Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080294773 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MIGRATING ACCESS TO BLOCK STORAGE - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for providing access to block storage. A source virtual input/output server is retrieved, parameters are used by the source virtual input/output server to provide a client access to the block storage when the client is located on a first logical partitioned data processing system with the source virtual input/output server, wherein the client accesses the block storage through the source virtual input/output server. Access for the client to the block storage is migrated to a target virtual input/output server located on a second logical partitioned data processing system using the parameters, wherein the parameters are used on the target virtual input/output server to provide the client access to the block storage when the client is migrated to the second data processing system. | 11-27-2008 |
20090133028 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF AN IOV ADAPTER THROUGH A VIRTUAL INTERMEDIARY IN A HYPERVISOR WITH FUNCTIONAL MANAGEMENT IN AN IOV MANAGEMENT PARTITION - A system and method which provide a mechanism for an I/O virtualization management partition (IMP) to control the shared functionality of an I/O virtualization (IOV) enabled I/O adapter (IOA) through a physical function (PF) of the IOA while the virtual functions (VFs) are assigned to client partitions for normal I/O operations directly. A hypervisor provides device-independent facilities to the code running in the IMP and client partitions. The IMP may include device specific code without the hypervisor needing to sacrifice its size, robustness, and upgradeability. The hypervisor provides the virtual intermediary functionally for the sharing and control of the IOA's control functions. | 05-21-2009 |
20090307330 | Method for Moving Operating Systems Between Computer Electronic Complexes Without Loss of Service - A system and method for migrating a client partition between computer electronic complexes (CECs) while maintaining access to a Storage Area Network. An active and inactive world wide port name are generated for a client virtual channel adapter. A query is sent to a name server from the VIOS on the source CEC. The name server creates a list of small computer system interface (SCSI) targets that are available. The list is used by the VIOS on the destination CEC to verify whether any physical ports in the destination CEC have access to the same SCSI target. The client partition may be migrated between a source CEC and a destination CEC and the access to the Storage Area Network access may be maintained. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307377 | Arrangements for I/O Control in a Virtualized System - A method for controlling input and output of a virtualized computing platform is disclosed. The method can include creating a device interface definition, assigning an identifier to a paging device and configuring commands useable by a virtual input output server. The commands can be sent to the input output server and can be converted by the input output server into paging device commands. A hypervisor can assist in facilitating the communication configuration. Other embodiments are also disclosed. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307378 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A FIBRE CHANNEL N-PORT ID VIRTUALIZATION PROTOCOL - Disclosed is a computer implemented method, data processing system and computer program product to discover an SCSI target. The method comprises a client adapter transmitting an N_port ID virtualization (NPIV) login to a virtual I/O server (VIOS). The client adapter receives a successful login acknowledgement from the VIOS and issues a discover-targets command to the fabric. Upon determining that the SCSI target information is received, wherein the SCSI target information includes at least one SCSI identifier. Responsive a determination that SCSI target information is received the client adapter issues a port login to a target port, wherein the target port is associated with the at least one SCSI target. The client adapter makes a process login to form an initiator/target nexus between a client and at least one SCSI target. The client adapter queries the SCSI target by using a world wide port name associated with the target port. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307438 | Automated Paging Device Management in a Shared Memory Partition Data Processing System - Automated paging device management is provided for a shared memory partition data processing system. The automated approach includes managing a paging storage pool defined within one or more storage devices for holding logical memory pages external to physical memory managed by a hypervisor of the processing system. The managing includes: responsive to creation of a logical partition within the processing system, automatically defining a logical volume in the paging storage pool for use as a paging device for the new logical partition, the automatically defining occurring absent use of a filesystem, with the resultant paging device being other than a file in a filesystem; and automatically specifying the logical volume as a paging space device for the new logical partition and binding the paging space device to the new logical partition, wherein the logical volume is sized to accommodate a defined maximum memory size of the new logical partition. