Using Multiple Image Facility

If a processor complex has Multiple Image Facility (MIF) capability, and is running in LPAR mode, multiple logical partitions can access the same shared channel paths, thereby reducing the number of required physical connections. In contrast, if a processor complex does not have MIF capability, all logical partitions must use separate channel paths to share I/O devices. For more information about LPAR mode and MIF, see the PR/SM Planning Guide.