FX2 vLAB Guide - Amazon S3 · 2 LAB 2: Initial Configuration ... 3.5.2 Updating the Chassis CMC ......

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PowerEdge FX2 vLab Guide Demos.dell.com – Server Domain

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Document Version 1.1

Date: June 2015


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Table of Contents

Demonstration Labs ........................................................................................................................... 5

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 5

Preparing the Demo Environment ..................................................................................................... 5

Preparing your agenda for the demonstration ................................................................................ 8

Pre-Demo - Introducing the customer to the demo ..................................................................... 9

Set the Scene ........................................................................................................................................ 10

1 LAB 1: Basic Navigation of the FX2 CMC ....................................................................... 11

1.1 Introduction/Customer Challenge ....................................................................................... 11

1.2 Business Talking Points: ......................................................................................................... 11

1.3 Technical Selling Points: ........................................................................................................ 12

1.4 Technical Objections and Query Handling: ....................................................................... 13

1.5 Lab 1: Logging on – [Step by Step] ..................................................................................... 14

2 LAB 2: Initial Configuration ............................................................................................. 16

2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 16

2.2 Talking Points: .......................................................................................................................... 17


2.4 Technical Objections and Query Handling ........................................................................ 17

2.5 Lab 2: Initial Configuration – [Step by Step] ...................................................................... 17

3 LAB 3: Firmware Updates ................................................................................................. 19

3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 19

3.2 Talking Points: ......................................................................................................................... 20

3.3 Technical Selling Points: ...................................................................................................... 20

3.4 Technical Objections and Query Handling ....................................................................... 20

3.5 Lab 3: Firmware Updates – [Step by Step] ........................................................................ 20

3.5.1 Setup a Network Share .................................................................................................. 20

3.5.2 Updating the Chassis CMC ............................................................................................ 21

3.5.3 Updating Server BIOS/Firmware from file ................................................................... 21

3.5.4 Updating Server BIOS/Firmware from network share ..............................................23


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4 LAB 4: Chassis Power Monitoring & Configuration .................................................... 24

4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 24

4.2 Talking Points: ..........................................................................................................................25

4.3 Technical Selling Points: ........................................................................................................25

4.4 Technical Objections and Query Handling ........................................................................25

4.5 Lab 4: Chassis Power Settings – [Step by Step] ............................................................... 26

4.5.1 Check the real-time power consumption of the chassis ....................................... 26

4.5.2 Configure remote logging and redundancy ............................................................... 27

5 LAB 5: Server Profiles ....................................................................................................... 28

5.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 28

5.2 Talking Points: ......................................................................................................................... 28

5.3 Technical Selling Points: ....................................................................................................... 29

5.4 Technical Objections and Query Handling ...................................................................... 29

5.5 Lab 5: Server Profiles – [Step by Step] ............................................................................... 29

5.5.1 Save a Profile ................................................................................................................... 29

5.5.2 Apply a Profile.................................................................................................................. 30

5.5.3 Profiles for QuickDeploy ................................................................................................ 31

6 LAB 6: KVM Assignment ...................................................................................................32

6.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................32

6.2 Talking Points: ..........................................................................................................................32

6.3 Technical Selling Points: ........................................................................................................32

6.4 Technical Objections and Query Handling ........................................................................32

6.5 Lab 6: KVM Assignment – [Step by Step] ...........................................................................33

7 LAB 7: Chassis Grouping .................................................................................................. 33

7.1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................................33

7.2 Talking Points: ......................................................................................................................... 34



7.5 Lab 7: Chassis Grouping – [Step by Step] ......................................................................... 34

7.5.1 Create a new group ........................................................................................................... 34


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7.5.2 Add a member to the group ......................................................................................... 36

7.5.3 Propagate Chassis Properties ....................................................................................... 38

7.5.4 Chassis Group Firmware ................................................................................................ 41

7.5.5 Remove a Member from a group ................................................................................ 42

7.5.6 Disband the Group ......................................................................................................... 43

8 LAB 8: Networking ........................................................................................................... 44

8.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 44

8.2 Talking Points: ......................................................................................................................... 44



8.5 Lab 8: Networking with the FN IOA – [Step by Step] ..................................................... 45

8.5.1 Configure IP Settings ..................................................................................................... 45

8.5.2 Configure Untagged VLAN ........................................................................................... 46

8.5.3 Add Tagged VLANs ......................................................................................................... 49

8.5.4 Remove Tagged VLANs .................................................................................................. 51

8.5.5 Copy VLAN Settings Between FN IOAs .......................................................................53

8.5.6 Reset to All VLANs ........................................................................................................... 55

8.5.7 Rebooting FN IOAs .......................................................................................................... 57

8.5.8 Resetting FN IOAs ........................................................................................................... 58

8.5.8 Checking Port Status ..................................................................................................... 59

8.5.9 IOM Firmware Update ................................................................................................... 60

9 LAB 9: Storage and PCIe Mappings ................................................................................ 61

9.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 61

9.2 Talking Points: .......................................................................................................................... 61


9.4 Technical Objections and Query Handling ........................................................................ 61

9.5 Lab 9: Storage and PCIe Mappings – [Step by Step] ...................................................... 62

9.5.1 Dual Controller FD332 ................................................................................................... 62

9.5.2 Single Controller FD332 ................................................................................................. 67

9.5.3 PCIe Mappings ................................................................................................................ 68


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Demonstration Labs

Introduction

Overview of solution

The FX2 is a 2U rack-based converged platform that combines powerful server and storage blocks in a compact rack-based infrastructure with shared power, cooling, networking, management and IO expansion capabilities.

Overview of demo

This document provides details on “HOW” to deliver an effective live demonstration of the PowerEdge FX2 to customers.

In this demo you will perform the following tasks;

Logon to a FX2 chassis and review hardware

Review PowerEdge FX2 CMC Console basic navigation (ease of use and navigation)

Navigate how to perform a firmware updates

Investigate chassis power settings

Configure server profiles with the FX2 chassis

Review KVM assignment

Create a new group for FX2’s

Additional Notes

This demo is based on a simulator instance, which can be used both online or offline.

However due to it being a simulator of the actual PowerEdge FX2, it does not behave

dynamically and has been created in accordance to this guide specially, so any deviation

from this guide will not accurately reflect what would happen on an actual physical

PowerEdge FX2.

Preparing the Demo Environment

It is in your best interests to ensure the demo environment you will be demonstrating is clean

& tidy before you begin. For this reason we would recommend, where possible, you log in to

your demo at least 15mins prior to delivery and check the following;


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Familiarise yourself with the environment during this time and check any specific

features you are expecting to demo.

Most importantly, be crystal clear with yourself on what it is you plan to show. A full

demo of every feature described below (with questions) can take several hours. If you

only have a short time slot be sure to focus on the key points that address the

customer’s pain points and will drive value home to them.

The simulator has no time restriction and does not have to be booked. It can used on

demand.

Note that the FX2 demo is found under the Simulators tab.


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Select 13G PowerEdge FX2 and click Connect to launch the demo.

The simulator can also be downloaded for offline use when not connected to the

internet.

Use Internet Explorer for the demo as it has been noted that there may be some

issues with other browsers.


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On the demo tracking page enter the required details and click Launch to start the

demo.

Preparing your agenda for the demonstration

You should have an understanding of the customer’s anticipated business need and their

growth expectations prior to scheduling a demo. You should also tailor each demo to

illustrate the deployment, configuration and/or reconfiguration of the type of systems the

customer intends to use.

Before scheduling a demo, you must decide how you will articulate the product features,

workloads and business and technical value. Work with your customer through question and

answer sessions to decide which features and capabilities you will focus on to be most

effective.


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The idea is not to present a “How-To” session, but to focus on the value of the product

and/or solution. Even if the customer representative is not overly technical, you can

demonstrate what the product does and how that can benefit the customer.

You should have a good understanding of the customer’s current infrastructure and workloads:

o Datacenter needs o Workloads: Traditional/Hosting/Software Defined Data Centre (SDDC) o Operating Systems & Key Applications (Database types etc.) o Server, Network and Storage Platforms o Reporting/Management Tools

Understand the customer’s desired infrastructure ‘Wins’ Examples:

o Deployment automation o Ease of Management of Data center o Application requirements o Storage requirements o Data growth projections o TCO (Total cost of ownership) o ROI (Return of investment) o …add relevant areas of interest to the customer or based on the demo solution

Pre-Demo - Introducing the customer to the demo

Your introduction will be based on what you know of the customer, their infrastructure,

needs, and plans for development. The following is a suggested set of items to cover before

you demonstrate the features and benefits of the PowerEdge FX2.

Understand Customer’s Desired infrastructure ‘Wins’

o Simplified remote management/lifecycle management o Flexible and quiet operations o Reduce Cost of Management o Reduce total cost of ownership (TCO) o …add relevant areas of interest to the customer or based on the demo solution


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Review Assessment data

o Discuss customer’s requirements o Workload requirements o Application and Storage/Networking requirements o Demonstrate understanding of customer’s business as it relates to their data

requirements o …add relevant areas of interest to the customer or based on the demo solution

PowerEdge FX2 Overview

o Explain the key features and benefits of the PowerEdge FX2 Solution o Give an overview of deployment options o Discuss Dell’s POV o Positioning - Explain what PowerEdge FX2 is NOT!

Services – Consulting, Delivery & Technical Support

o Explain the roles of Consulting, Service Delivery/Deployment & Technical Support in successful deployments of the PowerEdge FX2.

Pre-Demo points to cover

o Ensure that you understand who you are presenting to and how the benefits of the system will enable them to ‘win’ in their roles.

Set the Scene

It can be easy to forget that the customer has no idea what it is they are looking at, so take some time emphasizing the following;

o Explain that the purpose is to demonstrate the benefits and key features, not to

provide a “How To” session

o Explain that the demo is a simulator of physical hardware to provide a demonstration

of the features and capabilities that will be covered

o Set up and current configuration information

o Connectivity methods that you will be using (HTTP)

o Introduce the management interfaces you plan to use (PowerEdge FX2 CMC)

Are there any short videos for the FX2?

Yes, we have several available on Dell’s YouTube channel (Dell or QRLDell).

Dell PowerEdge FX Architecture

PowerEdge FN IO Aggregator

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiiErKNtIhU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiiErKNtIhU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7VeCSoQ_8A


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Endless Possibilities – PowerEdge FX2

Dell PowerEdge FX Architecture

PowerEdge FX Architecture Redefining the Converged Data Centre

Dell QR Code – Removal of Chassis components – Playlist of 13 individual videos

1 LAB 1: Basic Navigation of the FX2 CMC

1.1 Introduction/Customer Challenge

This demonstration is primarily aimed at the CIO/CFO level and IT management staff, it also provides a useful quick introduction for staff who are not familiar with PowerEdge FX2. Provisioning any production IT infrastructure from bare-metal to fully-functional infrastructure is a complex task that typically requires a high-level technical resource operating full-time for an extended period of time. This is a technical demo (but not a technically-detailed installation) that illustrates how the PowerEdge FX2 can significantly reduce the workload on this type of technical IT resource. The demo is compelling in terms of demonstrating the productivity and management benefits of the PowerEdge FX2. You can, and should, give this level of demo in 5 to 10 minutes. You want the customer to think “Whow that was easy”! If you frame the discussion correctly during the demo, you will get the desired reaction.

