Obtaining a node activation key

To activate the hardware to use the software, you must obtain an activation key for the node.

During hardware installation, a unique identifier for the new hardware is generated automatically. The unique ID must be sent to support to obtain a signed activation key for the node software. This key also contains vital node information that must be seeded onto the hardware to support operation. When the activation key is uploaded during initialization, the key signature is checked and the unique ID is validated. If the activation key is verified, the node software can then start.

Using the management GUI

If you do not have the unique identifier during system initialization, complete step 1. Otherwise, go directly to step 2. 
  1. Select Obtain your Spectrum Node Activation Key. In the instructions that load, record the unique identifier for the hardware. You need this identifier to obtain the activation key.
  2. Disconnect the cable from the technician port.
  3. Connect to the external network.
  4. Use the following method to access the support site to download the activation key:
    1. Go to: http://www.ibm.com/support.
    2. In the Product Finder field, enter Spectrum Virtualize.
    3. Select IBM Spectrum Virtualize software from the results that display.
  5. Under Downloads, select Obtain your node activation key.
  6. In the Unique Node ID field, enter the identifier for the node that was displayed in the management GUI.
  7. Click Submit to generate the activation key.
  8. Click Download to download the key to your workstation that you are using to initialize the system.
  9. Reconnect the cable to the technician port and resume initialization.
  10. Click Browse to choose the key file.
  11. Click Next and complete system setup.

Using the command-line interface

If you are unable to record the unique identifier during system installation, complete steps 1 - 6. Otherwise, go directly to step 7.

  1. Connect a monitor and keyboard to the server.
  2. Log on to the command-line interface (CLI) by using the superuser password.
  3. Run the sainfo lsservicenodes command.
  4. Validate that the only error that is shown is 600.
  5. On a notebook or workstation, record the six-character, hexadecimal unique identifier that is shown under the column heading error_data.
  6. Disconnect from the CLI.
  7. On the notebook or workstation, go to: www.ibm.com/support. You can also use the following method to access the support site to download the activation key:
    1. Go to: http://www.ibm.com/support.
    2. In the Product Finder field, enter Spectrum Virtualize.
    3. Select IBM Spectrum Virtualize software from the results that display.
  8. Under Downloads, select Obtain your node activation key.
  9. Enter the recorded unique identifier to generate the activation key.
  10. Save the activation key to the workstation that you are using to initialize the node.
    Note: Do not copy the contents of the key file to another file.
  11. Connect the workstation to the technician port.
  12. When the activation key is requested, use the prompt to navigate to the saved activation key file that is on your workstation. Click Upload to copy the key to the node.
  13. Click Next and complete the system setup.