configuring NIM server

UNIX AIX
1

I have never used NIM. Please help with the steps for configuring NIM server and client.

thanks
Pchangba

2

you can download NIM A-Z redbook from ibm site.

this will help you alot.

configuring nim master you can see "nim_master_setup" manual page in the server.you have to install from AIX OS cd/dvd.

3

For a very short (and very incomplete) introduction to NIM concepts you might want to read what i have written here.

I hope this helps.

bakunin

4

The Links provided by Faruk & bakunin are helpful..

Here are more links:

1) The power of Network Installation Manager Easily install, upgrade, and maintain AIX systems

 [Uma Chandolu](http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/aix/library/au-nim/index.html\#author1) \([EMAIL="uchandol@in.ibm.com?subject=The%20power%20of%20Network%20Installation%20Manager"]uchandol@in.ibm.com[/EMAIL]\), Software Engineer, IBM


Uma M. Chandolu works as a Development Support Specialist on AIX. He is currently the team lead of the AIX Security Development Support team at IBM Bangalore.He has three years of extensive hands-on experience in AIX environments, and demonstrated expertise in AIX system administration and other subsystems. He has experience interfacing with customers and handling customer-critical situations. You can reach him at uchandol@in.ibm.com.

Puneet Mahajan (pmahajan@us.ibm.com), Software Engineer, IBM

Puneet Mahajan is an advanced AIX technical support specialist with over seven years of experience in AIX system administration. He is currently the team lead of AIX remote support for Independent Software Vendors (ISV) at IBM Austin. You can reach him at pmahajan@us.ibm.com.
Summary: Get step-by-step instructions for configuring a Network Installation Manager server and clients using the smitty tool. If you have an environment with many AIX� systems, then you know that installing, upgrading, and maintaining the software can take a considerable amount of time. The AIX Network Installation Manager can help you with installation and software maintenance in a client and server environment.
The power of Network Installation Manager

2) IBM VIOS Installation over NIM
IBM developerWorks: Wikis - Linux for Power Architecture - IBM VIOS Installation over NIM

3)

Resources
Learn

  • IBM Redbooks: Read NIM from A to Z in AIX 5L to learn why you should consider implementing a Network Installation Manager (NIM) environment in you data center.
  • Installing with Network Installation Management: Get more NIM information here.
  • AIX and UNIX� : The AIX and UNIX developerWorks zone provides a wealth of information relating to all aspects of AIX systems administration and expanding your UNIX skills.
  • New to AIX and UNIX?: Visit the New to AIX and UNIX page to learn more about AIX and UNIX.
  • Popular content: See what AIX and UNIX content your peers find interesting.
  • AIX Wiki: Discover a collaborative environment for technical information related to AIX.

Post script:
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/systems/scope/aix/index.jsp?topic=/com.ibm.aix.howtos/doc/howto/HT\_insgdrf\_configure_eznim.htm&tocNode=toc%3Acom.ibm.aix.doc%2Faix%2F4%2F0%2F0%2F8%2F
Configuring NIM using EZNIM

Using this scenario, you will use the SMIT EZNIM option to configure the NIM environment for the first time.
Things to consider
The information in this how-to scenario was tested using specific versions of AIX�. The results you obtain might vary significantly depending on your version and level of AIX.

The SMIT EZNIM option installs the bos.sysmgt.nim.master fileset and configures the NIM environment. The configuration involves creating the NIM database and populating it with several default entries. Several basic NIM resources will then be created and defined in the NIM database.

  1. Type the following: # smitty eznim.
  2. Select Configure as a NIM Master, and press Enter.
  3. Select Setup the NIM Master Environment, and press Enter.
  4. Verify that the default selections for software source, volume group, and file system are correct for your environment. Change the selections, if needed.
  5. Press Enter to begin configuring the NIM environment.
  6. To display the NIM resources that have been created, do the following:
    1. Use the SMIT eznim_master_panel fast path to open the EZNIM Master menu.
    2. Select Show the NIM environment, and press Enter.

Parent topic: Software installation and maintenance

and
Installing a client using NIM

Using this scenario, you can perform a new and complete BOS (base operating system) installation on a NIM client.
Things to consider
The information in this how-to scenario was tested using specific versions of AIX�. The results you obtain might vary significantly depending on your version and level of AIX.

It is assumed that you have already configured the NIM master, defined the basic NIM resources, and defined the NIM client you want to install.

For a guide on configuring the NIM environment and defining resources, see NIM Task Roadmap.
In this scenario, you will do the following:

  1. Perform an BOS (rte) installation.
  2. Use a bosinst_data resource to perform a nonprompted installation. For information on how to create a bosinst.data file for nonprompted installation, see Using the bosinst.data file.
  3. Use a resolv_conf resource to configure the network nameserver and domain.

It is recommended that you first perform a system backup on the client to ensure safe system recovery. For instructions on how to create a system backup, see Creating system backups.

  1. Type the following: # smit nim_bosinst.

  2. Select the lpp_source resource for the BOS installation.

  3. Select the SPOT resource for the BOS installation.

  4. Select the BOSINST_DATA to use during installation option, and select a bosinst_data resource that is capable of performing a nonprompted BOS installation.

  5. Select the RESOLV_CONF to use for network configuration option, and select a resolv_conf resource.

  6. Select the Accept New License Agreements option, and select Yes. Accept the default values for the remaining menu options.

  7. Press Enter to confirm and begin the NIM client installation.

  8. To check the status of the NIM client installation, type: # lsnim -l va09. Output similar to the following displays:

    va09:
    class = machines
    type = standalone
    default_res = basic_res_grp
    platform = chrp
    netboot_kernel = 64
    if1 = master_net va09 0
    cable_type1 = bnc
    Cstate = Base Operating System installation is being performed
    prev_state = BOS installation has been enabled
    Mstate = in the process of booting
    info = BOS install 7% complete : 0% of operations completed.
    boot = boot
    bosinst_data = bid_tty_ow
    lpp_source = 520lpp_res
    nim_script = nim_script
    resolv_conf = master_net_conf
    spot = 520spot_res
    cpuid = 0009710F4C00
    control = master
    Cstate_result = success

Parent topic: Software installation and maintenance