Installing and Managing HP-UX Virtual Partitions (includes A.03.03)

Introduction
What Is vPars?
Chapter 1
17
What Is vPars?
The vPars (Virtual Partitions) product allows you to run multiple instances of HP-UX simultaneously on one
hard partition by dividing the hard partition further into virtual partitions. Each virtual partition is
assigned its own subset of hardware, runs a separate instance of HP-UX, and hosts its own set of applications.
Because each HP-UX instance is isolated from all other instances, vPars provides application and OS
(Operating System) fault isolation. Each instance of HP-UX can have different patches and have a different
kernel.
Figure 1-1 vPars Conceptual Diagram
NOTE Definitions
In this document, we have redefined the terms virtual partitions, nPartitions, and hard
partitions:
A complex is the entire partitionable server, including both cabinets, all cells, IO chassis,
cables, and power and utility components.
A cabinet is the Superdome’s hardware "box", which contains the cells, Guardian Service
Processor (GSP), internal IO chassis, IO fans, cabinet fans, and power supplies. A complex has
up to two cabinets.
Virtual Partition 2
Virtual Partition N
Hardware: subset
OS: HP-UX 11i or later
Patch Level: B
Applications: app2
Hardware: subset
OS: HP-UX 11i or later
Patch Level: A
Applications: app3
...
Virtual Partition 1
Hardware: subset
OS: HP-UX 11i or later
Patch Level: A
Applications: app1, app2
One Hard Partition