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307444 | Systems and Methods For Virtualizing Storage For WPAR Clients Using Node Port ID Virtualization - Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307456 | MIGRATING MEMORY DATA BETWEEN PARTITIONS - A method, system, and computer usable program product for migrating memory data between partitions are provided in the illustrative embodiments. All or a portion of a memory data of the source partition is written to a data storage unit, which may be a shared paging space, or a shared area of a data storage unit other than a paging space. The writing uses a first data communication path configured for paging the memory data. The portion of the memory data from the data storage unit is read at a destination partition. The reading uses a second data communication path configured for paging a second memory data. The read portion of the memory data may be used for executing a migrated application. The writing and reading may use a third and a fourth data communication paths respectively that may be configured for paging memory data to the shared area. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307457 | Systems and Methods for Entitlement of Virtual Real Memory for Applications - Systems, methods and media for dynamic reallocation of memory to an application, the memory from a pool of virtual real memory allocated to a virtual client that executes the application are disclosed. In one embodiment, a virtual client is allocated a pool of virtual real memory. A subset of this pool of virtual real memory is a block of memory allocated for use by an application. The allocation may be stated as a range of allocated memory with an upper and lower limit. The application calls a kernel service when it thinks it needs a new allocation of memory. The new allocation is established by a power hypervisor connected to the virtual client. Memory is exported by way of a Paging Space Partition. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307458 | VIRTUAL REAL MEMORY EXPORTATION FOR LOGICAL PARTITIONS - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and program product for extending virtual memory associated with logical partitions. A hosting partition receives a paging request from a logical partition on a logically partitioned data processing. The hosting partition identifies a location of the physical memory space on a remote computing device assigned to the logical partition and sends an extended virtual memory paging request to an extended virtual memory manager located on the remote computing device using a network connection. The extended virtual memory paging request comprises the instructions for the memory page-in or the memory page-out and the location of the physical memory space on the remote computing device that is being paged-in or paged-out. The extended virtual memory manager performs a page-in operation or a page-out operation in accordance with the instructions for the memory page-in or memory page-out. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307461 | Arrangements for Storing and Retrieving Blocks of Data Having Different Dimensions - A method for storing and retrieving blocks of data having different dimensions is disclosed. The method can include receiving a first data segment to be stored in a block storage device where the first data segment has an address. The method can also include determining if the first data segment conforms to a standard dimension and sorting the first data segment according to the destination address if it does not have a standard dimension. The method can further include placing a non-standard data segment into a unfilled block allocation and placing a second non-standard data segment into the unfilled block allocation when the second data segment has the destination identifier. Other embodiments are also disclosed. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307688 | Virtual Cluster Proxy to Virtual I/O Server Manager Interface - An interface is provided between a virtual cluster proxy and a virtual I/O server on a logical partitioned platform. The virtual I/O server is configured to support virtual real memory. A command is received from a virtual cluster proxy. The virtual cluster proxy identifies whether the command is a virtual real memory command or a virtualization command. Virtual real memory commands and virtualization commands are marked by the virtual cluster proxy with a virtualization marker. The virtualization marker indicates that the command is a virtual real memory command or a virtualization command. The command is then forwarded to a logical partitioned platform. A virtual memory manager intercepts the command and identifies whether the command has been marked with the virtualization marker. If the command is marked with the virtualization marker, the virtual memory manager reroutes the command to the virtual I/O server. | 12-10-2009 |
20090307716 | Block storage interface for virtual memory - A method for interfacing block storage devices is disclosed. The method can include receiving communications from an initiator at a block storage device interface, translating the received communications, transmitting the translated communications to a native storage device driver, forwarding the translated communication to a physical adapter, and controlling physical storage devices in response to the communications received from the initiator. Other embodiments are also disclosed | 12-10-2009 |
