Installation Guide

Isilon
X200
Install a new node
120-0035-01
REV F
July, 2014

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About this guide.........................................................................................................2

Drive types.................................................................................................................2
Confirm SSD compatibility......................................................................................... 2
Unpack and verify components.................................................................................. 3
Install the node in a rack............................................................................................ 4
Install the drives in the node...................................................................................... 4
Install the front panel.................................................................................................5
Back panel.................................................................................................................6
Connect the internal cluster network.......................................................................... 7
Connect the external client network........................................................................... 7
Connect the power supply..........................................................................................8
Configure the node.....................................................................................................9
Run the onsite verification test (OVT)....................................................................... 12
Submit the Partner Notification Form........................................................................12
Where to go for support............................................................................................13

Installation Guide

About this guide

This guide describes how to install a new EMC Isilon node.
You can follow the procedure in this guide to:
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Install several nodes to create a new cluster.

Add a new node to an existing cluster.

The installation procedure is the same whether you are creating a new cluster or adding a
node to an existing cluster. When you reach the step where you configure the node, you
will select whether you are creating a new cluster or adding a node to an existing cluster.
Note

If you are installing multiple nodes, repeat this procedure for each node. Power up each
node individually before installing the next node.

Drive types
This procedure applies to nodes that contain any of the following drive types: selfencrypting drives (SEDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), and solid state drives (SSDs).
If you are performing this procedure with a node containing SSDs, follow the additional
steps provided in this document to ensure compatibility with the cluster.

Confirm SSD compatibility

If you are installing a new solid state drive (SSD) into a cluster, you must confirm that the
drive you have on site is compatible with the cluster.
Procedure
1. To confirm that an SSD is compatible with a cluster, perform the following
compatibility tests. If one of the tests confirms that the SSD is compatible, you do not
need to perform the other tests. After compatibility is confirmed, begin the procedure
by downloading and installing the hardware upgrade package.
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Determine the version of OneFS that is installed on the cluster by connecting to

any node in the cluster with a serial cable and typing the following command:
uname -r
The cluster is compatible with your SSD model if it is running one of the following
versions of OneFS or later:
6.5.5.26
7.0.1.10
7.0.2.4
7.1.0.0
If the cluster is running a compatible version of OneFS, begin the installation
procedure by downloading and installing the hardware upgrade package. If the
cluster is not running a compatible version of OneFS, perform the next test to
check for the SSD compatibility patch.

X200 Installation Guide

Determine whether the SSD compatibility patch is installed by typing the following
command:
isi pkg info

Install a new node

The cluster is compatible with your SSD model if it has one of the following
patches installed:
OneFS version Patch name
6.0.3

patch-112579

6.0.4

patch-112580

6.0.5

patch-112581

6.5.4

patch-111686

6.5.5

patch-111687

7.0.1

patch-111688

7.0.2

patch-111689

If the cluster has the SSD compatibility patch installed, begin the installation
procedure by downloading and installing the hardware upgrade package. If the
cluster does not have the patch installed, perform the next test to check your SSD
model number.
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Check the model number on the label of your SSD drive. If your drive is one of the
following models, it is compatible with the cluster:
HUSSL4010ASS600
HUSSL4020ASS600
HUSSL4040ASS600
HUSSL4010BSS600
HUSSL4020BSS600
HUSSL4040BSS600
M8ISB2-100UC
M8ISB2B-200UC
M16ISD2-100UCT
MTFDDAC100SAL
MTFDDAC200SAL
If your drive model is compatible with the cluster, begin the installation procedure
by downloading and installing the hardware upgrade package. If your drive model
is not compatible, do not continue with the procedure. Contact Isilon Technical
Support.

Unpack and verify components

Before you install any equipment, inspect it to make sure that no damage occurred during
transit.
Procedure
1. Remove the node components from the shipping package and inspect the
components for any sign of damage. If the components appear damaged in any way,
notify Isilon Technical Support. Do not use a damaged component.

