Kernel Configuration Part XVII

Kernel Configuration - Part XVII

I’ll admit today to having run up against a wall. As you know, we’ve been
walking through the kernel configuration elements for the past few weeks. We’ve
been giving some discussion not only to whether or not you should configure
these elements into your custom kernel, but to the underlying process as well.
Today, the latter’s got me stumped.

We’re talking today about Fusion MPT devices. This is an element that I’ve never

paid much attention to. Nor have I, prior to today, given any time to
researching just exactly what the Fusion MPT device support does. I’ve always
just left my kernel configuration at this default - “No Fusion MPT device
support.” Even though the vast majority of kernel recompiles I’ve done have
worked just fine with this default, I wanted some information on the process to
pass along to you.

Four hours of searching later, I’ve hit the proverbial wall. Apparently, Fusion
MPT support is for “message passing technology,” and require sSCSI hardware
devices to work. Beyond that thumbnail sketch, I still have no clue as to its
purpose. Well, I have a clue, but nothing strong enough to pass along to you as
fact.

Tomorrow, we’ll look at I2O device support.