In this lab you will be performing the following tasks:

Setting the scene for the customer

Logon to the PowerEdge FX2 CMC

Navigate around the chassis

1.2 Business Talking Points:

Explain the current system configuration in terms of:

o Chassis Configuration

o Remote Console features

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIbrSeWVUFM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIbrSeWVUFM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J66U8mnhUHw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eholpisLkgg

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-EUKvgNFTc3WuIWA19m267SxJl9YSvwc


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It may have been some time since the customer was introduced to the CMC so use this overview of the system as an opportunity to refresh the customer on the most relevant points of the CMC.

PowerEdge FX Chassis Management Controller provides a single pane of glass to manage your FX, server and components.

1.3 Technical Selling Points:

Ease of use is the key point here with the ability to simply manage the system from a web interface.

Power may be an issue for customers within the data center. The PowerEdge FX2 can help to address some of the Power limitations by way of its Power Management features


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1.4 Technical Objections and Query Handling:

Question: What are the Networking options?

Answer: The FX2 can has 2 network slots at the back. These can house a pass-

through module or an IOA. There are 3 SKU options for the IOA:

4 x 10GbE SFP+

4 x 10GbE Base-T

2 x 10GbE SFP+ and 2 x 2/4/8G Fibre Channel Combo

All SKUs have 8 x 10GbE internal ports.

Question: What about PCI cards?

Answer: FX2s chassis support low profile cards – the same low profile cards

supported in the PowerEdge Racks. Much like the racks, the slots have 24

watt limitations.

You can install a PCIe card into the chassis without powering the chassis

down, but you will have to power down the sled associated with the PCIe

card to have it recognize and use the PCIe card.

At this time PCI slots are assigned to specific blades and cannot be re-

mapped.

Question: What behavior does the chassis exhibit if the CMC fails?

Answer: Fans will go to 100% speed and new servers will not be allowed to power

on.

Question: What happens when I plug in two network cables to the CMC when it’s in stacking mode?

Answer: Connecting the STK/Gb2 port to the management network without first

configuring for redundancy in the CMC can have unpredictable results.

Cabling Gb1 and STK/Gb2 to the same network (broadcast domain) can

cause a broadcast storm.

Gotchas:

The FX2 differs from the M1000e in that the KVM must be assigned to one of the blades and

is not used for management of the FX2 chassis. This means a web browser running on a host


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on the 192.168.0.0/24 network is required for initial setup. The default management URL of

the FX2 is: http://192.168.0.120

1.5 Lab 1: Logging on – [Step by Step]

Normally you type the CMC IP address into a web-browser (preferably Internet Explorer). As

this is a simulator the demo these details are not required as the demo starts at the login

screen.

Enter the following details when prompted:

Username: root

Password: calvin

Talking Points:

If necessary explain to the customer that the CMC is the central point of management and is a single pane of glass management console for Servers and Networking for the FX2

Security is also another good point to make here by highlighting the importance of changing the default logon from root/calvin to something more secure, or even better by creating an active directory group for security and adding users


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After you logon to the FX2 CMC a Default Password Warning screen will be presented.

Check the options:

Keep Default Password

Do not show this warning again

Click Continue to proceed.

Talking Points:

Take this opportunity to discuss security with your customer if appropriate.

Active directory can be integrated into the CMC for additional auditing and security.

All communication with the CMC is done via secure HTTP.

The KVM of the FX2 must be assigned to one of the blades and cannot be used to

manage the FX2 CMC.


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Chassis Overview

Navigate to Chassis Overview on the left hand side and select it.

Talking Points:

Call attention to the physical components Front, Rear, and internal views. Alert Status.

Hover or drill down into some of the individual components to demonstrate the level

of detail that is available.

2 LAB 2: Initial Configuration

2.1 Introduction

In this Lab you will be performing the following tasks:

Allow Network access to the CMC.

Configure QuickDeploy settings.

Set access details on the server iDRACs for server management.


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2.2 Talking Points:

This lab covers the minimum setup of an FX2 to connect it to the customer’s management

network and prepare the servers in the chassis for out-of-band management. In addition

QuickDeploy settings will be configured so that any new servers inserted into the chassis will

be automatically configured for management without needing to return to the CMC to set

them up.


Single pane of glass for setup of the chassis and all the servers installed. Also, once

QuickDeploy has been configured all new servers inserted into the chassis will be

immediately available for management without any setup.

Server profiles which change the BIOS, RAID and NIC partitioning settings can also be

configured as part of the QuickDeploy. Profiles will be covered in a later lab.

2.4 Technical Objections and Query Handling

Question: Can QuickDeploy settings be used across chassis in a group?

Answer: No. The QuickDeploy settings are only for blades within a single chassis.

QuickDeploy settings need to be configured on all chassis individually.

Gotcha’s

NOTE: In production, once the IP address of the CMC is changed the CMC network port will

need to be reconnected to the appropriate network VLAN for the IP address entered. A new

browser session will need to be opened to the new CMC management address.

2.5 Lab 2: Initial Configuration – [Step by Step]

In the Chassis Overview section select the Network Tab. In the IPv4 sub-section on the

Network page set the following attributes:

Static IP Address: 192.168.0.130

Static Netmask: 255.255.255.0

Static Gateway: 192.168.0.1


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Click Apply Changes, then click OK on the warning pop-up.

NOTE: In production if the IP address changes to a different network the CMC NIC will

have to be patched to the new network.

