Managing Systems and Workgroups: A Guide for HP-UX System Administrators

Configuring a System
Reconfiguring the Kernel (Prior to HP-UX 11i Version 2)
Chapter 3 293
NOTE See the master (4) manpage for descriptions of the two kinds of master
files, and the config (1M) manpage for a descriptions of the traditional
and modular system files.
Kernel modules written as traditional modules are still fully supported
in HP-UX. Driver developers are encouraged to re-package their static
modules according to the module packaging architecture introduced with
DLKM modules.
DLKM Module Types The DLKM feature currently supports the
following types of kernel modules:
• WSIO class drivers
• WSIO interface drivers
• STREAMS drivers
• STREAMS modules
• Miscellaneous modules—for example, modules containing support
functions not required in the statically configured kernel but shared
among multiple loadable modules
DLKM Advantages DLKM modules provide many advantages relative
to static modules, including:
• reducing time spent on device driver development by streamlining
the driver installation process
• making it easier for administrators to install device drivers from
other vendors
• improving system availability by allowing device drivers and other
modules to be configured into the kernel while the system is running
• conserving system resources by unloading infrequently used modules
when not in use
• providing administrators with the ability to demand load and unload
modules
• providing the kernel with the ability to automatically load modules