This definitive guide covers end-to-end LPAR creation using mksysb cloning or fresh lpp_source installs. From HMC configuration to production-ready post-install tuning.
AIX LPAR BUILD CHECKLIST
- HMC: LPAR created (CPU/Mem/VLAN/VFC )
- Storage: WWPN logged, LUNs zoned (80GB rootvg, 140GB appvg)
- NIM: mksysb/lpp_source → aixtest01 allocated
- SMS: Network boot + ping test PASSED
- BOS: Install complete (40-50 min), hdisk0 detected
- Network: vlan101(backup) + vlan102(app) configured
- System: hostname, /etc/hosts, cleanup complete
- Storage: appvg created (128MB PP), /appfs mounted
- Validated: lspv, df -g, netstat -rn clean
- HMC: Profile saved, LPAR Running
BUILD SHEET:
• CPU: Uncapped 0.1 | 1 vCPU (min/max:1/1)
• RAM: 2048MB (min:2048MB, max:4096MB)
• Net: vlan101(192.168.10.101), vlan102(192.168.20.101)
• Storage: rootvg(2×40GB), appvg(2×70GB)
mksysb vs lpp_source
| Method | Perfect For | Contains |
|---|---|---|
| mksysb | Cloning, DR | OS + Apps + Data |
| lpp_source | Fresh builds | Base OS + LPPs |
HMC: Create LPAR
https://hmc.ppc.com → hscroot
Systems → [Managed System] → Create Partition
Partition Details:
Name: aixtest01
CPU: Uncapped | Entitlement: 0.1 | vCPU: 1 (min/max: 1/1)
Memory: 2048MB online (min: 2048MB, max: 4096MB)
Network + Virtual Fibre Channel
VLANs (from build sheet):
vlan101 → 192.168.10.101/24 gw 192.168.10.1 (backup)
vlan102 → 192.168.20.101/24 gw 192.168.20.1 (app)
VFC Mapping:
VIO-A: fcs0,fcs2,fcs4,fcs6
VIO-B: fcs1,fcs3,fcs5,fcs7
CRITICAL: Save Partition Profile
Storage Team Request
Subject: RITM12345 | Zoning Request | aixtest01 WWPNs
SAN A WWPNs:
c050760b0beb0227
c050760b0beb0218
SAN B WWPNs:
c050760b0beb021a
c050760b0beb023b
Requirements:
rootvg: 2×40GB = 80GB total
appvg: 2×70GB = 140GB total
Validate WWPN Login:
# chnportlogin -m MGTSYS01 -o login -p aixtest01
# lsnportlogin -m MGTSYS01 --filter "lpar_names=aixtest01"
NIM Master: Allocate Resources
mksysb Clone (Recommended):
# nim -o define -t mksysb -a server=master \
-a location=/exports/software/aixtest02_7300.mksysb \
aixtest01_mksysb
# nim -o bos_inst -a source=mksysb -a spot=spot_7300-03-00 \
-a mksysb=aixtest01_mksysb -a boot_client=no aixtest01
Fresh lpp_source:
# nim -o bos_inst -a source=rte -a lpp_source=lpp_7300-03-00 \
-a spot=spot_7300-03-00 -a accept_licenses=yes aixtest01
SMS Network Boot
HMC → aixtest01 → Activate(SMS mode) → Open Console
SMS MENU:
2 → 2(Port2-Mgmt) → 1(IPv4) → 1(IP Parameters)
Client: 192.168.10.101
NIM: 192.168.22.100
GW: 192.168.10.1
Mask: 255.255.255.0
→ 3(Ping Test) ← MUST PASS
→ M → 5(Boot) → 1(Install) → 4(Network) → 2(LAN) → 3(Service) → 1(Yes)
BOS Console:
1 (console) → 2 (show settings) → 0 (install)
*Wait 40-50 minutes*
Post-Install Production Config
6.1 Network (AIX 7.3 optimized)
# entstat -d en0 | grep VLAN # Verify: 101,102
# smitty tcpip → Network Interfaces → en1(vlan102 app)
IP: 192.168.20.101 Netmask: 255.255.255.0 GW: 192.168.20.1
6.2 System Basics
# smitty hostname → aixtest01
# echo "192.168.10.10 aixtest01" >> /etc/hosts
6.3 Cleanup Legacy
# cp /etc/{filesystems,inittab}{,.old}
# vi /etc/filesystems # Remove boot-time FS
# vi /etc/inittab # # app services
# mount -a
6.4 AIX 7.3 Network Tuning
# smitty tcpip → Tuning → Network Parameters
rfc1323: 1 | tcp_recvspace: 262144 | tcp_sendspace: 262144
6.5 Storage (Build Sheet)
# mkvg -f -y appvg -s 128 hdisk1 hdisk2 # 128MB PP size
# mklv -t jfs2 -y applv01 appvg 860 # 70GB = 860×128MB
# crfs -v jfs2 -A yes -d applv01 -m /appfs01
# chown appuser:appgroup /appfs01
Production Validation
# One-command health check
echo "=== STORAGE ==="; lspv
echo "=== FS ==="; df -g | grep app
echo "=== NET ==="; ifconfig -a | grep -E "(vlan|UP)"
echo "=== ROUTING ==="; netstat -rn | grep default
echo "=== ERRORS ==="; errpt | tail -5
Expected Output:
hdisk0 00c123f56789b0c1 rootvg active
hdisk1 00c123f56789b0c2 appvg active
/appfs01 jfs2 68G 5% 64288/860000
en0: flags=...UP...vlan101
en1: flags=...UP...vlan102
default 192.168.20.1 UG
Troubleshooting Matrix
| Problem | Symptoms | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No VLANs | entstat -d en0 empty | HMC VLAN ID mismatch → cfgmgr -v |
| SMS Ping Fail | Timeout | Wrong NIM IP/VLAN → Verify build sheet |
| No Disks | lspv empty | WWPN not logged → chnportlogin |
| NIM 40% Hang | Boot stalls | SPOT mismatch → lsslit on NIM master |
| Slow Network | >100ms latency | AIX 7.3 tuning → smitty tcpip |
This guide produces production-ready AIX 7.3 LPARs consistently. Print the checklist, follow the steps, zero failures guaranteed.
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