Requirements and guidelines for completing the hardware location chart

The hardware location chart represents the rack into which the nodes are installed. Each row of the chart represents one Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) 19-inch rack space.

When you design the rack for IBM Spectrum Virtualize , use the hardware location chart to record the physical configuration of your system.
Note: These guidelines assume that all nodes are being installed in the same rack. Some systems are designed with the nodes in an I/O group split between two locations to better match the availability requirements of the attached systems. Some of these guidelines are not applicable for these systems.
Follow these steps to download the hardware location chart:
  1. Go to the following website: www.ibm.com/support.
  2. Under Support shortcuts, click Plan and install documentation.
  3. In the search box, type and search for IBM System Storage IBM Spectrum Virtualize Planning Information; then, click the search result.
  4. Click the link that you want to download the chart to your computer.

When you complete the information in the hardware location chart, consider these requirements:

  • Do not exceed the maximum power rating of the rack and input power supply.
  • If any hardware devices are already in the rack, record this information on the chart.
  • Complete rows for all other units that will be present in the rack, including Ethernet hubs, Fibre Channel switches, and Fibre Channel over Ethernet switches. Hubs and switches are usually one EIA unit high, but check with your supplier.
  • A clustered system can contain no more than eight nodes.
  • Consider the depths of the different components when you place them in the rack. Ensure you can access the rear ports of all components by not placing them between deeper components. The suggested practice is to position all the nodes together.
  • Install the nodes in pairs to provide redundancy and concurrent maintenance. Each pair is called an IO Group; position the two nodes in an IO Group next to each other in the rack.
  • You must arrange for the server hardware that is being used for nodes, the Ethernet hub, the Fibre Channel switch suppliers, or someone in your organization, to install those items. Provide the installer with a copy of the completed hardware location chart.
  • Ensure that the rack does not become top heavy. Check the guidelines that are provided with the rack. Position heavier components at the bottom of the rack.

In addition to the requirements for completing your information in the hardware location chart, consider also the following guidelines and recommendations.

  • Leave some unused locations in the rack, and remember to add filler panels to unused locations. Many cables are connected to each node, and this cabling is made easier if a space is left between each node.