Partitioning with the HMC

The Hardware Management Console (HMC) is a system that controls managed systems, including the management of logical partitions and use of Capacity Upgrade on Demand. Using service applications, the HMC communicates with managed systems to detect, consolidate, and forward information to IBM® for analysis.

The HMC features a browser-based user interface. You can use the HMC locally by connecting a keyboard and mouse to the HMC. You can also configure the HMC so that you can connect to the HMC remotely using a supported browser.

Creating logical partitions
The Create Logical Partition wizard on the Hardware Management Console (HMC) guides you through the procedure of creating logical partitions and partition profiles on your server.
Configuring virtual resources for logical partitions
You can use the Hardware Management Console (HMC) to configure virtual resources such as virtual Ethernet adapters, Host Ethernet Adapter, and shared processor pools. Configure virtual resources to help optimize the use of physical system resources.
Managing the shared memory pool
By using the Hardware Management Console (HMC), you can change the configuration of the shared memory pool. For example, you can change the amount of physical memory assigned to the shared memory pool, change the Virtual I/O Server logical partitions that are assigned to the shared memory pool, and add or remove paging space devices to or from the shared memory pool.
Managing logical partitions
You can manage the configuration of your logical partitions using the Hardware Management Console (HMC). The HMC allows you to adjust the hardware resources that are used by each logical partition.
Performance considerations for logical partitions
You can manage and enhance the performance of logical partitions so that your system uses its resources in the most efficient manner.
Managing security for logical partitions and operating systems
When all logical partitions are managed by the Hardware Management Console, you can control who has access to the HMC and the system. You can also use the IBM eServer™ Security Planner to help you plan a basic security policy for each of the operating systems on your system.
Troubleshooting IBM i logical partitions
If you have problems with a partitioned system, determine if the problem is specific to logical partitions or is a system problem. If your problem is specific to logical partitions, you can use the reference codes to resolve the error. However, specific recovery actions and tasks might require the assistance of your next level of support.
Troubleshooting the RMC connection between the logical partition and the HMC
To perform dynamic partitioning operations, you require a Resource Monitoring and Control (RMC) connection between the logical partition and the Hardware Management Console (HMC). If you cannot add or remove processors, memory, or I/O devices to or from a logical partition, check whether the RMC connection is active. Failure of the RMC connection is one of the most common reasons for failure of dynamic partitioning operations.

Parent topic: Logical partitioning

Related concepts:

Hardware Management Console

Related information:

Installing and configuring the Hardware Management Console

Last updated: Fri, July 05, 2019