20100042805 | Method to Perform LUM Masking/Mapping in a SR-IOV Enabled SAS Adapter - A “LUN Table” enables Logical Unit Number (LUN) mapping/masking within an IOV adapter included in a Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (“SAS” or “Serial Attached SCSI”). A plurality of System Images (“SI”) share block storage through the SAS. The IOV adapter includes one or more Virtual Functions (VF), a Physical Function (PF), and a LUN Table within the PF. The VF allows each SI to communicate I/0 requests with a storage device through the PF. The LUN Table maps the I/0 requests to unique locations within the storage device. Each SI is isolated from all other SIs. Interference between each SI is avoided. A VIOS or a LUN mapping/masking SAN are not required. I/0 latency, processor overhead and storage cost are improved over prior LUN mapping/masking solutions. | 02-18-2010 |
20100115131 | Maintaining Storage Area Network ('SAN') Access Rights During Migration Of Operating Systems - Maintaining SAN access rights during migration of operating systems including assigning, to a virtual SAN interface adapter of a source virtualization intermediary (SVI′) on the source server, at least two world wide port names (WWPN), identifying devices coupled for data communications to the SVI through the primary WWPN; selecting a target physical SAN interface adapter on a target server available to a target virtualization intermediary (‘TVI’) having a target virtual SAN interface adapter; assigning to the target virtual SAN interface adapter the secondary WWPN; identifying devices coupled for data communications to the TVI through the secondary WWPN; determining whether the devices coupled to the SVI through the primary WWPN are also coupled to TVI through the secondary WWPN; migrating the operating system from the source server to the target server if the devices coupled to the SVI through the primary WWPN are also coupled to TVI through the secondary WWPN. | 05-06-2010 |
20100122111 | DYNAMIC PHYSICAL AND VIRTUAL MULTIPATH I/O - Embodiments that dynamically manage physical and virtual multipath I/O are contemplated. Various embodiments comprise one or more computing devices, such as one or more servers, having at least two HBAs. At least one of the HBAs may be associated with a virtual I/O server that employs the HBA to transfer data between a plurality of virtual clients and one or more storage devices of a storage area network. The embodiments may monitor the availability of the HBAs, such as monitoring the HBAs for a failure of the HBA or a device coupled to the HBA. Upon detecting the unavailability of one of the HBAs, the embodiments may switch, dynamically, from the I/O path associated with the unavailable HBA to the alternate HBA. | 05-13-2010 |
20100250863 | PAGING PARTITION ARBITRATION OF PAGING DEVICES TO SHARED MEMORY PARTITIONS - Disclosed is a computer implemented method, computer program product, and apparatus to establish at least one paging partition in a data processing system. The virtualization control point (VCP) reserves up to the subset of physical memory for use in the shared memory pool. The VCP configures at least one logical partition as a shared memory partition. The VCP assigns a paging partition to the shared memory pool. The VCP determines whether a user requests a redundant assignment of the paging partition to the shared memory pool. The VCP assigns a redundant paging partition to the shared memory pool, responsive to a determination that the user requests a redundant assignment. The VCP assigns a paging device to the shared memory pool. The hypervisor may transmit at least one paging request to a virtual asynchronous services interface configured to support a paging device stream. | 09-30-2010 |
20100293552 | Altering Access to a Fibre Channel Fabric - A mechanism is provided for altering access to a network. A virtual I/O server controller in a virtual I/O server operating system receives an indication that an identified communications adapter requires attention. The virtual I/O server controller issues a set of calls to a set of N_port identification virtualization server adapters coupled to the identified communications adapter. Each of the set of calls indicates to each of the set of N_port identification virtualization server adapters a request to move a set of clients from their assigned port on the identified communications adapter to an available port on a failover communications adapter. The set of N_port identification virtualization server adapters moves the set of clients from the identified communications adapter to the failover communications adapter. | 11-18-2010 |
20110093679 | Identifying Dynamically Changing Virtual Storage Devices - Mechanisms are provided for detecting changes in virtual storage device configurations. The mechanisms detect an event corresponding to a change in configuration of a virtual storage device. The virtual storage device is comprised of a plurality of portions of a plurality of physical storage devices. The mechanisms further, in response to detecting the event, determine if the change in configuration of the virtual storage device results in a change in the types of physical storage devices that are part of the virtual storage device. Moreover, the mechanisms further transmit a notification, in response to a determination that the change in configuration of the virtual storage device results in a change in the types of physical storage devices that are part of the virtual storage device, of the results of the change in configuration of the virtual storage device to one or more registered recipients registered to receive such notifications. | 04-21-2011 |
