HPE DL380 Gen10 Unboxing | Prepare Server to Install in DATACENTER

by SinaOnline Enterprise Applications, System Training

Unboxing the HPE DL380 Gen10:

  1. Inspect the Package:
    • Carefully inspect the external packaging for any signs of damage.
    • Ensure that the package includes all the components listed in the packing list.
  2. Open the Box:
    • Use a box cutter or scissors to carefully open the packaging.
  3. Remove Accessories:
    • Take out all the accessories such as power cables, documentation, and any additional components that come with the server.
  4. Inspect the Server:
    • Carefully take the server out of the packaging and inspect it for any physical damage.
    • Ensure that all components, including hard drives, are properly seated.
  5. Documentation:
    • Review the provided documentation, including the quick start guide and any safety information.

1. iLO Configuration:

a. Physical Connection:

  1. Connect to the iLO port on the rear of the server using a network cable.
  2. Ensure the iLO port has an IP address on the same network as your management system.

b. Access iLO Web Interface:

  1. Open a web browser and enter the iLO IP address.
  2. Log in with the default or provided credentials.

c. iLO Configuration:

  1. Change the default password for security.
  2. Configure network settings as needed.
  3. Enable iLO Advanced features if necessary.

1. Accessing Smart Array Configuration Utility:

  1. Power on the Server:
    • Ensure all necessary components, including hard drives, are properly installed.
  2. Access RAID Configuration:
    • During the server boot process, press the designated key (e.g., F8) to access the Smart Array Configuration Utility.

2. Creating a RAID 6 Array:

  1. Select/Create Array:
    • In the Smart Array Configuration Utility, choose an option like “Create Array” or “Manage Arrays.”
  2. Select Drives:
    • Choose the physical drives you want to include in the RAID 6 array. There should be at least four drives for RAID 6.
  3. Configure RAID Level:
    • Select RAID 6 from the available RAID levels.
  4. Set Array Size:
    • Define the size of the RAID array. Keep in mind that RAID 6 requires at least four drives, and usable capacity will be less than the total drive capacity due to the dual parity.
  5. Confirm and Save:
    • Review the configuration and confirm to save the RAID 6 array settings.

3. Installing an Operating System:

  1. Boot from Installation Media:
    • Insert the installation media for your operating system (e.g., Windows Server, Linux) and boot from it.
  2. Select Installation Drive:
    • During the OS installation process, you will be prompted to select the logical drive created by the RAID 6 configuration.
  3. Complete OS Installation:
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the operating system installation.

4. Additional RAID 6 Management:

  1. RAID Monitoring:
    • After the OS is installed, monitor the RAID status through the HPE Smart Storage Administrator or other management tools provided by HPE.
  2. Expand or Modify RAID:
    • If needed, you can later expand the RAID 6 array or modify its configuration through the Smart Storage Administrator.

2. ESXi Installation:

a. Obtain ESXi Installer:

  1. Download the ESXi ISO image from the VMware website.

b. Prepare Boot Media:

  1. Create a bootable USB drive with the ESXi installer using tools like Rufus or UNetbootin.

c. Install ESXi:

  1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the server.
  2. Power on the server and boot from the USB drive.

d. ESXi Installation Wizard:

  1. Follow the on-screen prompts to install ESXi.
  2. Select the installation disk (usually the local storage on your server).

e. Configure ESXi:

  1. Set a password for the ESXi host.
  2. Configure management network settings (IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS).

f. Complete Installation:

  1. Allow the ESXi installer to complete the installation process.
  2. Reboot the server.

3. Post-Installation ESXi Configuration:

a. Access ESXi Web Interface:

  1. Open a web browser and enter the ESXi host IP address.
  2. Log in with the credentials you set during installation.

b. Configure Networking:

  1. Verify and configure networking settings as needed.

c. License ESXi:

  1. Apply a license to your ESXi host if required.

d. Create Datastores:

  1. Configure storage settings by creating datastores on your server’s storage.

e. Virtual Machine Management:

  1. Create and manage virtual machines through the ESXi web interface or vSphere Client.

f. Monitor and Manage:

  1. Monitor the ESXi host health, performance, and other settings through the web interface.

4. Additional iLO Integration:

  1. Back in the iLO interface, you can integrate iLO with the ESXi host for enhanced management features.
  2. Configure iLO settings to enable remote console access and other management features.