Learn about choosing your connection method.
One of your first tasks is to specify if you want the electronic connection
to service and support to be set up and how you will connect. This connection
can be through your
HMC or,
in some cases, through a pass-through system, such as another
HMC or
a logical partition on your server. When deciding which type of connection
to use, consider the following:
- Fix strategy
- The connection type that you select here also dictates how you will install
your fixes. For example, if you choose to connect to service and support through
your HMC, you will install
server firmware (Licensed Internal Code) fixes through your HMC.
For AIX® and Linux® logical
partitions, you will also receive operating system fixes through the HMC. You will then have to make
those fixes available to the logical partition or partitions that are running
that operating system.
For i5/OS® logical
partitions, you can use the usual i5/OS PTF
installation functions for installing fixes rather than using the HMC. For more information about i5/OS fixes, see Maintain and manage i5/OS and related software.
- Speed
- Different connection types offer different rates of data transfer. If
you choose to receive data through your electronic connection, try to select
the fastest method of sending and receiving data that you have available to
you.
- Location
- The location of the connection is another important factor in your decision.
A local connection is preferred to a remote connection. However, you should
consider speed and locale together when you make your selection.