NIM Short Notes


Posted: May 30, 2011 by prasadpvsr
NIM

Master: It refers the machine where you setup and maintain your NIM environment

Client: It can be target for NIM Master-operations. Such as installation, updation.

NIM Classes: Machines, Network, Resources, Groups

Group: Collection of machines or resources

Resources : lpp_source, SPOT, mksysb, bosinst_data, script, image_data, installp_bundle

Lsnim – extract the contents in nim master

Lsnim –c machines à Shows the machine names

Lsnim –l

/etc/bootptab: This file is used by the bootpd daemon. With no operations this file empty. This file gets updated automatically by the NIM master when a NIM operation is executed that requires the client machine to boot from a NIM SPOT.

/etc/exports: Any sort of installation, boot, mksysb savevg etc operation requires the use of NFS. This file will be updated with which locations are NFS exported from the master to the client and the permissions associated with those exports.

/etc/hosts: It gives a relationship between a system’s hostname and an IP address. If your IP address does not match up to the correct hostname your installation fails.

/etc/niminfo: This file should always exist on the NIM master. This file is built when you first initialize the NIM environment. This is required to run nim commands and perform nim operations. If the /etc/niminfo file accidentally deleted you can rebuild the file

/tftpboot: The main purpose of this directory is to hold the boot images that are created by nim when a boot or installation is initiated. This directory also holds informational files about the clients that are having a boot or installation operation performed.

SPOT: Shared product object tree.Its a directory of code(installed filesets). That is used during client booting procedure. This content equals to /usr file system(Binaries, executables and libraries, header files and shell scripts).

boot images can exist in the /tftpboot directory. kernels will be stored in /tftpboot directory.

lsnim -t spot -> list the different available spots

To find oslevel -r output by lsnim -l . If the SPOT and mksysb are not at the same level, installation will only work if the SPOT is at higher level than the mksysb.

lpp_source: Similar to AIX install CD’s. It contains AIX licensed program products(LPPs) in Backup File Format.

Lpp_source with attribute simages=yes means create a SPOT, and to install the AIX operating system.

Lpp_source with attribute simages=no means can not be used to install base AIX operating system.

lpp_source types: lsnim -t lpp_source

Mksysb:this resource is a file containing the image of the root volume group of machine.

It is used to restore a machine.

Defining MKSYSB resource:Nim –o define –t mksysb –a source= -a server=master –a location= resource name.

Lsnim –t mksyb

bosinst_data: bosinst_data resource is a flat ascii file, like bosinst.data used for restoring system backup images from tape or CD/DVD. this resource is for Push/pull installation of multiple machines at the same time.

script: contains all the commands to perform customization. such as file system resizing, additional user creation ..

To start a nim environment

Select a machine to be the master
Install AIX for the master
install NIM file sets : bos.sysmgt.nim.master, bos.sysmgt.nim.spot
Configure the selected machine as a NIM Master using smitty nimconfigà Mention Network name, Interface : nimconfig –a netname=net_10_1_1 –a pif_name=en0 –a netboot_kernel=mp –a cable_type=tp –a client_reg=no
When machine added to NIM environment, the /etc/niminfo file is created.
To rebuild the NIM master /etc/niminfo file, use the nimconfig –r command
To rebuild and recover NIM client /etc/niminfo file use the niminit command. Ex: niminit –a master= -a name=
Create file systems for nim à The lpp_source and SPOT resources are directories and the related filesystems must be created.
Define basic resources(lpp_source, SPOT)à smitty nim_mkres
Define the client (smitty nim_mkmac)
Start the client installation(smitty nim_task_inst)
Verify the /etc/bootptab
Verify the boot files created or not in the /bootptab
NIM Daemons: nimesis, nimd, bootpd, tftpd

NIM Master uses the bootpd and tftpd

The bootpd daemon will also use the /etc/bootptab file when a NIM client is configured to be booted from the NIM master.

The tftpd daemon uses the /etc/tftpaccess.ctl file to determine which directory hierarchy is allowed to share.

/var/adm/ras directory contains the nim master log files.

/usr/ad/ras/nimlog file contains information about failed NIM operations.

Alog command to view the nim logs: alog –f /usr/adm/ras/nimlog -o

Estimation of minimum disk requirements: lpp_source à 6GB, SPOTà2GB, mksysbà40GB

File System Hierarchy:

/tftpboot: This is used for NIM master boot images(Kernels) and info files for the NIM clients.

