IBM General Parallel File System for AIX: Administration and Programming Reference

Requirements for administering a GPFS file system

When issuing GPFS commands, the hostname or IP address used for a node must refer to the adapter port over which the GPFS daemons communicate. Alias interfaces are not allowed. Use the original address or a name that is resolved by the host command to that original address. You may specify a node using any of these forms:

Format	Example
Short hostname	k145n01
Long hostname	k145n01.kgn.ibm.com
IP address	9.119.19.102

Before administering your GPFS file system, insure your system has been properly configured:

• Root authority is required to perform all GPFS administration tasks except those with a function limited to listing GPFS operating characteristics or modifying individual user file attributes.
• GPFS may not be used for any file system required by AIX to be in rootvg.
• In an HACMP environment, the authentication method between nodes in the GPFS cluster must be established before the mmcrcluster command is issued (see the High Availability Cluster Mulit-Processing for AIX: Administration Guide:
  1. When using rcp and rsh for remote communication, a properly configured /.rhosts file must exist in the root user's home directory on each node in the GPFS cluster.
  2. If you have designated the use of a different remote communication program on either the mmcrcluster or the mmchcluster command, you must insure:
     1. Proper authorization is granted to all nodes in the GPFS cluster.
     2. The nodes in the GPFS cluster can communicate without the use of a password.
• In an SP environment
  1. Verify the authentication method set for SP security services:
     1. If your authentication method is set to compatibility, Kerberos authentication is required. Issue the k4init command.
     2. If your authentication method is set to DCE, dce_login authentication is required.
     3. If your authentication method is set to NONE/std, there must be an entry in the /etc/sysctl.mmcmd.acl file on every node in the nodeset for the root user at every other node in the nodeset.

     For further information, see the latest IBM Parallel System Support Programs for AIX: Administration Guide, IBM Parallel System Support Programs for AIX: Command and Technical Reference, and RS/6000: Planning Volume 2, Control Workstation and Software Environment manuals at www.rs6000.ibm.com/resource/aix_resource/sp_books/pssp. Search for information on sysctl.

  2. If you are performing GPFS administration tasks from the CWS on a multi-partitioned system, the SP_NAME environment variable must be properly set. It is suggested that you use separate window for each partition, setting the environment variable accordingly. For further information, see the IBM Parallel System Support Programs for AIX: Administration Guide and search for understanding system partitioning.
  3. Most GPFS administration tasks can also be performed using SMIT menus. Whenever you want to perform one of these tasks using SMIT, you can begin by invoking SMIT and selecting Applications>GPFS Administration, or by entering:

     smit gpfs
     

     Figure 1. SMIT GPFS Administration Menu
     
     View figure.