Installation devices and media

These devices can be used to install the IBM® i release.

Types of software installation devices provides an overview of the devices available and their naming conventions.

Optical media
This topic includes tips for using optical devices and optical media to install an IBM i release, install PTFs (fixes), or install single licensed programs.
Tape or tape libraries
This topic includes IBM i requirements for tape devices or tape libraries.
Non-IBM tape device
This topic provides recommendations for non-IBM tape device use during an IBM i upgrade.
Virtual optical storage using the Network File System
The virtual optical device support of IBM i provides a method for using virtual optical images from a single image source that can be shared with other systems in a network.
Image catalog for a virtual device
You can use either an optical image catalog or a tape image catalog to perform an IBM i software upgrade, install PTFs (fixes), or install single licensed programs.
Using an alternate installation device
You can learn how to set up, disable, verify, and select an alternate installation device.

Parent topic: IBM i software reference