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Assigning a Host Ethernet Adapter port to a logical partition

Use the Integrated Virtualization Manager to assign a Host Ethernet Adapter (or Integrated Virtual Ethernet) port to a logical partition so that the logical partition can directly access the external network.

Before you start, ensure that the Integrated Virtualization Manager is at version 1.5 or later. To update the Integrated Virtualization Manager, see Viewing and updating the code level of the Integrated Virtualization Manager management partition.

A Host Ethernet Adapter is a physical Ethernet adapter that is integrated directly into the GX+ bus on a managed system. Host Ethernet Adapters offer high throughput, low latency, and virtualization support for Ethernet connections.

Unlike most other types of I/O devices, you can never assign the Host Ethernet Adapter itself to a logical partition. Instead, multiple logical partitions can connect directly to the Host Ethernet Adapter and use the Host Ethernet Adapter resources. This allows these logical partitions to access external networks through the Host Ethernet Adapter without having to go through an Ethernet bridge on another logical partition.

Note: You cannot assign a Host Ethernet Adapter port to an IBM® i partition. You must configure a virtual Ethernet bridge for an IBM i partition.

To assign a Host Ethernet Adapter port to a logical partition, complete the following steps:

From the I/O Adapter Management menu, click View/Modify Host Ethernet Adapters.
Select a port with at least one available connection and click Properties.
Select the Connected Partitions tab.
Select the logical partition that you want to assign to the Host Ethernet Adapter port and click OK. If you want to remove a partition assignment, deselect the logical partition and click OK.

You also can use the Performance area of the General tab to adjust the settings for the selected Host Ethernet Adapter port. You can view and modify the speed, maximum transmission unit, and other settings for the selected port.

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Last updated: Tue, January 28, 2014