running LPAR on power5 p520 hardware

UNIX AIX
1

picked up an old p520..and also spend sometimes to manage software:

a) AIX 7.1
b) VIOS Server 2.2

attempting to run a few LPARs without much more $$$$, as this is a home-made projects..

machine hdisk0, pre-installed with AIX 7.1

a few questions:

a) In order to run LPARs, I will need Powervm express and IVM , are these two part of this VIOS Server 2.2 I got ??

b) I don't think HMC is necessarily, since IVM is there..
don't want to spend extra $$$ on some more IBM gears

c) If I have all the pieces, Can I boot off the VIOS Server DVD, and install it on-top of hdisk0, which has the AIX 7.1 image ?? or what is the next step?? I am a newbie in VIOS

thanks :):smiley:

2

when you install vios on hdisk0 you are obviously overwriting your AIX 5.3 installation. VIOS is not an add on to an existing machine but almost full blown OS with special purpose.
Regards
zxmaus

3

You do not need both Powervm and IVM both are really one in the same. Powervm will run on a normal VIO server, however IVM will install as a VIO server. The difference is to run Powervm you really need an Hardware Management Console (HMC) to enable you to setup various LPARs which includes the VIO servers. The normal configuration of dual VIO servers is not possible when using IVM as this is the VIO server and everything is controlled via IVM which involves loggin directly into the VIO using a graphical interface.

Also zxmaus' comment was absolutely correct you install the VIO server O/S and your can kiss goodbye to your AIX installation!

I am afraid with your configuration you have one choice which is spend some money on more disks!

Hope this helps.

4

I see what you are saying..

Is VIO Server 2.2 software the same as the PowerVM ??

How does IVM fit into this VIO Server or PowerVM thing ??

don't want to spend $$$ for HMC..trying to get by..:slight_smile:

5

PowerVM is name of IBM Virtualization technology.
IBM Power Systems PowerVM Editions

You can have powerVM express, standard, Enterprise
VIO server and IVM is the same software.
If you do not have HMC connected VIO is switching to IVM mode.It give you big part of functionality of HMC inside dhe same server.

Here you have nice movies about this
Index of /systems/power/community/aix/AIX_Movies

6

thanks for the movie, I found the section on IVM to manage the LPAR...

it goes like this:

a) power up the SP, go to ASMI menu and do a factor reset ..
upgrade firmware if required..

b) have it boot up the VIO DVD 1.5 or above

c) do a basic VIO installation..

d) put the IP address of the VIO server and connected to the IVM website ...

Well, I did all something similar..except I did not do a factory reset in a) but upgrade the SP firmware to the highest release..

I did the VIO installation on hdisk1 (I want to preserve what I have on hdisk0) , and have hdisk1 as my primary boot device..

however it comes up with frame not found ..or something like this..

I did a), b), c) but without the factory reset in a)..

Not sure what's magical in the factory reset..

:):slight_smile:

7

Have you tried to start from second disk using SMS menu?

8

yes, I did attempt the install of VIO server into hdisk1, and have it boot up first...

However, what's different from the movie is that , I have not done a factory reset...