Unpack and verify components

Installation Guide

Note

To avoid personal injury or damage to the hardware, always use two people to lift and
move nodes.

Install the node in a rack

Secure an Isilon node to a storage rack using the sliding rail system that is included in
the node packaging.
Use only an Isilon-approved rail kit to install the node. Using a different rail kit can result
in personal injury or damage to the node.
Complete the steps described in the Rail Kit Installation Guide to install the node in a rack.
The guide is included with each node.
DANGER

Do not continue with this procedure until you have confirmed the following:
1. Both rails are secured to the rack and all mounting screws are in place and
tightened.
2. The inner slide rails attached to the node are inserted correctly, and firmly secured,
in the intermediate slide rails that are attached to the rack.
If you fail to attach the node to the rails correctly as described in the Rail Kit Installation
Guide, it can lead to severe injury when the node is pulled for future maintenance.

Install the drives in the node

After the node is secured in the rack, install the drives in the node.
CAUTION

If your new node contains SSDs, the SSDs must be installed in the lowest bay number.
For example, if your node configuration includes two SSDs, the SSDs must be installed
in bay one and bay two.
Procedure
1. With the locking handle on the drive open, insert a drive into an empty drive bay by
sliding the drive along the bay rails until it stops.
Do not force the drive into the drive bay. Forcing the drive into the drive bay could
damage both the drive and the drive bay.

X200 Installation Guide

Install a new node

1. Locking handle

2. Drive bay

2. Hold the drive in place and gently push the drive locking handle down against the end
of the drive to secure the drive in the drive bay.
3. Repeat the previous steps until the front bays of the node are full.
Note

Drives that are not fully seated will not be recognized when the node starts, and a red
light will appear below the drive. To avoid this error, run your finger across all the
installed drives to ensure that they are seated evenly.

Install the front panel

The front panel covers the drives and provides a keypad and LCD, which displays status
information. You can use the keypad and LCD to perform basic configuration tasks.
Procedure
1. Install the front panel assembly by aligning the front panel with the front of the node
and then pressing the front panel onto the node.

Install the front panel

Installation Guide

1. Front panel

Back panel
The back panel provides connections for power, network access, and serial
communication, as well as access to the backup batteries and power supplies.
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1. Power switch

5. Serial port

2. Batteries

6. Gigabit Ethernet external network ports

3. Power supplies

7. 10 GigE external network ports

4. USB ports

8. InfiniBand internal network ports

Install a new node

Connect the internal cluster network

The InfiniBand cable connects the node to the cluster's internal network so the node can
communicate with the other nodes in the cluster.
Procedure
1. With an InfiniBand cable, connect the int-a port to the network switch for the Internal
A network.
2. If the network topology supports a second internal network, connect the int-b port to a
separate network switch for the int-b network.

1. int-a port

2. int-b port

Connect the external client network

The ethernet cable connects the node to the cluster's external network so the node can
communicate with external clients.
Procedure
1. Complete one of the following sets of steps to connect the node with the switch for
the external network.
Options

Description

Connect to a
Gigabit Ethernet
(GigE) network

a. With an ethernet cable, connect the ext-1 port on the node

to the switch for the external network.
b. For additional connections, use the ext-2 port.
c. If the network topology includes additional external
networks, connect additional ports as necessary.

Connect to a 10
Gigabit Ethernet
(10 GigE) network

a. With an ethernet cable, connect the 10gige-1 port on the

node to the switch for the external network.
b. For additional connections, use the 10gige-2 port.

Connect the internal cluster network

Installation Guide

Options

Description
c. If the network topology includes additional external
networks, connect additional ports as necessary.

3
2

1. ext-1 port

3. ext-3 or 10gige-1 port

2. ext-2 port

4. ext-4 or 10gige-2 port

Connect the power supply

Each node contains redundant power supplies to ensure that the node remains powered
in case a power supply fails.
Procedure
1. Connect the power supply cables to the power connectors on the back panel of the
node.
2. Connect each power supply cable to a separate power source.
Note

Both power supplies must be connected. Operating a node using only one power
supply for an extended period will shorten the life of the power supply. If the
installation site has a limited number of power outlets, contact Isilon Technical
Support for additional information before using a Y-cable to power both supplies from
a single power source.
CAUTION

If this node loses power, the NVRAM battery will sustain the cluster journal on the
NVRAM card for five days. If you do not restore power to the node after five days, it is
possible that you will lose data.
3. Press the power switch on the node back panel to turn on the node.