In the Server Overview section select the Setup tab. On the iDRAC page change the

following attributes:

Action When Server is Inserted QuickDeploy Only

Set iDRAC Root password on Server Insertion

iDRAC Root Password calvin

Confirm iDRAC Root Password calvin

Enable iDRAC LAN

Enable iDRAC IPv4

Enable iDRAC IMPI over LAN

Enable iDRAC IPv4 DHCP

Reserved QuickDeploy IP Addresses 4 IP Addresses (Click OK in the pop-up box)

Starting iDRAC IPv4 Address (Slot 1) 192.168.0.131

iDRAC IPv4 Netmask 255.255.255.0

iDRAC IPv4 Gateway 192.168.0.1

Enable iDRAC IPv6

Click Save QuickDeploy Settings

Click OK on the QuickDeploy settings pop-up.

Click OK on the Operation Successful pop-up.

In the iDRAC Network Settings sub-section click Auto-Populate Using QuickDeploy Settings


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Check the settings for SLOT-01 and SLOT-02.

Click Apply iDRAC Network Settings, then click OK on the Operation Successful pop-up.

3 LAB 3: Firmware Updates

3.1 Introduction

It is important to keep server BIOS and firmware up-to-date to enable new features and

correct and bugs found in previous versions. The FX2 CMC provides a single point of update

for all servers in the chassis and the new version of the CMC now allows multiple differing

updates to be applied at the same time.


Update the CMC firmware from a file.

Connect to a Network Share containing a repository of server updates.

Update multiple selected server components from files.

Update all server firmware from a repository share.


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3.2 Talking Points:

The CMC provides a single pane of glass for management of server updates for one or many

servers simultaneously. The new CMC can update multiple server components at the same

time. No more waiting for one update to complete before commencing another.

Updates can be done via file for selective updates or via a network share option that allows a

Dell Repository Manager to create a full update bundle for the blades and apply all available

updates at one time. Note that this option does not have the ability to update selected

components the way a file update can.


The CMC provides multiple update methods for the servers on a selected component or all

available updates basis. Since server operating systems are not controller by the CMC, the

firmware can be upgraded without impacting running servers.


Question: Is the CMC firmware the same for FX2, VRTX and M1000e.

Answer: Built off of the same code base but firmware images are unique for FX2,

M1000e and VRTX. Ensure you download the correct version from the Dell

support website: http://support.dell.com

3.5 Lab 3: Firmware Updates – [Step by Step]

3.5.1 Setup a Network Share

First connect to a Network Share in order to point the FX2 to the update file. In the Server

Overview Section select the Setup tab and go to the Network Share page.

Set the following attributes:

Protocol CIFS

IP Address or Host Name 192.168.0.110

Share Name FX2

Update Folder Updates

http://support.dell.com/


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Profile Folder Profiles

User Name FX2

Password Password01

Click Apply to save the settings.

Click OK in the Operation Successful pop-up.

Click the Test Directory button beside each directory.

Click OK on the Test Passed pop-up.

3.5.2 Updating the Chassis CMC

In the Chassis Overview section select the Update tab. There is only page on this tab,

Firmware Update.

In the CMC Firmware sub-section select the Update Targets checkbox for the cmc-active

component and click Apply CMC Update

Browse and select the file FX2-CMC-firmimg.cmc and click Open

Click Begin Firmware Update

3.5.3 Updating Server BIOS/Firmware from file

In the Server Overview section select the Update Tab. This tab only has one page Server

Component Update.


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In the Choose Update Type sub-section select Update from file.

In the Component/Device Update Type Filter sub-section select BIOS and Network I/F

Controller

Check the Update box for the BIOS and Network card firmware on both servers.

In the Component/Device Firmware Image File sub-section click Browse for the BIOS and

select BIOS_C9R7C_WN64_1.0.3.EXE

Click Browse for the Network I/F Controller and select

Network_Firmware_NF92Y_WN64_7.10.18.EXE

Select Reboot Now as the Reboot Mode and click Update

Note the warning message and do not navigate away from the page until the job has been

scheduled.


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3.5.4 Updating Server BIOS/Firmware from network share

In the Choose Update Type sub-section select Update from network share.

In the Network Share Properties sub-section click Check for Updates

The repository on the share is checked for updates and any updates available are shown in

the Component/Device Firmware Inventory sub-section. Select SLOT-01 and deselect

SLOT-02. Change the Reboot Mode to Reboot Now and click Update

Click OK on the warning pop-up.

The system will now re-check for updates and submit a job to the Lifecycle Controller to

update the server. Wait for the Status to change to

before proceeding.


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At the top of the page in the Instructions box of the Server Component Update sub-section

click the Lifecycle Controller Jobs Page link.

This will jump to the Lifecycle Controller Jobs page of the Troubleshooting tab. The Jobs

sub-section will now show the new Repository Update job for SLOT-01.

NOTE: While we can perform multiple sever updates simultaneously, it is still restricted to

servers in one FX2 chassis. In order to update servers in many FX2 chassis at the

same time use OpenManage Essentials.

4 LAB 4: Chassis Power Monitoring & Configuration

4.1 Introduction

Consumers can view real-time power consumption figures and configure power redundancy

and budget limits for each chassis. Limits can be set based on power (watts) or

heating/cooling units (BTU/h). Additionally, remote logging of power consumption can be

configured to externally record usage. The logging interval can be configured between 1

minute and 1 day.


Monitor the real-time power and energy consumption of the FX2 chassis.


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Configure a remote logging server.

Learn how to configure a power cap on the chassis.

4.2 Talking Points:

If power or cooling capabilities are limited within a DC, the FX2 can be configured to ensure

that these budgets available are not exceeded. Two hot-plug power supply types are

available, 1100W and 1600W, and these can be configured in 1+1 redundant or 2+0 non-

redundant configurations.


A new configuration type of Redundancy Alerting Only has been introduced with the FX2.

The mode provides customers with a normal runtime operation of 1+1 but gives alerts

when/if power goes above the capability of a single supply, which is expected to be very rare.

This will be the expected default for most customers. Please utilize the ESSA tool to evaluate

your customer’s configurations.

