Configuring the management partition and client partitions

You can configure virtual resources on the management partition and create the client partitions and partition profiles.

Before you begin

These instructions apply to configuring a system that is managed by the Integrated Virtualization Manager (IVM). If you are installing the Virtual I/O Server on a system that is managed by a Hardware Management Console (HMC), use the instructions for Installing the Virtual I/O Server and client partitions instead.

Before you begin, complete the following tasks:

  • Determine the system resource requirements for the Virtual I/O Server management partition. The system resource requirements for the management partition can depend on many factors. These factors can include the server model, the number of partitions you create on the managed system, and the number of virtual devices used by those partitions.

    When you install the Virtual I/O Server, it automatically creates a partition for itself on the server. (This partition is called the management partition.) The Virtual I/O Server automatically assigns a fraction of the memory and processors on the server to the management partition. You can change the default amount of memory and processor resources that are assigned to the management partition.

    For instructions, see Planning for the Virtual I/O Server.

  • Develop a plan for the storage needs of each partition that you are to create on your managed system. Calculate how much storage space each partition requires for its operating system, applications, and data. For more information about the storage requirements for each operating system, consult the operating system documentation.
  1. Entering the activation code for PowerVM EditionsIBM PowerVM, Linux Edition with the Integrated Virtualization Manager
    You can enter the activation code for PowerVM EditionsPowerVM for IBM PowerLinux by using the Integrated Virtualization Manager.
  2. Changing memory and processor resources on the management partition
    You can use the Integrated Virtualization Manager to change the memory and processor resources on the management partition.
  3. Setting the maximum number of virtual resources
    You can use the Integrated Virtualization Manager (IVM) to set the maximum number of virtual resources that are available on the managed system for use by the Virtual I/O Server. This value determines the maximum number of partitions that you can create on the managed system.
  4. Mirroring the Integrated Virtualization Manager management partition
    To prevent potential downtime and data loss, add a second disk to the rootvg storage pool and mirror the two disks.
  5. Configuring storage on the managed system by using the Integrated Virtualization Manager
    You can configure storage on the managed system to meet the storage needs of the partitions that you create by using the Integrated Virtualization Manager.
  6. Configuring Ethernet on the managed system by using the Integrated Virtualization Manager
    You can create virtual Ethernet bridges, configure a Host Ethernet Adapter (or Integrated Virtual Ethernet), and assign physical Ethernet adapters to client partitions by using the Integrated Virtualization Manager (IVM).
  7. Dynamically managing physical adapters
    You can use the Integrated Virtualization Manager to change the physical adapters that a running partition uses.
  8. Creating client partitions by using the Integrated Virtualization Manager
    You can create client partitions on the managed system by using the Create Partitions wizard, or creating partitions based on existing partitions.
Parent topic: Integrated Virtualization Manager


Last updated: Mon, September 18, 2017