20110161725 | DYNAMICALLY TRACKING VIRTUAL LOGICAL STORAGE UNITS - In virtualized environments, storage may be managed dynamically due to the changing data storage requirements. In such environments, logical storage unit identifiers (LUN IDs) may be modified as a result of deleting an existing mapping between physical storage and a virtualization server and recreating the mapping. This can result in I/O request failure. Techniques for resolving errors resulting from LUN ID modifications can be time-intensive and labor-intensive and can disrupt a communication path between a host device and the physical storage. Functionality can be implemented to dynamically identify the LUN ID modifications, determine valid LUN IDs, and retransmit failed I/O requests. This can help minimize I/O request failures due to LUN ID modifications without disrupting the communication path between the host device and the physical storage. | 06-30-2011 |
20110314248 | STORING AND RETRIEVING BLOCKS OF DATA HAVING DIFFERENT DIMENSIONS IN/FROM BLOCK STORABE DEVICES - A method for storing and retrieving blocks of data having different dimensions is disclosed. The method can include receiving a first data segment to be stored in a block storage device where the first data segment has an address. The method can also include determining if the first data segment conforms to a standard dimension and sorting the first data segment according to the destination address if it does not have a standard dimension. The method can further include placing a non-standard data segment into a unfilled block allocation and placing a second non-standard data segment into the unfilled block allocation when the second data segment has the destination identifier. Other embodiments are also disclosed. | 12-22-2011 |
20120084071 | Mechanism for NPIV Client Recovery When NPIV Server Goes Down - With N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV), a managed system can be configured so that multiple logical partitions (LPARs) can access independent physical storage through the same physical fibre channel adapter. An NPIV client recovery component of a virtualization management component, such as a Power Hypervisor (pHYP), provides the emulation mapping between server and client virtual fibre channel adapters. The pHYP also provides a mechanism that prevents client partition crashes when the NPIV server (e.g., a VIOS logical partition) goes down. When the NPIV server is rebooted or powers down, the pHYP handles the client LPARs to avoid a crash by removing processing resources from the client logical partition. Thereby, the client logical partition is prevented from attempting to access a root volume group in physical storage via the NPIV server. The pHYP allocates processor resources to the client LPAR when the NPIV server is again available for UO processing. | 04-05-2012 |
20120110275 | Supporting Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) Active Memory Sharing in a Cluster Environment - A method, system, and computer program product provide a shared virtual memory space via a cluster-aware virtual input/output (I/O) server (VIOS). The VIOS receives a paging file request from a first LPAR and thin-provisions a logical unit (LU) within the virtual memory space as a shared paging file of the same storage amount as the minimum required capacity. The VIOS also autonomously maintains a logical redundancy LU (redundant LU) as a real-time copy of the provisioned/allocated LU, where the redundant LU is a dynamic copy of the allocated LU that is autonomously updated responsive to any changes within the allocated LU. Responsive to a second VIOS attempting to read a LU currently utilized by a first VIOS, the read request is autonomously redirected to the logical redundancy LU. The redundant LU can be utilized to facilitate migration of a client LPAR to a different computing electronic complex (CEC). | 05-03-2012 |
20120137103 | AUTOMATED PAGING DEVICE MANAGEMENT IN A SHARED MEMORY PARTITION DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM - Automated paging device management is provided for a shared memory partition data processing system. The automated approach includes managing a paging storage pool defined within one or more storage devices for holding logical memory pages external to physical memory managed by a hypervisor of the processing system. The managing includes: responsive to creation of a logical partition within the processing system, automatically defining a logical volume in the paging storage pool for use as a paging device for the new logical partition, the automatically defining occurring absent use of a filesystem, with the resultant paging device being other than a file in a filesystem; and automatically specifying the logical volume as a paging space device for the new logical partition and binding the paging space device to the new logical partition, wherein the logical volume is sized to accommodate a defined maximum memory size of the new logical partition. | 05-31-2012 |
