Initializing the system by using the technician port ( SAN Volume Controller 2145-SV1 )

To initialize a new system, you must connect a personal computer to the technician port on the rear of a node and run the initialization tool. This node becomes the configuration node and provides access to the initialization GUI. Access the initialization GUI by using the management IP address through your IP network or through the technician port. Use the initialization GUI to add each candidate node to the system.

Before you begin

Important: Do not use the initialization tool on a node if any other node in the system is already active. For example, a node status LED is solid on any node of the system.
You require the following items:
  • A supported browser that is installed on the personal computer
  • An Ethernet cable to connect the personal computer to the technician port
Attention: Do not connect the technician port to a switch. If a switch is detected, the technician port connection might shut down, causing a 746 node error.
Important:
  • Browser security features might prompt the user before it accepts the self-signed certificate that the system issues.
  • It might be necessary to remove old certificates that are stored in the browser before the browser accepts the request.
  • The web browser might display a warning about a potential security risk. It is safe to accept the risk and continue.
  • After the technician port physical connection is completed (that is, connected both ends), it can take up to 45 seconds before the port is fully up and able to process requests. Submitting requests before this interval might result in 404 error responses.
  • If the http://service request in the browser causes a 404 error, or fails to produce a response, it might be necessary to use the url https://192.168.0.1 in the browser request to connect to the system.
If you are unable to connect to the system by using the technician port, you can use a monitor and keyboard that are connected to the VGA and USB ports on the system to initialize the system. Complete the following steps.
  1. Access the command line by using the superuser credentials.
  2. Issue the CLI command mkcluster -clusterip x.x.x.x -mask m.m.m.m -gw g.g.g.g -name name to create the system.

Procedure

To initialize the system, complete the following steps.

  1. Ensure that the nodes and switches of the system are powered on.
    (See Powering on and powering off the system.)
  2. Configure an Ethernet port on the personal computer to enable Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) configuration of its IP address and DNS settings.

    If you do not have DHCP, you must manually configure the personal computer. Specify the static IPv4 address 192.168.0.2, subnet mask 255.255.255.0, gateway 192.168.0.1, and DNS 192.168.0.1.

  3. Starting from the right at the rear of the node, locate the first Ethernet port to the left, which is the technician port. This port is labeled  1  in the figure below.
    Figure 1. Technician port
    The technician port is the last of four Ethernet ports on the right side of the device.
  4. Connect an Ethernet cable between the port of the personal computer that is configured in step 2 and the technician port.
    After the connection is made, the system will automatically configure the IP and DNS settings for the personal computer if DHCP is available. If it is not available, the system uses the values that you provided in step 2.
  5. After the Ethernet port of the personal computer is connected, open a supported browser and browse to address http://service. (If you do not have DCHP, open a supported browser and go to the following static IP address 192.168.0.1.)
    The browser is automatically directed to the initialization tool.
    Note: If the system cannot be initialized, you are directed to the service assistant interface.
  6. Follow the instructions that are presented by the initialization tool to configure the system with a name and management IP address.
  7. If you experience a problem during the process due to a change in system states, wait 5 - 10 seconds. Then, either reopen the SSH connection or reload the service assistant.
  8. After you complete the initialization process, disconnect the cable between the personal computer and the technician port.

What to do next

The system management GUI can now be reached by opening a supported web browser and pointing it to http://management_IP_address. Use the management GUI to add each candidate node to the system. Then, it is best to use the management GUI to set the service IP address for each node now. Ensure that the system is disconnected from the technician port.