User`s guide

358 XgOS User’s Guide • September 2014
Overview
Oracle distributes two types of host driver RPMs—binary and source. Binary RPMs
are compiled for a specific kernel and system architecture. Source RPMs contain the
source code for building the binary package. Oracle host drivers are kernel modules.
Since it is impossible for Oracle to directly support every version of Linux
distribution (kernel and architecture), Oracle provides its hostdrivers as source
RPMs. You compile these kernel modules against specific kernel distributions then
install them as binary RPMs.
Compatibility
The source RPM has been compiled and tested with the following base Linux
distributions or base kernels:
■ Redhat Enterprise Linux 4, Update 8
■ Redhat Enterprise Linux 5, Update 0 and later
■ Redhat Enterprise Linux 6, Update 1 and later
■ Generic kernels starting at 2.6.11 thru 2.6.18
Optionally, Oracle has tested and shown compatibility with updated InfiniBand (IB)
drivers based on OpenFabrics Enterprise Distribution (OFED)-1.1, and OFED-1.2.X.
Oracle has tested its drivers against x86 and x86_64 architectures only.
Oracle is constantly updating its compatibility matrix to follow Open Fabrics,
Kernel.org, and various Linux distributions. If you need support for a platform or
distribution that is not one of the listed kernels or architectures, please contact your
sales or support engineer for further information.
For the latest OFED release and install information, go to
http://www.openfabrics.org
Prerequisites
In addition to selecting a compatible base kernel, other requirements must be met.
You should understand the origin of each of the following requirements. Some of the
requirements include a base C compiler, base C Library (libc), kernel development