Installing AIX 7.1 on an IBM Power Systems server involves using either a bootable media (DVD/ISO) or network installation via NIM (Network Installation Manager). Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare Installation Media

1. Obtain AIX 7.1 installation media (ISO or DVD) from IBM.
2. Ensure the IBM Power server is supported and connected to HMC if virtual partitions will be used.
3. For physical installations:
   • Burn the ISO to a DVD, or
   • Make it accessible via a network server (NIM).

Step 2: Boot the Server

1. Insert the installation DVD or mount the ISO via HMC virtual media.
2. Reboot the server.
3. At the SMS menu (System Management Services):
   • Select Boot from DVD/CD or Virtual Optical Media.
4. If using LPARs, ensure the LPAR profile is configured with sufficient memory, CPU, and virtual devices.

Step 3: Start the AIX Installer

• The AIX installer will boot into text-based or GUI installation.
• For headless servers, text mode is used.

Step 4: Configure Language and Keyboard

1. Select language for installation messages.
2. Choose keyboard layout.

Step 5: Partition the Disk

1. Choose Automatic or Custom Disk Layout:
   • Automatic: AIX creates standard filesystems (/, /usr, /var, /home, /tmp) automatically.
   • Custom: Define JFS2 or JFS filesystems manually.
2. For performance and reliability, JFS2 is recommended.

Step 6: Configure Network

1. Assign a hostname, IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS.
2. You can use DHCP for automatic configuration.
3. Configure network interfaces if multiple NICs exist.

Step 7: Set Root Password

• Provide a strong root password.
• Create additional administrative users if necessary.

Step 8: Select Software Installation Options

• You can install:
  • Base Operating System
  • Optional software packages (e.g., NFS, security tools, development tools)
• Use default installation if unsure.

Step 9: Begin Installation

• Confirm all configuration settings.
• The installer will:
  • Partition disks
  • Install AIX base OS
  • Configure network and users
  • Apply system settings

Step 10: Reboot and Post-Installation

1. After installation completes, the system will reboot.
2. Log in as root.
3. Verify installation:

oslevel -s       # Shows AIX version and service pack
lslpp -L         # List installed packages

4. Apply any patches or updates using smitty update_all or smitty install_latest.

Step 11: Optional Configurations

• Create LPARs or configure virtual I/O if using PowerVM.
• Install middleware (Oracle, DB2, WebSphere) as needed.
• Configure backup, monitoring, and security policies.

Summary Table

✅ In short: Boot from AIX 7.1 media → configure language, disk, network → install OS → reboot and verify → apply patches and optional configurations.