Chapter 3. Installation on IBM POWER

Chapter 3. Installation on IBM POWER¶

Contents

3.1. Requirements
3.2. Preparation

Abstract

This chapter describes the procedure for preparing the installation of SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server on IBM POWER systems.

3.1. Requirements¶

A standard installation requires at least 256 MB of RAM. The installation of a standard system requires at least 2.0 GB of free hard disk space.

3.1.1. Hardware Requirements¶

The SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server operating system can be operated on a wide range of hardware. To provide you with a guide to help you during the planning phase, the minimum requirements are presented here.

If you want to be sure that a given computer configuration will work, check the database of hardware certified by SUSE. Find a list of certified hardware at http://developer.novell.com/yessearch/Search.jsp.

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server may support additional IBM POWER systems not listed below. For the latest information, see the IBM Information Center for Linux at http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/lnxinfo/v3r0m0/index.jsp?topic=%2Fliaam%2Fliaamdistros.htm.

Find up-to-date firmware at IBM FixCentral (http://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/). Select your system from the Product Group list.

All systems listed below are operated with a PPC64 kernel.

3.1.1.1. IBM POWER7 Systems¶

POWER7 systems

Power 710 Express
Power 720 Express
Power 730 Express
Power 740 Express
Power 750 Express
Power 755
Power 770
Power 780
Power 795

POWER7 BladeCenter Models

IBM BladeCenter PS700
IBM BladeCenter PS701
IBM BladeCenter PS702
IBM BladeCenter PS703
IBM BladeCenter PS704

3.1.1.2. IBM PowerLinux Systems¶

IBM PowerLinux 7R2

3.1.1.3. IBM POWER5 and POWER6 Systems¶

POWER5 Systems

OpenPower 710
System p5 520
System i5 520

POWER6 Systems

IBM Power 550
IBM Power 570

POWER6 BladeCenter models

IBM BladeCenter JS12
IBM BladeCenter JS22
IBM BladeCenter JS23
IBM BladeCenter JS43

3.2. Preparation¶

This section describes the preparatory steps that must be taken before the actual installation. The installation procedure depends on the system used. See the following documentation:

For IBM eServer p5 Systems, see Section 3.2.1, “Preparing for Installation on IBM eServer p5, System p, and OpenPower Models”
For IBM pSeries systems, see Section 3.2.2, “Preparing for Installation on IBM pSeries Models”
For IBM JS20/JS21/JS22 Blades, see Section 3.2.3, “Preparing an Installation on IBM JSxx BladeCenter”

If SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server needs to be installed on a number of systems or partitions, it is recommended you create a network installation source. The same source can also be used for the concurrent installation on several partitions or several systems. The configuration of a network installation source is described in Section 14.2.1, “Setting Up an Installation Server Using YaST”.

The installation can be controlled with a VNC client. For more information about VNC, see Section 14.1.1, “Simple Remote Installation via VNC—Static Network Configuration”.

To participate in the linuxppc-dev mailing list, sign up using the forms at http://lists.ozlabs.org/listinfo/linuxppc-dev/. The following links are pertinent to the maintenance of an installation:

http://www.novell.com/support/products/server/ is an effective help tool for assisting customers in solving problems. A corresponding article is published whenever SUSE discover that a special case could lead to serious problems. Search the portal using keywords like PPC or POWER.
Find security alerts at http://www.suse.com/support/security/. SUSE also maintains two security-related mailing lists to which anyone may subscribe.
- suse-security — General discussion of security regarding Linux and SUSE. All security alerts for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server are sent to this list.
- suse-security-announce — The SUSE mailing list exclusively for security alerts.

3.2.1. Preparing for Installation on IBM eServer p5, System p, and OpenPower Models¶

This section covers the preparatory steps for installing SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server on IBM eServer p5 systems. It explains the installation from a built-in CD-ROM drive and over the network.

This section assumes you have set up your HMC and connected it to your system. Find more information about using the wizard to configure the HMC in “Configuring the HMC using the Guided Setup Wizard”: http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/systems/scope/hw/topic/iphai_p5/confighmcgs.htm?

3.2.1.1. Modern Features of IBM eServer p5 Systems¶

IBM eServer p5 systems offer the possibility of partitioning the system. This enables the concurrent operation of up to 254 operating systems on one machine. These operating systems are installed in LPARs (logical partitions). One or several of these partitions can contain a SUSE Linux Enterprise Server environment.

To prepare an LPAR for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, first configure the system over the HMC. Refer to the IBM documentation for details: http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/systems/scope/hw/topic/iphbi/iphbikickoff.htm

3.2.1.2. Hard Disk Space¶

Make sure that you have sufficient hard disk space for installing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. The standard system requires at least 4 GB of free hard disk space.

3.2.1.3. Assigning an Installation Device to an LPAR¶

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server can be installed from a CD-ROM or DVD drive or using a network installation source. Make the CD-ROM, DVD drive, or network device available to the LPAR to install.

Figure 3.1. HMC: Server Management—Properties¶

Procedure 3.1. Assigning a CD-ROM or DVD Drive to an LPAR¶

Open the HMC application and go to Server and Partition+Server Management.
From the available servers, expand the server and partition to install.
Right-click the profile to use for installation and select Properties—see Figure 3.1, “HMC: Server Management—Properties”.
In the Logical Partition Profile Properties dialog, select the Physical I/O tab.
From Managed system I/O devices, select the Other Mass Storage Controller from the bus where it is installed. To assign this DVD drive to the partition, click Add as required.

The result should look like Figure 3.2, “HMC: Managed System I/O Devices”.

Figure 3.2. HMC: Managed System I/O Devices¶

Now insert the SUSE Linux Enterprise Server CD1 or DVD1 in the drive.

Procedure 3.2. Assigning a Network Device to an LPAR

Open the HMC application and go to Server and Partition+Server Management.
From the available servers, open the server and partition to install.
Right-click the profile to use for installation and select Properties—see Figure 3.1, “HMC: Server Management—Properties”.
In the Logical Partition Profile Properties dialog, select the Physical I/O tab.
From Managed system I/O devices, select PCI 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet UTP 2-port from the bus where it is installed. Then click Add as required.
If you plan to install using a virtual ethernet adapter, refer to the IBM documentation.

Create a network installation source if SUSE Linux Enterprise Server should be installed on a number of partitions. This eliminates the need to change CDs during installation. The same source can also be used for concurrent installation of various systems. The configuration of the network installation source is described in Section 14.2.1, “Setting Up an Installation Server Using YaST”.

3.2.1.4. Starting the Installation¶

To start the installation, reboot the system. Right-click the profile name, select Activate, and press OK in the following dialog.

Use the screen console or connect to a serial console as described in the IBM documentation. One simple way to start a serial console is to open a VTerm while activating the partition. To do this, activate Open a terminal window or console session in the Activate Logical Partition dialog.

Enter the system firmware by pressing F1 or 1 when using a serial console or a virtual console during the system check when the system is rebooted:

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       1 = SMS Menu                          5 = Default Boot List
       8 = Open Firmware Prompt              6 = Stored Boot List


     memory      keyboard     network     scsi     speaker

Press F1 or 1 while the SCSI devices are checked. Select 5. Select Boot Options to enter the boot options dialog:

Version SF220_004
SMS 1.5 (c) Copyright IBM Corp. 2000,2003 All rights reserved.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Main Menu
 1.  Select Language
 2.  Setup Remote IPL (Initial Program Load)
 3.  Change SCSI Settings
 4.  Select Console
 5.  Select Boot Options


---------------------------------------------------------------------
Navigation Keys:

                                  X = eXit System Management Services
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Type the number of the menu item and press Enter or select Navigation
                                                                Key:5

Select 1. Select Install/Boot Device to set the Install Device. Go to 7. List all Devices to see the list of available devices:

Version SF220_011
SMS 1.5 (c) Copyright IBM Corp. 2000,2003 All rights reserved.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Select Device
Device  Current  Device
Number  Position  Name
 1.        -      Virtual Ethernet 
                  ( loc=U9111.520.10D3CCC-V1-C3-T1 )
 2.        -      Ethernet 
                  ( loc=U787A.001.DNZ00XG-P1-T5 )
 3.        -      Ethernet 
                  ( loc=U787A.001.DNZ00XG-P1-T6 )
 4.        -      IDE CD-ROM 
                  ( loc=U787A.001.DNZ00XG-P4-D3 )
 5.        1      SCSI 73407 MB Harddisk
                  ( loc=U787A.001.DNZ00XG-P1-T10-L8-L0 )

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navigation keys:
M = return to Main Menu
ESC key = return to previous screen    X = eXit System Management Services
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type the number of the menu item and press Enter or select Navigation Key:

3.2.1.5. Booting from the CD-ROM Drive¶

Select the CD-ROM drive (4 in this example):

SMS 1.5 (c) Copyright IBM Corp. 2000,2003 All rights reserved.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Select Task

IDE CD-ROM 
    ( loc=U787A.001.DNZ00XG-P4-D3 )

 1.  Information
 2.  Normal Mode Boot
 3.  Service Mode Boot





--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Navigation keys:
M = return to Main Menu
ESC key = return to previous screen    X = eXit System Management Services
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type the number of the menu item and press Enter or select Navigation Key:

Choose 2. Normal Mode Boot to install from this device. On the next screen, confirm with 1. Yes to exit System Management Services and boot from the device.

