Getting I/O adapter and device firmware fixes through AIX or Linux

Learn how to get I/O adapter and device firmware fixes through AIX^® or Linux^®.

The I/O adapter and device firmware is the part of the Licensed Internal Code that enables hardware, such as Ethernet PCI adapters or disk drives.

If you do not use an HMC to manage your server, you must get your fixes through your operating system. In this situation, you can get I/O adapter and device firmware fixes through the operating system regardless of whether your operating system is AIX or Linux, In this situation, you can get I/O adapter and device firmware fixes through your operating system regardless of whether your operating system is AIX or Linux.

Do you have AIX and use an HMC, or an IBM^® eServer™ p5 or System p5™ that is managed by an HMC?
- No: Continue with the next step.
- Yes: You will need to apply I/O adapter and device firmware fixes through the HMC. Refer to one of the following procedures depending on whether you have an Internet connection:
  - Getting I/O adapter and device firmware fixes through an HMC with an Internet connection (AIX only)
  - Getting I/O adapter and device firmware fixes through an HMC using CD or an FTP server (AIX only)
From a computer or server with an Internet connection, go to the Fix Central Web site at http://www.ibm.com/eserver/support/fixes/.
Select the appropriate family in the Product family list.
Select Hardware microcode and firmware in the Product list.
Click Continue.
From the Microcode downloads Web site, choose from the following options:
- If there are tabs at the top of the page, continue with step 7.
- If there is a drop-down list at the top of the page, continue with step 8.
Perform the following steps:
1. Select Adapter, Other, or DASD (at the top of the screen) depending on the type of adapter or device for which you want to get a fix.
2. In the Model column, find the adapter or device for which you want to download and install a fix.
3. In the associated Download column, click Description and read the instructions for downloading and installing the I/O adapter and device firmware fix to your system.
4. In the associated Download column, click Description and read the instructions for downloading the I/O adapter and device firmware fix to your server or computer.
Perform the following steps:
1. Select your machine type and model from the drop-down list. An information window is displayed.
2. Click Continue. The available firmware levels are displayed.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the I/O adapter and device firmware fix to your system.