/export/lpp_source: Used for storing versions of AIX base level filesets in specific directories

/export/spot: Used for storing non /usr

/export/images: This is used for storing system backup images. Images can be created by NIM mksysb.

/export/mksysb: This directory for the mksysb image files to install on clients-approx 1.5GB per image.

/export/res: for bosinst_data, image_data and scripts.

/export/53 contains lppsource_53TL6 and spot_53TL6

NIM server size depends upon how many versions of AIX filesets, TLs, PTFs, Service Packs

Filesets for NIM Master.: bos.net.tcp.server, bos.net.nfs.server, bos.sysmgt.nim.master, bos.sysmgt.nim.spot.

Master config: smitty nimàconfigure NIM environmentàadvanced configurationàInitialize nim master only. ( give details like network name and interface)

Making the lppsource:

Copy software from CD or DVD into /export/53 file system Smitty bffcreateà ( give input device, software package to copy , directory for storing sw package)
Define it as a NIM resource: smitty nimàconfigure the NIM environment àAdvanced configurationà Create basic installation resourcesà create a new LPP_source ( give resource server, LPP_source name, LPP_source directory)
Making the SPOT: smitty NIMà configure the NIM environmentà Advanced configuration à Create Basic installation resources à Create a New Spot ( give Resource server, input device, SPOT name and SPOT directory.

NIM Configuration:

Define Client Machine: smitty nim à perform nim administration tasksà manage machinesà define a machine(NIM machine name, machine type(standalone), hardware platform type(chrp), kernel to use for network boot(mp), cable type(tp),

Display NIM network objects: lsnim –l –c networks

The Basic NIM installation resources:

1) one nim lpp_source and one SPOT

2) for mksysb installation mksysb resource and SPOT

Define lpp_source: nim –o define –t lpp_source –a server=master –a location=/export/lpp_source/lpp5300 –a source=/dev/cd0 lpp5300

Creating a NIM lpp_source from a directory àNim –o define –t lpp_source –a server=master –a location=/export/lpp_source/lpp5300 lpp5300

Removing NIM lpp_source: nim –o remove lpp5300

Check a NIM lpp_source: nim –Fo check lpp5304

Creating a NIM spot: nim –o define –t spot –a server=master –a location=/export/spot –a source=lpp5300 –a installp_flags=-aQg spot5300

Listing Filesets in a SPOT: nim –o lslpp –a filesets=all –a lslpp_flags=La spot6100-01

Nim –o lslpp spot6100-01

Listing fixes in a SPOT: nim –o fix_query spot6100-01

TL of a SPOT: lsnim –l spot6100-01|grep oslevel

Listing Client Filesets: nim –o lslpp –a filesets=all –a lslpp_flags=-La client.

Removing the NIM spot à nim –o remove spot5300

Checking the SPOTànim –o check spot5300

Resetting the NIM spot à nim –Fo check spot5300

Create a nim clientà nim –o define –t standalone –a if1=”net_10_1_1 lpar55 0 ent0” LPAR55

Define NIM machines using smit nim_mkmac

Removing NIM client Definition: nim –o remove LPAR55

Installing NIM Clients:

Base Operating System Installation

System Clone installation

Automated customization after a generic BOS install.

BOS install through NIM:

Nim –o allocate –a spot=spot5304 –a lpp_source=lpp5304 LPAR55
Initiate the install: nim –o bos_inst –a source=spot5304 –a installp_flags=agX –a accept_licenses=yes LPAR55
If the installation is unsuccessful, you need to reallocate the resources
Reset and deallocate NIM resources: Nim –Fo reset LPAR55, Nim –Fo deallocate –a subclass=all LPAR55
View the progress of installation: Nim –o showlog –a log_type=boot LPAR55
Using SMIT to install standalone client: smitty nim_bosinstà select a target for the operationà select the installation type à select the lpp_sourceà select the spot

After Initial program load à SMS Menuà setup remote IPLàinterpartition logical LANà Select IP parameters(Client IP, Server IP, Gateway, Subnetmask)àPing TestàExecute Ping Testà Select Boot Optionà Select install/Boot Device(Network)à Select normal boot mode

Steps to migrate the NIM master to AIX 5L V5.3

Unmount all NFS mounts
Document the AIX and NIM master configuration(snap –ac, lsnim)
Perform NIM database backup à smitty nim_backup_dbà Backup the NIM database
Perform a mksysb of the NIM Master
insert Aix 5l v5.3 CD volume 1 into the CD drive
Creating mksysb from NIM client:

