Scenario: Configuring the model 710 server with Linux on two logical partitions using virtual I/O

See an example of how you can configure a model 710 without a graphics adapter and install the Linux® operating system from CD on multiple logical partitions.

Situation

You are a system administrator responsible for consolidating workloads running on Linux from two IBM® eServer™ System p® servers onto a single model 710 server.

Objective

The objective in this scenario is to configure the model 710 server with two logical partitions for Linux, using Virtual SCSI adapters and shared Ethernet adapters provided by the Virtual I/O Server that will run in a third logical partition. The logical partitions will share most of the CPU capacity, so the workload with the highest CPU demands can use CPU capacity that is not being used by the other logical partitions. See how your system's resources will be allocated at Resource allocation for the scenario.

Prerequisites and assumptions

These prerequisites describe the system that was used in this scenario.

Model 710 server with hardware installed and cables attached, but not plugged in to a power source
8 GB memory
Four 73 GB, 15K rpm disk drives
One SCSI RAID controller
Two 1 Gbit Ethernet adapters
Hardware Management Console (HMC) configured for your environment with the model 710 server
Note:
1. For information on cabling the model 710, refer to Cabling the OpenPower® 710 and a Hardware Management Console.
2. To complete the remaining configuration for the HMC, refer to Configuring the HMC.
Linux for POWER® installation CD
POWER Hypervisor
Virtual I/O Server CD
Linux or Windows® PC or mobile computer with a serial port
Null modem cable
Note: You will need this null modem cable to connect the model 710 server to the Linux or Windows PC or mobile computer when you are preparing your system.
IP addresses and host names for the Linux installations you will perform, as well as the other network information for your environment, such as name server and routing information (gateway IP address).

For the latest information, fixes, and procedures that might help you avoid problems during the installation of Linux on IBM systems, see the Linux on IBM Web site at http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/lopdiags/info/LinuxAlerts.html Link outside information center .

Configuration details

Continue this scenario by completing the steps for using the Hardware Management Console to set up and configure the server for the scenario, installing Linux for the scenario, and viewing the resource allocation for the scenario.