20120150805 | Efficient Backup and Restore of a Cluster Aware Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) Within a VIOS Cluster - In a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) partition within a data processing system that comprises cluster-aware VIOSes, a method includes: performing, via a backup/restore utility of a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) executing on a processor resource of the first VIOS partition, a backup operation on the first VIOS partition, which creates a first configuration backup file having configuration information about the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the VIOS partition; storing the configuration backup file within local storage; and responsive to receipt of a VIOS restore command: retrieving the configuration backup file from the local storage; and restoring the configuration of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the first VIOS to a state that existed at a time at which the backup operation creating the configuration backup file was performed. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150815 | EFFICIENT BACKUP AND RESTORE OF VIRTUAL INPUT/OUTPUT SERVER (VIOS) CLUSTER - A method enables cluster-level backup and restore functionality of all Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) configuration data within a VIOS cluster and the data of a shared VIOS cluster database. The method comprises: performing, via a backup/restore utility of a VIOS partition, a cluster level backup, which creates a first VIOS cluster configuration backup file having configuration information about hardware, logical and virtual devices of each VIOS partition within a VIOS cluster and all cluster data from the shared VIOS database of the VIOS cluster; storing the VIOS cluster configuration backup file within a storage location; and responsive to receipt of a VIOS restore command at a VIOS partition: retrieving the configuration backup file from the storage location; restoring a configuration of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of each VIOS within the VIOS cluster to prior state; and restoring the shared VIOS database with the backed-up cluster data. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150816 | METHOD AND TOOL TO OVERCOME VIOS CONFIGURATION VALIDATION AND RESTORATION FAILURE DUE TO DRC NAME MISMATCH - In a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) partition, a method comprises a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) of a VIOS partition performing the functions of: responsive to a restore command: retrieving a configuration backup file from storage; comparing a DRC name from the retrieved file with a DRC name of the current VIOS partition performing the restore operation; in response to an occurrence of a DRC name mismatch: retrieving an initial UUID of the VIOS from the configuration backup file; accessing a UUID table within a management tool; locating a matching UUID to the initial UUID within the UUID table; and in response to locating the matching UUID: verifying that the configuration data file belongs to the current VIOS initiating the restore operation; and performing the restore operation to restore the configurations of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the first VIOS to an earlier configuration state. | 06-14-2012 |
20120150985 | VIOS Cluster Alert Framework - In a data processing system including a virtual I/O server (VIOS) cluster and multiple logical partitions (LPARs), at least one VIOS of the VIOS cluster performs functions of: receiving first registration information from one or more entities within the VIOS cluster; registering, based on the first registration information, a handler associated with a first message type; responsive to receiving second registration information, registering, based on the second registration information, a listener associated with a second message type; receiving a first message associated with a first alert event of the cluster; determining, based on the first message, that the handler is associated with the first message type; and calling the handler. In one embodiment, the handler is associated with a pointer to a subroutine, and registering the handler includes storing the pointer in a data structure that associates the handler with the first message type. | 06-14-2012 |
20120151095 | ENFORCING LOGICAL UNIT (LU) PERSISTENT RESERVATIONS UPON A SHARED VIRTUAL STORAGE DEVICE - A method, system, and computer program product utilizes cluster-awareness to effectively maintain and update Persistent Reserve (PR) state data and provide nodes with notification of changes to PR state data within a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) cluster. A Persistent Reserve (PR) utility identifies a database that is accessible to other VIOSes in the cluster, in which database information about the current state of the Persistent Reservation is maintained. The PR utility checks the current Persistent Reserve state in the database to verify whether an initiator of a PR command is allowed to perform the command. If the initiator is allowed to perform the command, the PR utility modifies/updates the Persistent Reserve state in the database to reflect the received Persistent Reserve command. The PR utility updates the initiator's local copy of the modified PR state data and sends a corresponding notification message to other VIOSes in the cluster. | 06-14-2012 |
