Managing and Developing Dynamically Loadable Kernel Modules

Introduction

Chapter 12492

Introduction

The DLKM (Dynamically Loadable Kernel Module) feature provides the

means to add a kernel module to a running UNIX system without

rebooting the system or rebuilding the kernel. It also makes it possible to

dynamically remove a kernel module from the UNIX system when the

module is no longer needed, thereby freeing system resources for other

use.

This chapter is divided into two sections:

❏ “Managing Dynamically Loadable Kernel Modules” on page 493,

presents the information system administrators need to understand,

conﬁgure, and manage DLKMs.

❏ “Developing Dynamically Loadable Kernel Modules” on page 525,

presents information software programmers need to develop new

DLKMs, and/or convert existing static (non-loadable) modules to the

DLKM format.