Managing and Developing Dynamically Loadable Kernel Modules

Managing Dynamically Loadable Kernel Modules

Chapter 12 493

Managing Dynamically Loadable Kernel

Modules

This section describes the conﬁguration and management of DLKMs. It

focuses on loadable device drivers, because they constitute the majority

of supported module types for HP-UX release 11.0 and later releases. It

covers the following three topics:

DLKM Concepts Introduces DLKM, deﬁnes important terms, and

explains detailed technical concepts.

DLKM Tools Provides a summary of tools, collectively known as the

Kernel Conﬁguration Tool Set, which are used when

installing, conﬁguring, and managing DLKMs.

DLKM Procedures Presents the key procedures used in the preparation,

loading, and maintenance of DLKMs.

NOTE The base set of drivers shipped with HP-UX release 11i is not DLKM

enabled. However, many ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) are

coding DLKM enabled drivers for their hardware.

Check the documentation that shipped with any third party drivers you

have to determine if they are DLKM enabled.

DLKM Concepts

This conceptual overview of DLKM features and functionality covers the

following:

❏ Deﬁnes DLKM at a high level

❏ Explains terms and concepts essential to understanding DLKM

❏ Describes how DLKMs are packaged in HP-UX

❏ Identiﬁes the types of kernel modules currently supported by DLKM

❏ Describes the advantages of writing kernel modules in DLKM format

❏ Explains the concepts of loading, unloading, and conﬁguring drivers