20120179771 | SUPPORTING AUTONOMOUS LIVE PARTITION MOBILITY DURING A CLUSTER SPLIT-BRAINED CONDITION - A method, data processing system, and computer program product autonomously migrate clients serviced by a first VIOS to other VIOSes in the event of a VIOS cluster “split-brain” scenario generating a primary sub-cluster and a secondary sub-cluster, where the first VIOS is in the secondary sub-cluster. The VIOSes in the cluster continually exchange keep-alive information to provide each VIOS with an up-to-date status of other VIOSes within the cluster and to notify the VIOSes when one or more nodes loose connection to or are no longer communicating with other nodes within the cluster, as occurs with a cluster split-brain event/condition. When this event is detected, a first sub-cluster assumes a primary sub-cluster role and one or more clients served by one or more VIOSes within the secondary sub-cluster are autonomously migrated to other VIOSes in the primary sub-cluster, thus minimizing downtime for clients previously served by the unavailable/uncommunicative VIOSes. | 07-12-2012 |
20120179798 | AUTONOMOUS PRIMARY NODE ELECTION WITHIN A VIRTUAL INPUT/OUTPUT SERVER CLUSTER - In a data processing system having a plurality of virtual input/output servers (VIOSes) configured within a VIOS cluster, a method, data processing system and computer program product provide for autonomous election of a primary node within a virtual input/output server (VIOS) cluster. A first VIOS performs the functions of: detecting that a primary node is required for the VIOS cluster; and autonomously initiating an election process to elect a next primary node from among the VIOSes within the VIOS cluster. When the first VIOS meets the pre-established requirements for becoming a primary node, the first VIOS obtains a lock on a primary node ID field within a VIOS database (DB) and then initiates a primary node commit process to assign the first VIOS as the primary node. The first VIOS issues a notification to the VIOS cluster to notify the other VIOSes that a primary node has been elected. | 07-12-2012 |
20120180070 | SINGLE POINT, SCALABLE DATA SYNCHRONIZATION FOR MANAGEMENT OF A VIRTUAL INPUT/OUTPUT SERVER CLUSTER - A method, data processing system and computer program product provide scalable data synchronization for a virtual input/output server (VIOS) cluster and one or more registered callers. A first VIOS is commits as a primary node of the VIOS cluster and performs the functions of: registering one or more callers to receive notification from the first VIOS of specific events occurring within the cluster; receiving notification of an occurrence of one of the specific events; and in response to receiving notification of the specific events, a deamon of the first VIOS retrieving a message payload file from a message payload file directory within the shared VIOS DB and passing the message payload file to the API, which forwards/posts the relevant event notification information from the message payload file to the TCP socket of each registered caller. | 07-12-2012 |
20120198202 | Paging Partition Arbitration Of Paging Devices To Shared Memory Partitions - A computer implemented method to establish at least one paging partition in a data processing system. The virtualization control point (VCP) reserves up to the subset of physical memory for use in the shared memory pool. The VCP configures at least one logical partition as a shared memory partition. The VCP assigns a paging partition to the shared memory pool. The VCP determines whether a user requests a redundant assignment of the paging partition to the shared memory pool. The VCP assigns a redundant paging partition to the shared memory pool, responsive to a determination that the user requests a redundant assignment. The VCP assigns a paging device to the shared memory pool. The hypervisor may transmit at least one paging request to a virtual asynchronous services interface configured to support a paging device stream. | 08-02-2012 |
20120246517 | PROVIDING FIRST FIELD DATA CAPTURE IN A VIRTUAL INPUT/OUTPUT SERVER (VIOS) CLUSTER ENVIRONMENT WITH CLUSTER-AWARE VIOSES - A first virtual I/O server (VIOS) provides a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) executing on a processor resource of the first VIOS to register the first VIOS within a VIOS cluster. The first VIOS comprises a first field/failure data capture (FFDC) module that executes within the first VIOS and performs the functions of: receiving from an event listener a signal indicating that an FFFDC event/condition has been detected by the first VIOS; and automatically transmitting FFDC data to the shared storage repository for storage of the FFDC data within the shared storage repository. The FFDC module further performs the functions of: transmitting to one or more second VIOSes within the VIOS cluster, one or more messages to inform the one or more second VIOSes of an occurrence of the FFDC event/condition that was detected by the first VIOS. | 09-27-2012 |
20120246642 | Management of File Images in a Virtual Environment - A method, system, and computer program product provides effective management and deployment of image files within a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) cluster. An Image Management (IM) utility utilizes a discovery process to establish connections with objects in order to manage these objects. Following discovery of an ICP client, the IM utility enables creation of a virtual server partition and initiates the importing of a captured image to a VIOS cluster Storage Pool (SP). The IM utility creates logical units (LUs) within the Image Management Fileset (IMF) for each file within the captured image. The IM utility maps the LUs to the VIOS Cluster SP using unique image file handles. The IM utility configures the new storage that comprises the created LUs. The IM utility copies image files to the appropriate storage device/LU. When import/copy of the image is completed, the IM utility activates the virtual server partition. | 09-27-2012 |