Dell’s Energy Smart Solution Advisor (ESSA) power calculator (http://dell.com/calc) provides support

for PowerEdge FX2 solutions and should be utilized as guidance in sizing the typical average power

consumption of all FX2 configurations.

Note about No Redundancy mode - in normal runtime, this option will run as 1+1 but is NOT

hard capped and can move to 2+0 as needed with no alert. In this mode the full capacity of

both PSUs is available for utilization by the FX2 chassis, and there is no assurance that a PSU

failure or input AC grid failure will not impact system operation. This mode would typically be

used for consistent extremely high performance applications


Question: If the Power Cap is exceeded can additional blades be powered on?

Answer: No additional blades cannot be powered up until the cap is raised or the

current consumption lowered e.g. by powering off another blade.

Gotcha’s

If the power cap limit is set incorrectly then servers may not be able to power up.

http://dell.com/calc


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4.5 Lab 4: Chassis Power Settings – [Step by Step]

4.5.1 Check the real-time power consumption of the chassis

In the Chassis Overview section select the Power tab.

Select the Power Monitoring page to view the real-time power and energy consumption

figures.


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4.5.2 Configure remote logging and redundancy

Select the Configuration page. This page has one sub-section, Budget/Redundancy

Configuration.

NOTE: The System Input Power Cap can be used to limit the amount of power consumed

in terms of Watts or BTU/hour. The System Input Power Bounds line shows the

minimum and maximum values for the current chassis configuration.

First click Remote SysLog Configuration

The page will change to the Services page of the Network tab. In the Remote Syslog

Configuration sub-section change the following attributes:

Enabled

Syslog Server 1 192.168.105.195

Click Apply to save the changes, then click OK on the Operation Successful pop-up.

NOTE: Remote SysLog is only supported with an Enterprise CMC License.


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Return to the Configuration page of the Power tab.

Change the following attributes:

Redundancy Policy Redundancy Alerting Only

Enable Remote Power Logging

Remote Power Logging Interval (1-1440) 1 Minutes

Click Apply to save the changes, then click OK on the Operation Successful pop-up.

After 1 minute the remote syslog server can be checked for power consumption messages.

They will appear as:

Dec 17 10:09:25 CMC-5XF6Q22 psud: [chassis_power_consumption min=90 max=92 avg=90] #{0000000000}

5 LAB 5: Server Profiles

5.1 Introduction

Server profiles allow the configuration information from one server to be applied to other

servers. The information includes BIOS settings, RAID configuration and NIC setup, including

partitioning (NPAR) settings. This information is saved in an XML format and can be stored

locally on an SD card in the chassis or on a network share to allow the profiles to be applied

to servers in other FX2s. These profiles can also be setup for QuickDeploy so that they are

automatically applied to servers inserted into particular slots. Profiles will significantly speed

up the time to deployment by automatically preparing hardware for use.


Capture a server profile and save it to the network

Apply the saved profile to a different server

Setup a QuickDeploy profile to be applied to servers as they are inserted

5.2 Talking Points:

Server profiles saved from an FC630 can be deployed to other rack and blade servers, not

just to other FC630s. Any specific settings for the FC630 will be ignored if they do not apply

to the target server. Most settings in the BIOS such as processor settings, performance

profile, RAID and NIC should apply cross-hardware ok.


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Server profiles will significantly speed up deployment time. As soon a new server is inserted

into the chassis, the management IP will be set, BIOS configured, RAID setup and NIC setup.

So on initial power-up the server will be ready for O/S installation. A library of profiles can be

maintained for different configurations and these can be applied as needed to servers via the

iDRAC at any time. This does not have to be done through the CMC.


Question: What if Intel NICs are installed in a blade and a profile with Broadcom NICs is applied?

Answer: The network section of the profile will not be applied to the server, but

BIOS and RAID updates will be applied.

Gotcha’s

When applying a server profile the server will need to reboot to the lifecycle controller in

order to apply the changes.

5.5 Lab 5: Server Profiles – [Step by Step]

This lab uses the Network Share prepared in section 3.5.1

5.5.1 Save a Profile

In the Server Overview section go to the Setup tab and select the Profiles page.

Click Apply and Save Profiles and check the box for SLOT-01 and then click Save Profile

Note: The Save Profile link will not be enabled until a server is selected.

In the Stored Profiles sub-section set the following attributes:


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Profile Location: Network Share

Profile Name: FC630-01

Note: The Description field will be hidden when Network Share is selected as the location.

Click Save Profile and click OK on the Operation Successful pop-up.

When the profile has completed saving it will appear in the Stored Profiles sub-section. This

is an XML file which can be edited on the network share. Any additional XML files placed in

this folder will automatically appear in the list.

5.5.2 Apply a Profile

Check the box for server SLOT-02. The profile dropdown list will now be enabled.

Select the SHR-FC630-01 profile and click Apply Profile (this will be enabled once a profile is

selected).

Click OK on the warning pop-up and then OK on the Operation Successful pop-up.

Note: ‘SHR-’ is pre-pended to the profile name entered in the previous section to indicate

that this profile is saved on a network rather than on the local SD card.


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5.5.3 Profiles for QuickDeploy

Click Profiles for QuickDeploy

Check the box for server SLOT-03. This will enable the profiles dropdown list.

Select SHR-FC630-01 from the profiles dropdown list. Assign Profile will now be enabled.

Click Assign Profile

Click OK on the pop-up box.

Click OK on the Operation Successful pop-up.

The new profile is shown beside SLOT-03. Any blade inserted into slot 3 will now be

automatically configured with the FC630-01 profile settings. Note that the profile only

applies to blades inserted into slot 3, it does not apply to any other slot nor does it not apply

to the server already be in slot 3.


