If /export or /export/nim are to be independent file systems, preferably outside the rootvg, then they should be created before configuring the NIM master.

To create a NIM master via the command line, use the nimconfig command. At least the following three attributes must be specified:

pif_name   – Name of the primary interface, e.g. en0
netname    – Name of the network NIM object to be created (typically the type is ent for Ethernet)
cable_type – The cable type used (bnc, dix, N/A)

The attributes with associated values ​​must be specified using the “-a” option:

aixnim # nimconfig -a pif_name=en0 -a netname=net_10_222_16_0 -a cable_type=N/A
0513-071 The nimesis Subsystem has been added.
0513-071 The nimd Subsystem has been added.
0513-059 The nimesis Subsystem has been started. Subsystem PID is 11010420.
aixnim # 

Note: Our NIM master has the name aixnim and the IP address 10.222.16.154 (netmask: 255.255.255.0, default gateway: 10.222.16.1).

If you want a more detailed output, you should also use the option “-v” (verbose):

aixnim # nimconfig -a pif_name=en0 -a netname=net_10_222_16_0 -a cable_type=N/A -v

Checking input attributes.
attr_ass:
        'cpuid' => '00DC1B125C00'
        'pif_name' => 'en0'
        'netname' => 'net_10_222_16_0'
        'cable_type' => 'N/A'
        'net_addr' => '10.222.16.154'
        'snm' => '255.255.255.0'
        'adpt_addr' => '86FC99F46A15'
        'adpt_name' => 'ent0'
Making sure the NIM Master package is OK.
Built NIM infomation file.
      10.222.16.154 is known as aixnim
Adding default route 10.222.16.1 to network object
         0 - /usr/lpp/bos.sysmgt/nim/methods/m_mknet
         1 - -anet_addr=10.222.16.154
         2 - -asnm=255.255.255.0
         3 - -tent
         4 - -arouting1=default 10.222.16.1
         5 - net_10_222_16_0
Connecting NIM master to master network.
         0 - /usr/lpp/bos.sysmgt/nim/methods/m_chmaster
         1 - -aif1=net_10_222_16_0 aixnim 86FC99F46A15
         2 - -amaster_port=1058
         3 - -aregistration_port=1059
         4 - -acable_type1=N/A
         5 - master
Adding NIM deamons to SRC and starting....
0513-071 The nimesis Subsystem has been added.
0513-071 The nimd Subsystem has been added.
0513-059 The nimesis Subsystem has been started. Subsystem PID is 11075904.
aixnim # 

The specified attributes are checked and added. Then the file /etc/niminfo is created:

aixnim $ cat /etc/niminfo
# nimconfig
export NIM_NAME=master
export NIM_CONFIGURATION=master
export NIM_MASTER_PORT=1058
export NIM_REGISTRATION_PORT=1059
export NIM_MASTER_HOSTNAME=aixnim
aixnim $

Next, some NIM objects are created:

aixnim # lsnim
master             machines        master
boot               resources       boot
nim_script         resources       nim_script
certificate        resources       certificate
net_10_222_16_0    networks        ent
aixnim # 

The automatic start of the NIM services is added to /etc/inittab:

aixnim # lsitab nim
nim:2:wait:/usr/bin/startsrc -g nim >/dev/console 2>&1
aixnim # 

and these are started:

aixnim $ lssrc -g nim
Subsystem         Group            PID          Status
 nimesis          nim              11075904     active
aixnim $

The NIM master is now basically ready for use.