The system reads from the CD-ROM drive and the yaboot utility starts:


  Welcome to SuSE:SLE-11:GA!

  Type  "install"  to start the YaST installer on this CD/DVD
  Type  "slp"      to start the YaST install via network
  Type  "rescue"   to start the rescue system on this CD/DVD


Welcome to yaboot version 1.3.11.SuSE
Enter "help" to get some basic usage information
boot:

Type install and press Enter.

To read the installation data from a network install source rather than continuing the installation from the CD-ROM (see Section 3.2.1.3, “Assigning an Installation Device to an LPAR”), append the option manual to the name of the kernel (install).

For an installation over VNC, append the parameters vnc=1 and vncpassword=password to the name of the kernel (install). Read more about VNC in Section 14.1.1, “Simple Remote Installation via VNC—Static Network Configuration”.

3.2.1.6. Booting from the Network Source¶

Select an ethernet device that has access to the installation source (2 in this example).

3.2.1.7. Additional Steps¶

Proceed as described in Chapter 6, Installation with YaST to begin installing the software with linuxrc and YaST.

3.2.2. Preparing for Installation on IBM pSeries Models¶

This section covers the preparatory steps for installing SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server on pSeries systems. It explains the installation from a built-in CD-ROM drive or a network source.

3.2.2.1. Special Features of IBM pSeries p630, p655, p670, and p690¶

IBM p630, p655, p670, and p690 systems offer the possibility of statically partitioning the system similarly to eServer p5/System p5 (which is described in Section 3.2.1, “Preparing for Installation on IBM eServer p5, System p, and OpenPower Models”). This enables the concurrent operation of up to 16 operating systems on one machine. These operating systems are installed in LPARs (logical partitions). One or several of these partitions can contain a SUSE Linux Enterprise Server environment.

To prepare an LPAR for SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, first configure the system over the HMC. Refer to the Redbook IBM eServer pSeries 690 System Handbook (SG24-7040-00) for details (http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/redbooks/SG247040/).

Important notes regarding the configuration:

The recommended maximum number of processors for a SUSE Linux Enterprise Server LPAR is eight, because the kernel can only manage eight processors effectively.
For the installation, select SMS as the boot mode for the respective partition.
The HMC terminal used for the input during the installation is a VT320 emulation. This emulation can lead to strange results with some applications. If possible, use an XTerm for communicating with the LPAR.

3.2.2.2. Hard Disk Space ¶

Make sure that you have sufficient hard disk space for installing SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. The use of a separate hard disk is recommended.

SUSE Linux also supports installing to Fibre Channel–attached storage. Before beginning installation, the Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapter (FCHBA), SAN fabric, and storage system must each be configured to provide access from the FCHBA through the SAN Fabric to target logical units (LUNs) on the storage system.

SAN storage devices, if properly configured, are listed among existing hard disks on your system. Create Custom Partitioning Setup opens the dialog, as described in Section 15.1, “Using the YaST Partitioner”.

3.2.2.3. Setting Up the Installation Source¶

If you plan to install from CD-ROM, insert CD1 in the drive. In LPAR mode, the partition to install must have the CD-ROM in its partition profile. Create a network installation source if SUSE Linux Enterprise Server needs to be installed over a number of partitions. This eliminates the need to change CDs during installation. The same source can also be used for concurrent installation of various systems. The configuration of the network installation source is described in Section 14.2.1, “Setting Up an Installation Server Using YaST”.

3.2.2.4. Starting the Installation¶

To start the installation, reboot the system. Then enter the system firmware by pressing F1 or 1 when using the serial console during the system check when the system is rebooted. See Figure 3.3, “Entering the System Firmware”.

Figure 3.3. Entering the System Firmware¶

Press F1 or 1 while the SCSI devices are checked. Select 6 MultiBoot to enter the Multiboot dialog. See Figure 3.4, “Multiboot Dialog”

Figure 3.4. Multiboot Dialog¶

Select 3 to set the install device. A list of available devices is displayed. See Figure 3.5, “Installing the Operating System”.

Figure 3.5. Installing the Operating System¶

3.2.2.5. Booting from the CD-ROM Drive¶

Select the respective CD-ROM drive (3 in this example). The system reads from the CD-ROM drive and displays the identstring.

->1   SuSE:SLE-11:GA<-

After you select 1, the yaboot utility is started.


  Welcome to SuSE:SLE-11:GA!

  Type  "install"  to start the YaST installer on this CD/DVD
  Type  "slp"      to start the YaST install via network
  Type  "rescue"   to start the rescue system on this CD/DVD

Type install and press Enter. Alternatively, just press Enter to start the installer, the default option.

