Originally posted by: SystemAdmin

Hi,

Iam new to IBM P series server. Is vio server necssary for creating LPAR's in a p-series server. Does creation of LPAR's is dependent on the type of Raid controller we have in P series server. How many LPAR's can be created in a p series server?

Regards,
kums
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Originally posted by: ostost

You only need a Virtual I/O Server if you want to share I/O resources like network adapters or fibre channel adapters between several LPARs. Also there are some advanced virtualization features like AMS that required a Virtual I/O Server.

If you don't want/need to share adapters you don't need a Virtual I/O Server.

The number of LPARs you can create depends on the type of configuration you use. If you you don't use a Virtual I/O Server each LPAR will need a separate storage and network adapter. So the number of LPARs is limited by the number of adapters you have available.

If you use a Virtual I/O Server the limit will depend on how much CPU and RAM you have available any you assign to each LPAR.

Anyway since you are new to PowerVM and Power Systems I recommended you read through one of these Redbooks:

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/RedbookAbstracts/redp4815.html?Open

http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg247940.html?Open
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Originally posted by: SystemAdmin

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I have a p5 machine with 4 HDD, 4 ethernet port and a RAID controller. Is it possible for me to create 2 LPARS if the HDDs, CDROM and ethernet are assignred to that RAID controller. Is there any way to share the raid controller to other LPARs.I shall be thankful if you could give me details about what RAID controller is in Power machines. Is this similar to RAID controller card which we have in normal servers.
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