20120303594 | Multiple Node/Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) Failure Recovery in Clustered Partition Mobility - A method, system, and computer program product utilizes cluster-awareness to effectively support a live partition mobility (LPM) event and provide recovery from node failure within a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) cluster. An LPM utility creates a monitoring thread on a first VIOS on initiation of a corresponding LPM event. The monitoring thread tracks a status of an LPM and records status information in the mobility table of a database. The LPM utility creates other monitoring threads on other VIOSes running on the (same) source server. If the first VIOS VIOS sustains one of multiple failures, the LPM utility provides notification to other functioning nodes/VIOSes. The LPM utility enables a functioning monitoring thread to update the LPM status. In particular, a last monitoring thread may perform cleanup/update operations within the database based on an indication that there are nodes on the first server that are in failed state. | 11-29-2012 |
20120331245 | Virtualizing Storage for WPAR Clients - Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS. | 12-27-2012 |
20120331246 | Virtualizing Storage for WPAR Clients Using Node Port ID Virtualization - Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS. | 12-27-2012 |
20120331256 | Virtualizing Storage for WPAR Clients Using Key Authentication - Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage connected to the VIOS. | 12-27-2012 |
20120331533 | Virtualizing Storage for WPAR Clients that Share a Common Operating System of Logical Partition - Systems, methods and media for providing to a plurality of WPARs private access to physical storage connected to a server through a VIOS are disclosed. In one embodiment, a server is logically partitioned to form a working partition comprising a WPAR manager and individual WPARs. Each WPAR is assigned to a different virtual port. The virtual ports are created by using NPIV protocol, between the WPAR and VIOS. Thereby, each WPAR has private access to the physical storage-connected to the VIOS. | 12-27-2012 |
20130013285 | Mechanism for NPIV Client Recovery When NPIV Server Goes Down - With N_Port ID Virtualization (NPIV), a managed system can he configured so that multiple logical partitions (LPARs) can access independent physical storage through the same physical fibre channel adapter. An NPIV client recovery component of a virtualization management component, such as a Power Hypervisor (pHYP), provides the emulation mapping between server and client virtual fibre channel adapters. The pHYP also provides a mechanism that prevents client partition crashes when the NPIV server (e.g., a VIOS logical partition) goes down. When the NPIV server is rebooted or powers down, the pHYP handles the client LPARs to avoid a crash by removing processing resources from the client logical partition. Thereby, the client logical partition is prevented from attempting to access a root volume group in physical storage via the NPIV server. The pHYP allocates processor resources to the client LPAR when the NPIV server is again available for I/O processing. | 01-10-2013 |
20130013569 | Efficient Backup and Restore of Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) Cluster - A method enables cluster-level backup and restore functionality of all Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) configuration data within a VIOS cluster and the data of a shared VIOS cluster database. The method comprises: performing, via a backup/restore utility of a VIOS partition, a cluster level backup, which creates a first VIOS cluster configuration backup file having configuration information about hardware, logical and virtual devices of each VIOS partition within a VIOS cluster and all cluster data from the shared VIOS database of the VIOS cluster; storing the VIOS cluster configuration backup file within a storage location; and responsive to receipt of a VIOS restore command at a VIOS partition: retrieving the configuration backup file from the storage location; restoring a configuration of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of each VIOS within the VIOS cluster to prior state; and restoring the shared VIOS database with the backed-up cluster data. | 01-10-2013 |
20130024718 | Multiple Node/Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) Failure Recovery in Clustered Partition Mobility - A method utilizes cluster-awareness to effectively support a live partition mobility (LPM) event and provide recovery from node failure within a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) cluster. An LPM utility creates a monitoring thread on a first VIOS on initiation of a corresponding LPM event. The monitoring thread tracks a status of an LPM and records status information in the mobility table of a database. The LPM utility creates other monitoring threads on other VIOSes running on the (same) source server. If the first VIOS VIOS sustains one of multiple failures, the LPM utility provides notification to other functioning nodes/VIOSes. The LPM utility enables a functioning monitoring thread to update the LPM status. In particular, a last monitoring thread may perform cleanup/update operations within the database based on an indication that there are nodes on the first server that are in failed state. | 01-24-2013 |