Nim –o define –t mksysb –a server=master –a source=lpar5 –a mk_image=yes –a location=/export/images/mksysb.lpar5 mksysb_lpar5

Backup the VIO server:

Backupios –file /home/padmin/viobackup/VIO.mksysb –mksysb

Restoring the VIO server:

Defining mksysb resource: smitty nim_mkres(select mksysb)à Define Spot resource: smitty nim_mkres(select spot)à perform the BOS installation

NIM Commands

nimconfig -a pif_name=en0 -a netname=net1àTo initialise the NIM master with network name net1

nimconfig -r àTo rebuild /etc/niminfo file which contains the variables for NIM

nim -o define -t lpp_source -a source=/dev/cd0 -a server=master –a location=/export/lpp_source/lpp_source1 lpp_source1à To define lpp_source1 image in /export/lpp_source/lpp_source directory from source cd0

nim -o define -t mksysb -a server=master -a location=/resources/mksysb.image mksysb1à To define mksysb resource mksysb1, from source /resources/mksysb.image on master

nim -o remove inst_resourceà To remove the resource

nim –o showres lpp_source6100àListing contents of the lpp_source.

Nim –o showres –a instfix_flags=T lppsource_61_01

nim -o check lpp_source1à To check the status of lpp_source lpp_source1

nim -o allocate -a spot=spot1 -a lpp_source=lpp_source1 node1à To allocate the resources spot1 and lpp_source1 to the client node1

nim -o bos_inst node1à To initialise NIM for the BOS installation on node1 with the allocated resources

nim -o dkls_init dcmdsà To initialize the machine dcmds as diskless operation

nim -o dtls_init dcmdsàTo initialize the machine dcmds for dataless operation

nim -o cust dcmdsàTo initialize the machine dcmds for customize operation

nim -o diag dcmdsàTo initialize the machine dcmds for diag operation

nim -o maint dcmdsàTo initialize the machine dcmds for maintenance operation

nim -o define -t standalone -a platform=rspc -a if1=”net1 dcmds xxxxx” -a cable_type1=bnc dcmdsàTo define the machine dcmds as standalone with platform as rspc and network as net1 with cable

type bnc and mac address xxxxx

nim -o unconfig masteràTo unconfigure nim master master

nim -o allocate -a spot=spot1 dcmdsàTo allocate the resource spot1 from machine dcmds

nim -o deallocate -a spot=spot1 dcmdsàTo de allocate the resource spot1 from machine dcmds

nim -o remove dcmdsàTo remove machine dcmds after removing all resources associated to it

nim -o reboot dcmdsàTo reboot ther client dcmds

nim -o define -t lpp_source -a location=/software/lpp1 -a server=master -a source=/dev/cd0 lpp1àTo define lppsource lpp1 on master at /software/lpp1 directory from source device /dev/cd0

lsnim àTo list the nim resources

lsnim -l dcmdsà To list the detailed info about the object dcmds

lsnim -O dcmds àTo list the operation dcmds object can support

lsnim -c resources dcmds àTo list the resources allocated to the machine dcmds

nimclientà The client version of nim command (User can obtain same results of nim in server )

NIM Master Configuration:

Nim Installation:

File sets required for NIM installation:

bos.sysmgt.nim.master
bos.sysmgt.nim.client
bos.sysmgt.nim.spot
Put volume 1 of your media installp –acgXd /dev/cd0 bos.sysmgt.nim OR use smit install_all

Initial Setup: smit nim_config_env

Initializing the NIM master: nimconfig –a pif_name=en0 –a master_port=1058 –a netname=master_net –a cable_type=bnc

Or smitty nimconfig.

Lsnim –l master à you will see information about NIM master

Lsnim –l |more àThe boot resource created a /tftpboot directory to hold all of your boot images. All NIM clients that are on the same subnet as this master will be assigned to master_net network.

Set up first lpp_source resource: Create file system called /export/nim/lpp_source.

Nim –o define –t lpp_source –a location=/export/nim/lpp_source/53_05 –a server=master –a comments=’5300-05 lpp_source’ –a multi_volume=yes –a source=/dev/cd0 –a packages=all 5305_lpp

Or

Smit nim_mkresà select lpp_source

If you wish to add other volumes you can use

A) bffcreate the volumes into the lpp_source

B) Use NIM to add the volumes smitty nim_res_opàselect lpp_sourceàselect updateàgive target lpp_source and source

Lsnim –l 5305_lpp

Rstate: If this is not set to ‘ready for use’ then you cannot use this resource. Running a check on the lpp_source will allow you to clear this up. Nim –o check

Set up first SPOT resource: create file system called /export/nim/spot.

Nim –o define –t spot –a server=master –a source=5305_lpp –a location=/export/nim/spot –a auto_expand=yes –a comments=’5300-05 spot’ 5305_spot

OR

Smitty nim_mkresàselect SPOT.

Lsnim –l 5305_spot

Unconfiguring NIM master: nim –o unconfigure master.

Installing software on a client: smitty nim (or smit nim_inst_latest)àPerform NIM software installation and Maintenance tasksàInstall and update softwareàInstall Softwareàselect the client and the lpp_source.

Updating client software to a latest level: smitty nim(or nim_update_all)àperform nim software installation and maintenance tasksàinstall and update softwareàupdate installed software to latest levelàselect the client then select the lpp_source.

Alternate Disk Install for new TLs: smitty nim(or nim_alt_clone)àPerform NIM software installation and Maintenance tasksà Alternate Disk Installationà Clone the rootvg to an alternate disk ( select taget machine and disk)

Alternate disk install for a new release: smit nim(or nimadm_migrate)àPerform NIM software installation and Maintenance tasksàAlternate disk installationà NIM alternate disk migrationàperform nim alternate disk migration( select client, disk name, LPP source and SPOT name)

Performing Installs from the client: smit nim(or nim_client_inst) à install and upgrade software

RTE installation:

Requires lpp_source and spot
Default is to install the BOS.autoi bundle
Define the client on the NIM master
Prepare the NIM master to supply RTE install resources to the client
Initiate the installation from the client
Defining the client: smit nim_mkmac (give hostname) enter give machine typeàstandalone, hardware platform typeàchrp, communication protocol need by clientànimsh, cable typeàN/A.

Client on a new network: smit nim_mkmacà give hostname and enter. Type of network attached to network install interface àent(Ethernet network) enter. Give NIM networkànetwork2 and subnetmaskà255.255.255.0, default gateway used by machine and master.

Setting up the master to install: smit nim_bosinstàselect target machineàselect the installation type (rte)àselect the lpp_sourceàselect the SPOTàinstall the base OS on standalone clients

Checking the NIM master: lsnim –l client, tail –l /etc/bootptab(bf field in /etc/bootptab specifies the boot file that will

be transferred to the client using TFTP after the client contacts the master using BOOTP) , ls –l /tftpboot(Actually a symbolic link) , showmont –e ( shows exported files)

Typical Install Sequence:

Client initates BOOTP request to NIM server.
NIM server responds with information about the boot file (bootptab file)
Client initates TFTP of boot file from NIM server.
Client runs boot file
Client NFS mounts SPOT and lpp_source
Install Operating system
Accessing SMS: Open HMCà select LPARà Activateà select profile (default)àclick on open a terminal windowàAdvancedàselect boot mode SMS àok à select remote IPLà select the adapteràselect internet protocol version (IPv4)àselect network service(BOOTP)àSetting IP parameters( select client IP, server IP, gateway, subnet mask)àsetting the bootlist(select install/boot deviceàselect networkà select network service(BOOTP)àselect the normal boot mode) à setting the boot(are you sure you want to exit SMS(yes).

Monitoring progress on the master: lsnim –l client ( info à prompting_for_data_at_console)

Installation: Main BOS installation menu ( select install now with default settings)

To view the bosinst log à nim –o showlog –a log_type=bosinst client.

Listing valid operations for an object type: lsnim –Pot master

Listing valid operations for an object: lsnim –O client

Rebuilding the /etc/niminfo file: nimconfig –r

Niminit -a name=client –a master=master

Backing up the NIM database: smitty nim_backup_db (default value is /etc/objrepos/nimdb.backup)

Restore the previously created backup: smitty nim_restore_db

NIM Log files:

/var/adm/ras/nimlog

/var/adm/ras/nim.installp

/var/adm/ras/nimsh.log

/var/adm/ras/bosinstlog

/var/adm/ras/nim.setup

High availability ( Alternate NIM master)

/etc/niminfo: Lists the active NIM master, and a list of valid alternate masters.

Configure alternate NIM master: smit niminit_altmstr

Synchronizing NIM database: smit nim_altmstr ( select synchronize alternate master’s NIM DB)