I/O devices

This topic discusses the different types of I/O devices used on your managed system, and how the I/O devices are added to logical partitions.

I/O devices allow your managed system to gather, store, and transmit data. I/O devices are found in the server unit itself and in expansion units and towers that are attached to the server. I/O devices can be embedded into the unit, or they can be installed into physical slots.

Not all types of I/O devices are supported for all operating systems or on all server models. For example, I/O processors (IOPs) are supported only on i5/OS^® logical partitions. Also, Switch Network Interface (SNI) adapters are supported only on certain server models, and are not supported for i5/OS logical partitions.

• I/O pools for i5/OS logical partitions
  This information discusses how I/O pools must be used to switch I/O adapters (IOAs) between i5/OS logical partitions that support switchable independent auxiliary storage pools (IASPs).
• IOPs for i5/OS logical partitions
  This information discusses the purpose of IOPs and how you can switch IOPs and IOAs dynamically between i5/OS logical partitions.
• IOAs for i5/OS logical partitions
  This information discusses some of the types of IOAs that are used to control devices in i5/OS logical partitions and the placement rules that you must follow when installing these devices in your servers and expansion units.