Creating a Linux logical partition that uses IBM i virtual I/O resources using the HMC

You can create a Linux® logical partition that uses IBM® i virtual I/O resources on IBM Power 520, Power 550, Power 570, and IBM System i® models that are managed by a Hardware Management Console (HMC). This allows you to maximize utilization of the physical hardware and simplify the backup procedure for your managed system.

To set this up, you must create virtual SCSI adapters that connect the logical partitions with each other. You can then set up the IBM i logical partition to provide disk resources to the Linux logical partition through the virtual SCSI connection. You can also create a virtual serial connection between the IBM i logical partition and the Linux logical partition. A virtual serial connection allows you to connect to the Linux logical partition from the IBM i logical partition.

You cannot create a Linux logical partition that uses IBM i virtual I/O resources on IBM System p® servers. On IBM System p servers, you can create a Virtual I/O Server logical partition and configure the Linux logical partition to use the virtual SCSI and virtual Ethernet resources of the Virtual I/O Server logical partition. You might need to enter an PowerVM™ Editions activation code to create a Virtual I/O Server logical partition on your IBM System p server.

To create a Linux logical partition that uses IBM i virtual I/O resources using the HMC, follow these steps:

In the navigation pane, open Systems Management and click Servers.
In the work pane, select the managed system, click the Tasks button, and choose Configuration > Create Logical Partition.
Follow the steps in the Create Logical Partition wizard to create a logical partition and a partition profile. When you reach the step that allows you to create virtual adapters, create a virtual client SCSI adapter for the new logical partition.
Create a network server description (NWSD) and network server storage space. For instructions, see Creating an NWSD and a network-server storage space for a Linux logical partition.
Set up the console for your Linux logical partition. For instructions, see Connecting to the virtual console for a Linux logical partition.
Start the NWSD. For instructions, see Starting the network-server description for a Linux logical partition.
Install the Linux operating system on your new logical partition. For instructions, see Installing Linux.