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Install a new node

Configure the node

Before using the node, you must either create a new cluster or add the node to an
existing cluster.

SmartLock compliance mode

You can configure nodes to operate in SmartLock compliance mode. You should only
choose to run your cluster in SmartLock compliance mode if your data environment must
comply with SEC rule 17-a4(f).
Compliance mode controls how SmartLock directories function and limits access the
cluster in alignment with SEC rule 17-a4(f).
CAUTION

Once you select to run a node in SmartLock compliance mode, you cannot leave
compliance mode without reformatting the node.
SmartLock compliance mode is incompatible with Isilon for vCenter, VMware vSphere
API for Storage Awareness (VASA), and the VMware vSphere API for Array Integration
(VAAI) NAS Plug-In for Isilon.
A valid SmartLock license is required to configure a node in compliance mode.

Connect to the node using a serial cable

You can use a null model serial cable to provide a direct connection to a node.
Procedure
1. Connect a null modem serial cable to the serial port of a computer, such as a laptop.
2. Connect the other end of the serial cable to the serial port on the back panel of the
node.
3. Start a serial communication utility such as Minicom (UNIX) or PuTTY (Windows).
4. Configure the connection utility to use the following port settings:
Setting

Value

Transfer rate

115,200 bps

Data bits

Parity

None

Stop bits

Flow control

Hardware

5. Open a connection to the node.

Configure the node

Installation Guide

Run the configuration wizard

The Isilon configuration wizard starts automatically when a new node is powered on. The
wizard provides step-by-step guidance for configuring a new cluster or adding a new
node to an existing cluster.
The following procedure assumes that there is an open serial connection to a new node.
Procedure
1. Depending on whether you are creating a new cluster, joining a node to an existing
cluster, or preparing a node to run in SmartLock compliance mode, choose one of the
following options:
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To create a new cluster, type 1.

To join the node to an existing cluster, type 2.

To exit the wizard and configure the node manually, type 3.

To restart the node in SmartLock compliance mode, type 4.

CAUTION

If you choose to restart the node in SmartLock compliance mode, the node
restarts and returns to this step. Selection 4 changes to allow you to disable
SmartLock compliance mode. That is the last opportunity to back out of
compliance mode without reformatting the node.
2. Follow the prompts to configure the node.
For new clusters, the following table lists the information necessary to configure the
cluster:
Setting

Description

SmartLock compliance license

A valid SmartLock license. Compliance nodes only.

Root password

The password for the root user. Compliance nodes do

not allow a root user and request a compliance
administrator (compadmin) password in place of a root
user.

Admin password

The password for the administrator user.

Support IQ

SupportIQ allows Isilon Technical Support to remotely

monitor a cluster, run scripts, and download information
to assist in troubleshooting cluster issues.

Company name

Contact name

Contact phone number

Contact email

Cluster name

The name used to identify the cluster.

Character encoding

The character encoding for the cluster.

The default character encoding is UTF-8.

int-a network settings

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Netmask

The network settings used by the int-a network. The int-a

network is used for communication between nodes.

Install a new node

Setting
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IP range

Description
The int-a network must be configured with IPv4.
The int-a network must be on a separate subnet from an
int-b/failover network.

int-b / failover network settings

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Netmask

IP range

The network settings used by the optional int-b/failover

network. The int-b network is used for communication
between nodes and provides redundancy with the int-a
network.

Failover IP range

The int-b network must be configured with IPv4.

The int-a and int-b networks must be on separate
subnets.
The failover IP range is a virtual IP range that is resolved
to either one of the active ports during failover.

ext-1 network settings

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Netmask

MTU

IP range

The network settings used by the ext-1 network. The

ext-1 network is used by clients to access the cluster.
The default ext-1 network must initially be configured
with IPv4.

Default gateway

The IP address of the optional gateway server through

which the cluster communicates with clients outside the
subnet.

SmartConnect settings

SmartConnect balances client connections across nodes

in a cluster.

SmartConnect zone name

SmartConnect service IP

DNS settings
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DNS servers

DNS search domains

Date and time settings

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Time zone

Day and time

Cluster join mode

For information about configuring SmartConnect, see the

OneFS Administration Guide.
The DNS settings for the cluster.
Use a comma-separated list to specify multiple DNS
servers or search domains.
The day and time settings for the cluster.

The method that the cluster uses to add new nodes.

Choose one of the following options:

Manual join
Allows either a configured node in the existing
cluster, or a new node, to issue a request to join
the cluster.

Secure join
A configured node in the existing cluster must
invite a new unconfigured node to join the cluster.

Run the configuration wizard

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Installation Guide

Run the onsite verification test (OVT)

The onsite verification test (OVT) validates the health of a new cluster. Isilon recommends
running the test on every new cluster.
Note

Perform this test only on a new cluster. Do not perform this task if a node is being added
to an existing cluster.
Procedure
1. Open a serial or SSH connection to Node 1 of the cluster.
2. To run the OVT, type the following command:
isi_ovt_check --local
Note

Do not perform any other tasks on the cluster while the OVT is running.
3. Send the log files to Isilon.
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If the OVT completed, mail the log files in /ifs/.ifsvar/ovt to Isilon by typing
the following command:
isi_ovt_check --maillast

If the cluster does not allow you to send mail from the cluster, create an archive of
the log files in /ifs/.ifsvar/ovt. To create the archive, type the following
command:
tar -cvf <<customer_name>>.tar /ifs/.ifsvar/ovt

Copy the archive to another system, and then mail the archive to isiburnin@isilon.com.
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If the OVT did not complete or was interrupted, mail the log files in /var/crash
of the affected node to Isilon. To create an archive of the log files, type the
following command:
tar -cvf < <customer _name> >.tar /var/crash/ovt*

Submit the Partner Notification Form

After the installation is complete, submit the Partner Notification Form (PNF) to allow
Isilon Technical Support to update the install database.
Procedure
1. Submit the PNF based on your access to the online install database portal.
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If you are an EMC employee, follow these steps to submit the PNF:
a. Go to the EMC Business Services website.
b. In the Post Sales area, click Install Base Group.
c. Complete and submit the form.

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If you are not an EMC employee, or do not have access to the online install
database portal, follow these steps to submit the PNF:

Install a new node

a. Go to the EMC Services Partners website.

b. Download the PNF form. The form is available in the Tools & Forms section of
the EMC Services Partner website.
c. Complete the form with all applicable installation information.
d. Email the completed form to CSHelpdesk@emc.com.

Where to go for support

You can contact EMC Isilon Technical Support for any questions about EMC Isilon
products.
Online Support

Live Chat
Create a Service Request

Telephone Support

United States: 800-782-4362 (1-800-SVC-4EMC)

Canada: 800-543-4782
Worldwide: +1-508-497-7901
For local phone numbers in your country, see EMC Customer
Support Centers.

Help with online

support

For questions specific to EMC Online Support registration or

access, email support@emc.com.

Where to go for support

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Installation Guide

Copyright 2014 EMC Corporation. All rights reserved. Published in USA.

Published July, 2014
EMC believes the information in this publication is accurate as of its publication date. The information is subject to change without
notice.
The information in this publication is provided as is. EMC Corporation makes no representations or warranties of any kind with
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particular purpose. Use, copying, and distribution of any EMC software described in this publication requires an applicable software
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EMC, EMC, and the EMC logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of EMC Corporation in the United States and other countries.
All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.
For the most up-to-date regulatory document for your product line, go to EMC Online Support (https://support.emc.com).
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