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6 LAB 6: KVM Assignment

6.1 Introduction

Customers may have a need to connect a physical keyboard, mouse and video (KVM) to the

blades in an FX2. There are VGA screen and USB port connections at the front of the FX2 for

connection to a crash-cart in the data centre. This KVM port can be assigned to one of the

blades via the CMC.

The FX2 KVM is different from the M1000e in that the assignment is physically to one of the

blades and is not used to manage the CMC. There is no software switch between blades

from the KVM. Also note that the chassis power button can be disabled from this section to

prevent accidental shutdown of all blades at once.


Learn the difference between an FX2 and M1000e KVM

Connect a blade to the front KVM ports of the FX2.

6.2 Talking Points:

The FX2 has a single KVM port that can be connected to any of the servers installed in the chassis. Unlike the M1000e the KVM must be assigned via to a specific server using the CMC. The M1000e allows the selected server to be changed via the KVM keyboard.


The chassis power button can be disabled from the KVM setup section to prevent accidental

shutdown of all blades at once.


Question: Can the KVM assignment to a specific server be changed via the keyboard, as in the M1000e.

Answer: No. The server assignment must be done via the CMC.

Question: Can the KVM be used to manage the CMC via cli.

Answer: No. The KVM can only be connected to one of the servers, not to the

chassis CMC.


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6.5 Lab 6: KVM Assignment – [Step by Step]

In the Front Panel Section select the Setup tab. This has only page – Configuration.

In the KVM Configuration section change the KVM Mapped attribute to SLOT-01 and click

Apply.

Click OK in the Successful completion pop-up.

Talking Points

The FX2 KVM is different from the M1000e in that the assignment is physically to one of the

blades and is not used to manage the CMC. There is no software switch between blades

from the KVM. Also note that the chassis power button can be disabled from this section to

prevent accidental shutdown of all blades at once.

7 LAB 7: Chassis Grouping

7.1 Introduction

Up to twenty FX2 chassis can be grouped together to provide a single point of management.

Once a chassis group has been created, the first chassis in the group becomes the leader and

its CMC will now show the status of all other members added to the group. Clicking on a

chassis changes the management instance to that of the selected instance.


Create a new FX2 group

Add a second chassis to the group

Propagate settings to the new member

Check the firmware of all the new member

Remove a member from the group

Disband a group


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7.2 Talking Points:

Grouping allows multiple chassis to be monitored and managed from a single console. It

also allows a quick view of BIOS/Firmware versions for all servers in the group.

NOTES

Each chassis is managed independently, but the grouping allows a quick jump to the CMC of

a member without the need to enter management credentials. Launching a CMC for a

member opens a new window/tab for the CMC.


Grouping provides a single monitoring/management portal for up to twenty FX2 chassis.


Question: Can I manage the group from any of the FX2s in the group?

Answer: No, the group will only be seen from the management IP of the lead chassis.

Browsing to the CMC IP of any members will only display that chassis as a

standalone entity.

Question: Can I add different chassis types (M1000e or VRTX) to an FX2 group?

Answer: No, all members of a group must be of the same type.

Question: How many chassis can be added to an FX2 group?

Answer: The maximum number of chassis in a single group is 20.

Gotcha’s

Each chassis is still managed from its own CMC IP address. To see the entire group ensure

you browse to the CMC IP of the Lead chassis.

NOTE: Chassis Grouping is only supported with an Enterprise CMC License.

7.5 Lab 7: Chassis Grouping – [Step by Step]

7.5.1 Create a new group

In the Chassis Overview section select the Setup Tab and the Group Administration Page.


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This page has only one sub-section, Chassis Group Management.

Set the following attributes:

Role: Leader

Group Name: FX2-vLAB

Click Apply to create the Group.

Click OK in the pop-up box to confirm the creation of a new group.

Click OK in the Operation Successful pop-up box.

When the group is created the screen refreshes to show the new group.

The Lead Chassis attribute is now assigned with the name of this chassis.


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The left-hand-side panel will now be changed. A new section, Group: FX2-vLAB, will be created and the Chassis Overview will

change to

All the members will be greyed out.

The Group section now shows a mini status graphic for each of the members in the group.

The Group section has one tab, Properties, with two pages Group and Firmware Version.

The Group page shows the mini status graphic shown above and the Firmware Version page

shows a view of the BIOS/Firmware versions for all servers in the group.

7.5.2 Add a member to the group

In the Group Section select the lead Chassis. In the Setup tab select the Group

Administration page. In the Group Membership list enter the following details:

Host Name / IP Address: 192.168.0.140

User Name: root

Password: calvin


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Click Apply

Click OK in the pop-up box to add the chassis to the group.


The Group Membership list now shows the new chassis in the Remove Members listbox and

the left panel now has Member 1 populated with the new chassis’ CMC name.


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The Properties tab of the Group section now shows a quick status of the two chassis in the

group.

Note the new member has a quick link to jump to the CMC management of that chassis.

7.5.3 Propagate Chassis Properties

Now that a group has been created the Group Administration page now has an additional

sub-section Chassis Properties Propagation


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Check the Propagate Chassis Properties box and expand all the Properties by clicking the

beside each one. This displays a full list of all the settings that can be applied to new

members of the group from the lead chassis.

Check the Power Settings box and click Save.


Note: Once the settings have been saved the Propagate button will be enabled.

Click Propagate


Select the Group: FX2-vLAB Section


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The mini-status now shows that the member chassis has been synchronised with the leader.

Click Launch CMC for the member.

This will open a new window to the IP address of the member. The root user will be

automatically logged in.

In the Chassis Overview section select the Power tab of the Configuration page.

Note that the settings for Redundancy Policy, Enable Remote Power Logging and Remote

Power Logging Interval now match the settings configured on the lead chassis in the earlier

lab.

The Remote Syslog server settings have also been propagated.


