This topic discusses an overview of the IXA installation.
Unlike the Integrated xSeries® Server, the Integrated xSeries Adapter appears to the iSeries™ as a separate expansion tower. Most models of xSeries have their own diskette drive and optical drive, and can attach a tape drive. There are bays for disk drives but the server should be ordered without disk drives or disk controllers because these must be removed before connecting an xSeries to an iSeries using the Integrated xSeries Adapter. Integrated servers use virtual disk drives as well as virtual optical and tape drives. Most xSeries servers come with a diskette drive so there should be no need to connect a USB diskette drive to the server in order to install the Linux® drivers.
Once an Integrated xSeries Adapter-attached xSeries is cabled into the iSeries HSL (high-speed link) loop and SPCN (system power control network) network, the xSeries should not be turned on or off using the power button on its front panel. In this case, power is controlled by iSeries, and the server can be turned on or off from iSeries Navigator or a green screen session.
In comparison with the Integrated xSeries Server, there is a larger degree of complexity in preparing an Integrated xSeries Adapter-attached xSeries server for installation of the Linux or Windows® operating system because there are several components involved: