Readme for IBM PowerVM NovaLink 2.0.0.0
This is the December 2020 release of IBM PowerVM NovaLink. Learn more about PowerVM NovaLink at
Download of the IBM PowerVM NovaLink installation media is available at the Entitled Systems Support site (ESS).
http://www-304.ibm.com/servers/eserver/ess/OpenServlet.wss
NovaLink is entitled for download if you have a license for IBM PowerVM
Table of Contents
How to update to Novalink 2.0.0.0
Changes in 2.0.0.0
Known Issues (PowerVM on Power)
PowerVM
Installation
Software Life Cycle
Supported Stack
Following releases are supported with latest Novalink 2.0.0.0
· Ubuntu : Ubuntu 18.04 + Python 3.6
· RHEL : RHEL8.2/8.3 + (Power9) + Python 3.6
For upgrading or installing to novalink 2.0.0.0 follow below KC:
· Ubuntu : https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/POWER9/p9eig/p9eig_installing.htm
Fixes and service packs for this product are available in the following online repositories:
· Ubuntu : https://public.dhe.ibm.com/systems/virtualization/Novalink/debian
· RHEL : https://public.dhe.ibm.com/systems/virtualization/Novalink/rhel/82/novalink_2.0.0.0
To upgrade to the 2.0.0.0 release:
· As novalink 2.0 needs a re-OS to suppoted OS RHEL8.2/8.3 or ubuntu18.04.
· To upgrade to Ubuntu 18.04, RHEL8.2 or RHEL8.3 and Novalink2.0 follow below KC:
· Ubuntu : https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/POWER9/p9eig/p9eig_upgrade_novalink.htm
See the Knowledge Center documentation for more information on installing fixes and updates
· http://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/POWER8/p8eig/p8eig_updating_ubuntu_online.htm?cp=POWER8
• PowerVM Novalink virtual persistent memory support
When PowerVM NovaLink is at version 2.0.0.0 and F/w level os 940 or later, you can use virtual pmem volumes as below:
· https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/POWER9/p9eig/p9eig_cli.htm
• HMC like commands
When PowerVM NovaLink is at version 2.0.0.0, you can use following HMC commands on Novalink host:
· chled
· chlparutil
· chsyscfg
· chsysstate
· chvet
· lpcfgop
· lsmemdev
· lshwres
· lsled
· lsrefcode
· lssyscfg.dev
· lssysconn
· rsthwres
· mksyscfg
· rmsyscfg
· utilization
· pvm-benchmark
· chlickey
Known Issues (PowerVM on Power)
No known issues.
Installation
Installation instructions for PowerVM NovaLink are available on the on-line Knowledge Center.
· https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/POWER9/p9eig/p9eig_installing.htm
PowerVM NovaLink uses versioning in the form of Version, Release, Mod Level and Fix (VRMF). Example 1.0.0.8.0
· Version and Release increments have a 3-year software support Lifecycle and follow IBM’s standard software lifecycle (http://www-01.ibm.com/software/support/lifecycle/lc-policy.html).
· Starting in the 1.0.0.6 release, Mod Level (fourth digit) increments have an 12 months, or N-1 support policy depends on which one is longer. The current available Mod Level and the previous releases of Mod Levels from the prior 12 months are supported.
o This means if there are 4 releases a year, supported releases are up to N-3. If there are 2 releases a year, supported release is up to N-1.
o For example, if 1.0.0.9 is the latest release, and 1.0.0.6 was the release from a year ago, then 1.0.0.8, 1.0.0.7, and 1.0.0.6 versions are in support. Once 1.0.0.10 release is available, support for 1.0.0.6 ceases.
o Any releases prior to 1.0.0.6 are out of support.
· Fix (fifth digit) increments indicate fix and service pack levels for the Mod Level of the release. PowerVM NovaLink uses the Debian method of delivering fixes via a fix repository.
See the Knowledge Center for more information. Errata for service fixes will be posted to Fix Central.