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7.5.4 Chassis Group Firmware

In the Group section of the Lead Chassis select the Firmware Version page.

This show a list of the chassis in the group and the health status and the BIOS/Firmware

versions of the selected chassis.

Select the Member chassis to view the details for that chassis.

Note that this is a view only. To update any of the versions follow the procedure outlined in

the previous lab.


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7.5.5 Remove a Member from a group

In the Group section select the lead chassis. Select the Group Administration page of the

Setup tab.

Under Group Membership ensure that Host Name / IP Address, User Name and Password are

blank. The Remove Members listbox will have one entry.

Click the member to select it and click Apply.

Click OK in the pop-up box to confirm removal of the member from the group.


The member will be removed from the group. The left-hand-side pane will no longer show

Member 1 chassis details.


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7.5.6 Disband the Group

In the Group section select the lead chassis. Select the Group Administration page of the

Setup tab.

Under Role select None and click Apply.


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Click OK in the pop-up box to confirm disbanding the group.


All references to the Group will be removed from the left-hand-side panel and the Chassis

Properties Propagation sub-section will be removed from the page.

8 LAB 8: Networking

8.1 Introduction


Overview of the FX2 FN IOA

Configure IOA IP settings

Setup VLANs

Power control of the IOAs

8.2 Talking Points:

This lab covers the setup of IO Aggregators in an FX2. The IOA brings the ability to configure

end-point networking to the chassis administrator. Once a VLAN has been tagged from the

Top-Of-Rack switch that VLAN can be tagged, or untagged, to any of the sleds in the chassis.

This is the same as a virtualization administrator being able to add a virtual machine to Port

Group in VMware’s vCenter without requiring intervention from the network team.


There are five network options for the FX2. Two pass-through modules, 1Gb and 10Gb, and

three IOAs, the FN401s with four SFP+ external ports, the FN410T with four 10GbE copper

external ports and the FN2210s with two SFP+ 10GbE ports and two 4/8Gb fibre channel

ports. All IOAs have eight internal 10GbE ports. The IOA is a layer 2 switch and provides

East-West switching between sleds in the chassis. Up to 6 IOAs can be stacked or VLT’d.


Question: Can the FN IOA be used as a router?

Answer: No. The FN IOA are layer 2 switch modules.

Question: Can the FN2210s be directly connected to a SAN?

Answer: No. The FN2210s operates in NPG (NPIV Proxy Gateway) mode and must

be connected to Fibre Channel fabric.


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Question: Can the VLAN assignment of external ports on the FN IOA be managed via the CMC?

Answer: No. The CMC can be used to change the VLAN settings on internal ports

only. By default all the external ports are configured in a port-channel and

all VLANs are tagged on the port-channel. VLANs entering the chassis are

limited by the configuration of the Top-Of-Rack switch.

8.5 Lab 8: Networking with the FN IOA – [Step by Step]

8.5.1 Configure IP Settings

In the IO Module Overview section select the Deploy page on the Setup tab.

In the Network Settings section of Slot A1 change the following options:

Enable DHCP: (disabled)

IP Address: 192.168.0.138



Click Apply, then click OK on the message pop-up.


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In the Network Settings section of Slot A2 change the following options:

Enable DHCP: (disabled)

IP Address: 192.168.0.139



Click Apply, then click OK on the message pop-up.

8.5.2 Configure Untagged VLAN

In the IO Module Overview section select the VLAN Manager page on the Setup tab.

In Step 1 of the VLAN Assignment section select module A1.

In Step 2 select IOM Port (1,3,5,7) and them select the boxes above sleds 1 and 2.

In Step 3 select Update the Untagged VLANs from the dropdown list, enter 100 in the

textbox and click Apply.


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Click OK on the confirmation pop-up.


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Click OK on the operation started pop-up message.

On the top of the page click the Refresh button.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to check the port assignments. IOM ports 1 and 3 now only

have VLAN 100 untagged. Notice that changing the untagged VLAN will remove all the

tagged VLANs.

NOTE: IOM Ports 2,4,6,8 are used for quad-port daughter cards in the FC630 or for

FC430s.


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8.5.3 Add Tagged VLANs


In Step 2 select IOM Port (1,3,5,7) and then select the boxes above sleds 1 and 2.

In Step 3 select Add Tagged VLANs from the dropdown list, enter 200,300 in the textbox and

click Apply.

Click OK on the message pop-up.


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Scroll to the bottom of the page to check the port assignments. IOM ports 1 and 3 now have

VLANs 200 and 300 tagged and VLAN 100 untagged. Note that adding VLANs to a port does

not remove existing tagged VLANs or change the untagged VLAN.


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8.5.4 Remove Tagged VLANs



In Step 3 select Remove VLANs from the dropdown list and enter 300 in the textbox and

click Apply.



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Scroll to the bottom of the page to check the port assignments. IOM ports 1 and 3 now only

have VLAN 200 tagged and VLAN 100 untagged.


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8.5.5 Copy VLAN Settings Between FN IOAs

In Step 1 of the VLAN Assignment section select module A2. Then select Copy A1

Configuration from the dropdown list and click Apply.

NOTE: Steps 2 and 3 are disabled when copying a configuration.


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Click OK on the Operation successful pop-up.


Scroll to the bottom of the page to check the port assignments. Both IOAs should now have

the same configuration with ports 1 and 3 having VLAN 200 tagged and VLAN 100 untagged.


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8.5.6 Reset to All VLANs



In Step 3 select Reset to All VLANs from the dropdown list and click Apply.


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Scroll to the bottom of the page to check the port assignments. All ports on IOM A1 will be

set to ALL VLANs with VLAN 1 untagged. IOM A2 will be unchanged.


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8.5.7 Rebooting FN IOAs

In the IO Module Overview section select the Power tab.

