Initializing the system by using the technician port

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 management GUI. Access the management GUI by using the management IP address through your IP network or through the technician port. Use the management 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.

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 clustered 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 left at the rear of the node, locate the fourth Ethernet port to the right, which is the technician port. Figure 1 shows the rear of the SAN Volume Controller node, where  1  is the technician port.
    Figure 1. SAN Volume Controller 2145-DH8 technician port
    SAN Volume Controller technician port
  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 will use the values 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://install. (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.
Parent topic: Initializing the SAN Volume Controller 2145-DH8 system