Device configuration database and device management

Device information is contained in a predefined database or a customized database that makes up the device configuration database.

The predefined database contains configuration data for all possible devices supported by the system. The hierarchical device class information is contained in this database. The customized database contains configuration data for all currently defined and configured devices in the system. A record is kept of each device currently connected to your system.

The Configuration Manager is a program that automatically configures devices on your system during system startup and run time. The Configuration Manger uses the information from the predefined and customized databases during this process, and updates the customized database afterwards.

The multiple path I/O function uses a unique device identifier (UDID) to identify each MPIO-capable device, regardless of the path on which it was discovered. The UDID is saved in the device configuration database. When a device is discovered, the UDIDs in the database are checked to determine whether the device is new or whether the discovery is another path to an existing device. When multiple paths to a device are detected, the device driver or the Path Control Manager kernel extension decides which path to use for a particular request.

You can use the SMIT, or operating system commands to perform device management tasks such as deleting, adding, or configuring a device.