Subject: Using NIM to Install VIO and Linux

Audience: All

Date: January 15, 2007

AIX's NIM (network installation manager) now supports the network installation of VIO and Linux.

For more information, see
Linux installation: AIX "/usr/lpp/bos.sysmgt/nim/README" file
VIO installation: http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/pseries/v5r3/index.jsp?topic=/com.ibm.aix.install/doc/insgdrf/InstallVirtualIOServerLPManNIM.htm
VIO management: http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/eserver/v1r3s/index.jsp?topic=/iphcg/remote_management.htm

The documentation for the Linux installation is a little thin. The process involves

• Set up DHCP on the NIM server
• Define a client machine ("smit mk_mac")
• Define the Linux install source from your Linux distribution's product media ("smitty nim_mkres" => select linux_source).
• Setup the install: "smit nim_linux_inst"