This tab has only one page - Control.

In the Power Control section select Power Cycle from the Operation dropdown list of

module A1 and click Apply.

The A1 IOM will now reboot. Click OK on the pop-up message.


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8.5.8 Resetting FN IOAs

In the IO Module Overview section select the Deploy page on the Setup tab.

Click Reset to Factory Defaults for Slot A2.

Click OK in the confirmation pop-up box.


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NOTE: When the IOA resets and restarts, the network settings will revert to defaults with a

DHCP address on the IOA. In production the IP address will need to be reset to a

static value. Also, all ports on IOM A2 will be reset to ALL VLANs tagged with VLAN

1 untagged.

8.5.8 Checking Port Status

In the I/O Module Overview section select module A1 10 GbE KR.

In the Properties tab select the Status page.

In the I/O Module Internal Port Settings section it can be seen that the FC630s in slots 1 and

2 have 10Gbps connections on IOM ports 1 and 3.


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In the I/O Module External Port Settings section it can be seen that there are two 10Gbps

connections to the Top-Of-Rack switch on IOM ports 9 and 10.

8.5.9 IOM Firmware Update

In the I/O Module Overview section select the Update tab.

This tab has only one page – IOM Firmware Update

In the IOM Firmware section check the Update checkbox for Slot A1. The Browse button will

now be activated. Click Browse and select FTOS-XL-9.8.0.0.bin from the Downloads folder.

Click Apply Firmware Update and then click OK in the confirmation pop-up.


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Wait for the image upload to complete before navigating away from this page.

The IOA will reboot once the image is transferred and installed.

9 LAB 9: Storage and PCIe Mappings

9.1 Introduction


Overview of the storage module

Configure the FD332

PCIe mappings

9.2 Talking Points:

This lab covers the storage options available for the FX2s chassis. The FD332 can have up to

sixteen 2.5” disks, one or two RAID controllers and the option to run in HBA or RAID mode. If

the FD332 has two controllers, the disks can be split between two hosts, or mapped to same

host via one or two controllers. Once the storage is physically mapped to the server all RAID

configuration is handled by the server rather than the CMC.


The FD332 offers great flexibility of storage options in a 2u form factor. With one FC630 and

three FD332s, up to 56 disks can compute can be accommodated in 2u. Or, with four

FC430s and two FD332, four servers can have ten disks in the same 2u. This is a great

solution for Software Defined Storage solutions as the disks can be presented as HBA rather

than RAID mode.


Question: Can the FD332 be installed into an FX2 chassis?

Answer: No. The FD332 communicates with the server sleds via PCIe so they can

only be installed in an FX2s chassis.


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Question: Can the FD332 share storage between multiple servers?

Answer: No. The disks in the FD332 are physically connected to a controller. The

controller is then mapped to a server and all drives on that controller pass to

the server. While there can be two controllers in an FD332, each manages

its own disks and there is no sharing between them.

Question: Can the PCIe slots be assigned via the CMC like the VRTX?

Answer: No. The PCIe slots in the FX2s are hard mapped and cannot be changed.

9.5 Lab 9: Storage and PCIe Mappings – [Step by Step]

9.5.1 Dual Controller FD332

In the Server Overview section select Slot-03 (Storage).


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In the Status page of the Properties tab review the current settings.

This is a Dual Controller FD332, currently in Split Single Host mode. This will present two

PERCs to the server in Slot 1 with eight disks connected to each. The storage will be

configured on the server and the option to Launch iDRAC GUI for the server is here.

Select the Setup tab.

This tab has only one page – Configuration. In the Storage Configuration section select

Split Dual Host and click Apply.


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Click OK on the operation successful pop-up message.


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Select the Properties tab to check the new settings.

The mode has changed and the storage is mapped to the two FC630s in slots 1 and 2. There

are now two Launch iDRAC GUI buttons for two servers.

Again storage will be managed by the servers. Both servers will now have one additional

PERC with eight disks attached to each.

Select the Setup tab and in the Storage Configuration section select Joined and click Apply.


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Click OK on the operation successful pop-up message.


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Select the Properties tab to check the new settings.

The mode has changed and the storage is mapped to the FC630 in slot 1. There is now one

Launch iDRAC GUI button for the server.

Once again storage will be managed by the server which will now have one additional PERC

with sixteen disks attached to it.

9.5.2 Single Controller FD332

In the Server Overview section select Slot-04 (Storage).

In the Status page of the Properties tab review the current settings.

NOTE: There is no Setup tab for the single controller module.


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The mode for a single controller is always Joined. The server the storage is attached to

(SLOT-02 in this case) will now have one additional PERC with sixteen disks attached to it.

The Launch iDRAC GUI button for the server to configure the storage is here.

9.5.3 PCIe Mappings

Since the storage modules cannot use PCIe cards, the slots connected to the storage sleds

are passed to the compute modules. So, because there are two FD332 sleds in this chassis,

the two FC630 compute sleds each receive two additional PCIe mappings, for a total of four

in each.

Select the Properties tab in the PCIe Overview Section.


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There is only page on this tab – Status.

Here we see that compute slot 1 has PCIe slots 5, 6, 7 and 8 mapped and compute slot 2 has

PCIe slots 1, 2, 3 and 4 mapped.

NOTE: These are hard mapped and cannot be changed within the CMC.

Even if there are no storage sleds installed in the chassis, it is still possible to map all the slots

from the lower slots to the upper slots. This will result in double the number of PCIe slots

available to the upper compute slots and no PCIe slots available to the lower compute slots.

Select the Setup tab, then select Enable PCIe Slot Reassignment and click Apply.

Click OK on the operation successful pop-up.

FX2 vLAB Guide - Amazon S3 · 2 LAB 2: Initial Configuration ... 3.5.2 Updating the Chassis CMC ......

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