Administering NIM

You can use NIM to complete different types of task including backing up and restoring a NIM database.

Recovering the /etc/niminfo file
The /etc/niminfo file, which resides on the master and running NIM clients, is required to run NIM commands and perform NIM operations. If the /etc/niminfo file is accidentally deleted, you can rebuild the file.
Backing up the NIM database
You can back up the NIM database using SMIT, or the command line.
Restoring the NIM database and activating the NIM master
You can restore the NIM database and activate the NIM master using the SMIT, or the command line.
Removing machines from the NIM environment
You can remove a machine from the NIM environment by removing the client information from the NIM database.
Removing members from machine groups
Members can be removed from machine groups. Whenever the last member of a machine group is removed, the group definition is also removed.
Preventing machines from adding themselves as clients
Machines may add themselves as clients in NIM environments by using the niminit command and specifying the hostname of a NIM master. In some environments, administrators may want total control over which machines are added as clients of their masters.
Adding mount options to NIM clients
You can add mount options to NIM clients. The mount options can be used when resources are mounted on the client.
Exporting NIM resources globally
NIM resources can be exported globally using SMIT, or the command line interface.
Enabling NIM alternate master support
Using this procedure, you can set up an alternate NIM master in your environment, synchronize the NIM database between masters, and takeover control of clients between masters.
Migrating a NIM client to an IBM Power Systems server logical partition
The nim_move_up application allows you to easily migrate a back-level AIX system onto an logical partition (LPAR) residing on an IBM® Power Systems server.
Viewing installation, configuration, and boot logs
After installing a standalone machine, use the showlog operation to check the installation results by viewing the installation, boot, and configuration logs. You can view these logs from the SMIT, or the command line.
Disabling master push permissions in the NIM environment
The NIM master must have push permissions to perform push operations on the NIM clients.
Resetting the NIM state
To return a machine to the ready state, use the NIM reset operation.
Rebuilding network boot images for a SPOT
You can rebuild network boot images for a SPOT using the SMIT, or the command line.
Migrating diskless and dataless clients and NIM SPOTS
Migration to a new release of AIX is not supported for diskless and dataless clients. Also, migration of a SPOT that is not a converted /usr file system is not supported.
Performing advanced NIM installation tasks
You can perform many advanced NIM installation tasks using the NIM interface, the System Management Interface Tool (SMIT), or the command line.
Using the nimdef command
The nimdef command assists administrators when defining complex NIM environments and adding large numbers of client machines.
Updating a SPOT with new device support for a new level of AIX
A NIM SPOT may be updated from one level of AIX to another using the update_all option of the NIM cust operation.

Parent topic: Network Installation Management