Automatic Configuration of Devices

The kernel consists of a small generic core with a platform-specific component and a set of modules. A kernel module is a software component that performs a specific task on the system. A device driver that is loaded when the device is accessed is an example of a loadable kernel module.

The following table lists the contents of kernel modules.

Table 1-1  Description of Solaris Kernel Modules

Location Directory Contents /platform/arch/kernel where arch is the information that is displayed by the uname -m command. Platform-specific kernel components /kernel Kernel components common to all platforms that are needed for booting the system /usr/kernel Kernel components common to all platforms within a particular instruction set

The system determines what devices are attached to it at boot time. Then, the kernel configures itself dynamically, loading needed modules into memory. At this time, device drivers are loaded when devices, such as disk devices and tape devices, are accessed. This process is called autoconfiguration where all kernel modules are loaded automatically when they are needed.

Autconfiguration provides the following benefits:

• Main memory is used more efficiently because modules are loaded when needed.

• Kernel reconfiguration is unnecessary when new devices are added to the system.

• You can load and test drivers without having to rebuild the kernel.

• You can add a new device and its driver without having to perform a reconfiguration boot afterwards.

You can add, remove, or replace devices in Oracle Solaris OS while the system is still running, provided that the system components support hot-plugging. For information about hot-plugging devices, see Chapter 2, Dynamically Configuring Devices.

You can also customize the way in which kernel modules are loaded by modifying the /etc/system file. For instructions on modifying this file, see system(4).

Installing Unsupported Devices

Oracle Solaris includes all the device drivers necessary to support a wide range of standard devices. These drivers can be found in the /kernel/drv and /platform/`uname -m`/kernel/drv directories.

However, for an unsupported device, the manufacturer should provide the necessary software to properly install, maintain, and administer the device. At a minimum, this software consists of the following:

• Device driver

• Associated configuration file that will reside in the /kernel/drv directories

• Necessary custom maintenance and administrative utilities, in case the device is incompatible with Oracle Solaris utilities

For more information about what you need for unsupported devices, contact your device manufacturer.