How to install ODM definitions on IBM AIX for EMC Symmetrix

Summary: How to install ODM definitions on IBM AIX for EMC Symmetrix

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Symptoms

What ODM definitions are required for IBM AIX for EMC Symmetrix?
How to install AIX ODM definitions.

Lsdev Cc disk
hdisk2 Available 05-00-01 MPIO Other FC SCSI Disk Drive

Powermt display dev=all
Returns nothing

Cause

None

Resolution

Download the most recent version of the ODM's file.  

Install the ODMs:  

  1. Log in to the AIX server as "root."
     
  2. Copy the EMC.AIX.5.3.0.3 file into the "/usr/sys/inst.images" directory.
     
  3. Invoke smit installp.
     
  4. Select option: Install and Update from the LATEST Available Software.
     
  5. Use the List function to select the "/usr/sys/inst.images" as Installation directory.
     
  6. Use the List function to select one or more of the following:
     
    EMC Symmetrix FCP Support Software; IBM Fibre Channel driver support (Supports PowerPath).
    EMC Symmetrix AIX Support Software; Standard utility support
    EMC Symmetrix FCP MPIO Support Software; IBM default PCM MPIO support.
    EMC Symmetrix AIX Support Software; Standard utility support
     
    For standard Symmetrix with PowerPath, the following ODM definitions, and ONLY these definitions, are required:
     
    EMC Symmetrix FCP Support Software; IBM Fibre Channel driver support (Supports PowerPath).
    EMC Symmetrix AIX Support Software; Standard utility support.
     
    For standard Symmetrix with MPIO, the following ODM definitions, and ONLY these definitions, are required:
     
    EMC Symmetrix FCP MPIO Support Software; IBM default PCM MPIO support.
    EMC Symmetrix AIX Support Software; Standard utility support
     
  7. Once the appropriate ODM fileset is installed, confirm by running lslpp L | grep EMC.
    With PowerPath, it shows:
      
    EMC.Symmetrix.aix.rte  5.3.0.3   C   F    EMC Symmetrix AIX Support Software
    EMC.Symmetrix.fcp.rte  5.3.0.3   C   F    EMC Symmetrix FCP Support Software
     
    With MPIO, It shows:
    EMC.Symmetrix.aix.rte       5.3.0.3   C   F    EMC Symmetrix AIX Support Software
    EMC.Symmetrix.fcp.MPIO.rte  5.3.0.3   C   F    EMC Symmetrix FCP MPIO Support Software
     
    If the ODM packages DO NOT show C, then, in rare cases, a reboot of the host is required.
     
  8. Run cfgmgr to rescan the devices.
     
    Confirm with the lsdev Cc disk command that the devices are now showing the proper information.
     
    With PowerPath, it shows:
    hdisk2 Available 0F-00-01     EMC Symmetrix FCP RAID 5 Disk
     
    With MPIO, it shows:
    hdisk2 Available 03-08-02     EMC Symmetrix FCP MPIO RAID 5 Disk

Additional Information

For PowerPath or IBM MPIO to control Symmetrix devices, ODM definitions must be installed on the AIX host to recognize the devices properly. 

The ODM definitions can be downloaded from Dell Support. 

Home > Support > Software Downloads and Licensing > Downloads A-B > AIX ODM Definitions. 

They can also be obtained from the FTP site: ftp://ftp.emc.com/pub/elab/aix/ODM_DEFINITIONS/

For instructions on CLARiiON ODM definitions, see KB article 103373: How to install ODMs for multipathing on IBM AIX with EMC CLARiiON?

Affected Products

PowerPath for AIX

Products

PowerPath, PowerPath for AIX
Article Properties
Article Number: 000068498
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 17 Oct 2025
Version:  5
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