Identifying the coupling facility

The coupling facility is identified to CFRM in two ways. First, each coupling facility has a unique 32-byte identifier that consists of a set of discrete variables, such as machine type, manufacturer, plant where manufactured, sequence number, CPC identifier, and configuration code. The values for each of these variables in the unique identifier are displayed on the hardware console when you first define the coupling facility LPAR and the system loads the coupling facility control code. You use these values when defining the coupling facility in a CFRM policy.

Note: This coupling facility identifier in the CFRM policy must be kept consistent with the current configuration. Whenever changes that affect coupling facilities are made to the configuration, the CFRM policy must be inspected to make sure the coupling facility identifiers are correct.

Second, each coupling facility has a logical name — an eight-character name that you assign. It is this shorter, more usable coupling facility name that you use on interfaces with the coupling facility, for operator commands and recovery procedures, for example. The logical name and the unique worldwide identifier are paired in the definition of each coupling facility in a CFRM policy.

PR/SM™ Planning Guide describes the coupling facility and provides the information required for its installation and operation.