Planning for the Virtual I/O Server

Use this topic to help gain an understanding of what to consider when you plan for the Virtual I/O Server.

Specifications required to create the Virtual I/O Server
You can define the range of configuration possibilities, including the minimum number of resources that are needed and the maximum number of resources that are allowed to create the Virtual I/O Server (VIOS).
Limitations and restrictions of the Virtual I/O Server configuration
Learn about Virtual I/O Server (VIOS) configuration limitations.
Capacity planning
This topic includes capacity-planning considerations for the Virtual I/O Server, including information about hardware resources and limitations.
Configuration requirements for shared memory
Review the requirements for the system, Virtual I/O Server (VIOS), logical partitions, and paging space devices so that you can successfully configure shared memory.
Redundancy considerations
Redundancy options are available at several levels in the virtual I/O environment. Multipathing, mirroring, and RAID redundancy options exist for the Virtual I/O Server and some client logical partitions. Ethernet Link Aggregation (also called Etherchannel) is also an option for the client logical partitions, and the Virtual I/O Server provides Shared Ethernet Adapter failover. There is also support for node failover (PowerHA® SystemMirror®) for nodes that use virtual I/O resources.
Security considerations
Review the security considerations for virtual Small Computer Serial Interface (SCSI), virtual Ethernet, and Shared Ethernet Adapter and the additional security options available.
Limitations and restrictions for IBM i client logical partitions
With Virtual I/O Server, you can install IBM® i in a client logical partition on POWER8® or POWER9™ systems. IBM i client logical partitions have unique system and storage requirements and considerations.

Parent topic: Virtual I/O Server

Last updated: Fri, May 03, 2024