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ISOSTICK on AIX

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#1 xaminmo

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Posted 07 September 2012 - 01:11 AM

ENVIRONMENT:
Platform: AIX 6.1.6 (VIO Server 2.2.1.4 FP25-SP02) on a POWER7 p770 model 9117-MMB
(I know AIX isn't *really* at target platform, but I thought I'd bring it up.)

PROBLEM:
I can't mount /dev/cd1 (the isostick virtual CD device) from AIX.
I haven't tried on r1612, but I think it's a presentation or protocol issue.

I know that AIX and some firmwares can boot from USB CD/DVD.
The IBM Bladecenter media tray contains a Cypress AT2 (USB2-ATA bridge) and a laptop style DVD-RAM.
Some firmware updates were required to handle timing issues in some chip revision (CY7C68300C).

IBM uses NEC's USB2 controller for the root device/hub.
Belkin F5U219 PCI is the exact device they re-label for their add-in card (vs the system port).

ACTION PLAN:
I still need to perform better problem isolation.
I have consistent access to a POWER5 p505 model 9115-505 that I will test the following:
* AIX 5.3.12.5 (last service pack)
* AIX 6.1.7.4 (latest service pack)
* AIX 7.1.1.5 (latest service pack)
* virtual CD access
* mass storage device access
* Physical DVD on USB to ATA bridge

Based on these results, we should be able to determine whether it's an AIX issue or an ISO-Stick compatibility issue (or maybe just an emulation issue because they ignore all but devices X, Y and Z).

As I progress, I'll update here.

If it's proved working, I'll post to http://reboot.pro/17393/

If it's proved broken, I'll email to Customer Support <support@elegantinvention.com>
* I may be able to ship you a p505 (1U rack mount server). Not sure the actual shipping cost though.
* I may be able to allow you access to one on our network (assuming you can go into firmware load mode without using the button).
* I may be able to perform builds and test here, time permitting (slow), and with or without an NDA as necessary.

#2 elegantinvention

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Posted 07 September 2012 - 01:17 AM

Thanks for the detailed report, looking forward to your findings. :cheers:

#3 xaminmo

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Posted 02 October 2012 - 03:09 PM

POWER5 p505 firmware, latest version, has no provision to boot from USB.
AIX 5.3, 6.1 and 7.1 support USB mass storage and USB optical.
Front USB port, ISOSTICK shows up to AIX as a USB CD.
Read from the device fails.





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