To install from a network source (see Section 3.2.2.3, “Setting Up the Installation Source”), append manual to the kernel to install. For an installation over VNC, append the parameters vnc=1 and vncpassword=password to install. Read more about VNC in Section 14.1.1, “Simple Remote Installation via VNC—Static Network Configuration”.

In LPAR mode, the partition to install must have the CD-ROM in its partition profile.

3.2.2.6. Booting from the Network Source¶

Select an ethernet device that has access to the installation source (6 in this example).

3.2.2.7. Additional Steps¶

Proceed as described in Chapter 6, Installation with YaST to begin installing the software with linuxrc and YaST.

3.2.3. Preparing an Installation on IBM JSxx BladeCenter¶

This section describes the preparatory steps for the installation of SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server on JSxx Blades. It covers installation using the CD-ROM drive of the BladeCenter and using the network.

3.2.3.1. Creating a Network Installation Source¶

Create a network installation source if SUSE Linux Enterprise Server needs to be installed over a number of partitions. This provides the advantage of no CDs needing to be changed during installation. The same source can also be used for the concurrent installation of various systems. Configuration of a network installation source is described in Section 14.2.1, “Setting Up an Installation Server Using YaST”.

3.2.3.2. Hard Disk Storage Space¶

Ensure that enough hard disk storage space is available for the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. It is recommended you use a dedicated hard disk.

3.2.3.3. Notes and Information¶

Introductory Information:

JSxx Blades Site: https://www-304.ibm.com/systems/support/supportsite.wss/brandmain?brandind=5000020

3.2.3.4. Preparing the System for Boot¶

3.2.3.4.1. Preparing to Boot from the CD-ROM Drive¶

Perform the steps described in this section if an installation from CD-ROM is desired.

Assign the CD-ROM drive to the Blade chosen for installation by connecting (with a web browser) to a BladeCenter Management Module, then logging in. After login, select the function Remote Control in the menu Blade Tasks then activate Start Remote Control. Assign the CD-ROM drive to the desired blade in the menu Change Media Tray Owner of the new window.

Set up the CD-ROM drive as a boot device. Do this by selecting Blade Tasks then Configuration while in the BladeCenter Management Module. Select the JSxx Blade in the section Boot Sequence. Set the entry for 1st Device on the page for Blade Boot Sequence to CDROM.

Put CD 1 in the CD-ROM drive and restart the blade.

3.2.3.4.2. Preparing to Boot from the Network¶

Perform the steps as described in this section if an installation over the network is desired.

Connect to the BladeCenter Management Module using a Web browser and log in. Set the boot device to the network by accessing the Configuration menu from the Blade Tasks page. Select the JSxx Blade in the section Boot Sequence and set 1st Boot Device to Network — BOOTP on Blade Boot Sequence.

3.2.3.4.3. Rebooting and Connecting to the Console of the JSxx Blade¶

Reboot the JSxx Blade from the item Power/Restart of the Blade Tasks menu in the BladeCenter Management Module. A table appears, showing the power status of the blades in the Pwr column. Mark the check box of the desired blade and restart it with Power On Blade.

Connect to the BladeCenter with the command telnet bladecenter and log in.

username: user
password: ********
system>

The command env -T system:blade[bay number] determines for which JSxx Blade the subsequent commands are intended. The blades installed in the BladeCenter are listed by calling list -l 3.

system> list -l 3
system
        mm[1]    primary
        power[1]
        power[2]
        power[3]
        power[4]
        blower[1]
        blower[2]
        switch[1]
        switch[3]
        blade[1]
                sp
                cpu[1]
                cpu[2]
        blade[3]
                sp
        blade[4]
                sp
        blade[6]
                sp
        blade[8]
                sp
                cpu[1]
                cpu[2]
        blade[9]
                sp
                cpu[1]
                cpu[2]
        blade[10]
                sp
        blade[11]
                sp
        blade[13]
                sp
        mt
system>

The command target is then determined. To work, for example, with blade number 9, enter env -T system:blade[9]. Connect with the console of the JSxx Blade over Serial over LAN (SOL) with the command console.

system> env -T system:blade[9]
OK
system:blade[9]> console

3.2.3.4.4. Starting the Installation¶

The SUSE Linux Enterprise Server boot loader starts after the system check has completed.


  Welcome to SuSE:SLE-11:GA!

  Type  "install"  to start the YaST installer on this CD/DVD
  Type  "slp"      to start the YaST install via network
  Type  "rescue"   to start the rescue system on this CD/DVD

Welcome to yaboot version 1.3.11.SuSE
Enter "help" to get some basic usage information
boot:

Select install from the menu and press Enter.

In the case of an installation over VNC, append the parameters vnc=1 and vncpassword=password to the command line for the kernel (install).

3.2.3.4.5. Additional Steps¶

Proceed as described in Chapter 6, Installation with YaST to begin installing the software with linuxrc and YaST.