Carefully inspect the external packaging for any signs of damage.
Ensure that the package includes all the components listed in the packing list.
Open the Box:
Use a box cutter or scissors to carefully open the packaging.
Remove Accessories:
Take out all the accessories such as power cables, documentation, and any additional components that come with the server.
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.
Documentation:
Review the provided documentation, including the quick start guide and any safety information.
1. iLO Configuration:
a. Physical Connection:
Connect to the iLO port on the rear of the server using a network cable.
Ensure the iLO port has an IP address on the same network as your management system.
b. Access iLO Web Interface:
Open a web browser and enter the iLO IP address.
Log in with the default or provided credentials.
c. iLO Configuration:
Change the default password for security.
Configure network settings as needed.
Enable iLO Advanced features if necessary.
1. Accessing Smart Array Configuration Utility:
Power on the Server:
Ensure all necessary components, including hard drives, are properly installed.
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:
Select/Create Array:
In the Smart Array Configuration Utility, choose an option like “Create Array” or “Manage Arrays.”
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.
Configure RAID Level:
Select RAID 6 from the available RAID levels.
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.
Confirm and Save:
Review the configuration and confirm to save the RAID 6 array settings.
3. Installing an Operating System:
Boot from Installation Media:
Insert the installation media for your operating system (e.g., Windows Server, Linux) and boot from it.
Select Installation Drive:
During the OS installation process, you will be prompted to select the logical drive created by the RAID 6 configuration.
Complete OS Installation:
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the operating system installation.
4. Additional RAID 6 Management:
RAID Monitoring:
After the OS is installed, monitor the RAID status through the HPE Smart Storage Administrator or other management tools provided by HPE.
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:
Download the ESXi ISO image from the VMware website.
b. Prepare Boot Media:
Create a bootable USB drive with the ESXi installer using tools like Rufus or UNetbootin.
c. Install ESXi:
Insert the bootable USB drive into the server.
Power on the server and boot from the USB drive.
d. ESXi Installation Wizard:
Follow the on-screen prompts to install ESXi.
Select the installation disk (usually the local storage on your server).
Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP) is a standard that allows you to bundle multiple physical links together to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy. This is often used to improve network performance and ensure high availability. Below are the general steps to configure LACP on network devices such as switches:
1. Ensure LACP Support:
Make sure that the network devices (usually switches) you are using support LACP.
2. Identify the Ports:
Identify the physical ports on the devices that you want to aggregate. For example, if you have two switches, identify the ports on each switch that will be part of the aggregated link.
3. Access the Device Configuration:
Access the command-line interface (CLI) or web-based management interface of your network device. This is typically done through a console cable, SSH, or a web browser.
4. Navigate to Port Configuration:
In the device configuration interface, navigate to the port configuration section.
5. Configure LACP:
Enable LACP on the ports that you want to aggregate. This is usually done by setting the aggregation mode to “Active” or “Passive” depending on your specific requirements.
Active mode means that the port actively initiates the LACP negotiation.
Passive mode means that the port responds to LACP negotiation but doesn’t actively initiate it.
Example (Cisco Switch CLI):
interface range GigabitEthernet0/1 - 2
channel-group 1 mode active
In this example, GigabitEthernet0/1 and GigabitEthernet0/2 are part of a channel group with mode set to active.
6. Configure the Same LACP Settings on the Other End:
If you are aggregating links between two devices (like two switches), ensure that you configure the same LACP settings on the corresponding ports of the other device.
Example (Cisco Switch CLI – Other End):
interface range GigabitEthernet0/1 - 2
channel-group 1 mode active
7. Verify the Configuration:
After configuring LACP on both ends, verify the status of the aggregated link to ensure that the LACP negotiation is successful and that the link is up.
Example (Cisco Switch CLI):
show lacp neighbor
show interfaces port-channel 1
These commands will show the LACP neighbors and the status of the aggregated link.
Keep in mind that specific commands and procedures may vary depending on the vendor and model of your network devices. Always refer to the documentation provided by your device’s manufacturer for accurate and device-specific information.