR Infinband adaptors see here:
http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/documentation/oracle-net-sec-hw-190016.html#infinibandadp
For the compute nodes all firmware updates must be done via the bundle patches descibed in Doc 888828.1
So I would advise upgrading to the latest supported bundel patch.
For you backup server choose the same model card that came with the X2 compute nodes.
Install Oracle Eterprise Linux Release 5 Update 5
Upgrade the firmware to the same firmware an on the X2 or higher if not already the same,
Database Machine and Exadata Storage Server 11g Release 2 (11.2) Supported Versions [ID 888828.1]