20130031341 | Hibernation and Remote Restarting Hibernation Data in a Cluster Environment - Hibernation and remote restore functions of a client logical partition (LPAR) that exists within a data processing system having cluster-aware Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Servers (VIOSes) is performed via receipt of commands via a virtual control panel (VCP) through an underlying hypervisor. The client hibernation data file is stored in a shared repository by a source/original VIOS assigned to the client. The hypervisor receives a remote restart command and assigns a target/remote client LPAR and a target VIOS. The source I/O adapters and target I/O adapters are locked and the target VIOS gathers adapter configuration information from the source VIOS and configures the target adapters to be able to perform the I/O functionality provided by the source adapters to the client LPAR. The target VIOS then retrieves the client's hibernation data file, and the client LPAR is restored at the remote LPAR with the target VIOS providing the client's I/O functionality. | 01-31-2013 |
20130097295 | STORAGE AREA NETWORK CONFIGURATION OF VIRTUAL FIBRE CHANNEL PORTS PRIOR TO CLIENT CREATION - Provided are techniques for providing a user interface on a storage virtualizer, the user interface configured to enable a worldwide unique identifier (WWPN) to be selectively activated on a storage area network (SAN), and setting up a zoning for the WWPN on the SAN prior to installation of a virtual I/O client and without a requirement that the user manually enter the WWPN. | 04-18-2013 |
20130117481 | FIBRE CHANNEL N-PORT ID VIRTUALIZATION PROTOCOL - Disclosed is a computer implemented method, data processing system and computer program product to discover an SCSI target. The method comprises a client adapter transmitting an N_port ID virtualization (NPIV) login to a virtual I/O server (VIOS). The client adapter receives a successful login acknowledgement from the VIOS and issues a discover-targets command to the fabric. Upon determining that the SCSI target information is received, wherein the SCSI target information includes at least one SCSI identifier. Responsive a determination that SCSI target information is received the client adapter issues a port login to a target port, wherein the target port is associated with the at least one SCSI target. The client adapter makes a process login to form an initiator/target nexus between a client and at least one SCSI target. The client adapter queries the SCSI target by using a world wide port name associated with the target port. | 05-09-2013 |
20130132945 | VIRTUAL MACHINE UPDATES - Various systems, processes, and products may be used to update virtual machines. In particular implementations, a system, process, and product for updating virtual machines may include the ability to determine whether a change to a portion of an operating system for a virtual machine is available and identify a virtual machine using the operating system. The system, process, and product may also include the ability to determine when the virtual machine is modifiable and update the portion of the operating system for the virtual machine when it is modifiable. | 05-23-2013 |
20130219040 | STORAGE AREA NETWORK CONFIGURATION OF VITUAL FIBRE CHANNEL PORTS PRIOR TO CLIENT CREATION - Provided are techniques for providing a user interface on a storage virtualizer, the user interface configured to enable a worldwide unique identifier (WWPN) to be selectively activated on a storage area network (SAN), and setting up a zoning for the WWPN on the SAN prior to installation of a virtual I/O client and without a requirement that the user manually enter the WWPN. | 08-22-2013 |
20130254165 | Efficient Backup and Restore of a Cluster Aware Virtual Input/Output Server (VIOS) Within a VIOS Cluster - In a Virtual Input/Output (I/O) Server (VIOS) partition within a data processing system that comprises cluster-aware VIOSes, a method includes: performing, via a backup/restore utility of a cluster aware (CA) operating system (OS) executing on a processor resource of the first VIOS partition, a backup operation on the first VIOS partition, which creates a first configuration backup file having configuration information about the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the VIOS partition; storing the configuration backup file within local storage; and responsive to receipt of a VIOS restore command: retrieving the configuration backup file from the local storage; and restoring the configuration of the hardware, logical and virtual devices of the first VIOS to a state that existed at a time at which the backup operation creating the configuration backup file was performed. | 09-26-2013 |
20150020064 | Utilizing Client Resources During Mobility Operations - A mechanism is provided n a data processing system for logical partition migration. Responsive to a virtual machine monitor initiating a logical partition migration operation to move a logical partition from a source system to a destination system, the mechanism reallocates a portion of processing resources from the logical partition to the virtual machine monitor. The virtual machine monitor uses the portion of processing resources to effect the logical partition migration operation. Responsive to completion of the logical partition migration operation, the mechanism returns the portion of processing resources to the logical partition. | 01-15-2015 |