Avid Technology NEXIS Operating manual

Avid®NEXIS™
Setup and Maintenance Guide
Version 6.0

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Modifications Copyright 1999 Matt Koss, under the same license as above.
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Avid NEXIS Setup and Maintenance Guide • Created 5/13/16 • This document is distributed by Avid in online (electronic) form only, and
is not available for purchase in printed form.

Using This Guide
The Avid® NEXIS™ media network provides a high-performance distributed file system that contains high-
capacity shared media storage for workgroups of connected Avid® editing workstations.
Symbols and Conventions
Avid documentation uses the following symbols and conventions:
If You Need Help
If you are having trouble using your Avid product:
Symbol or Convention Meaning or Action
nA note provides important related information, reminders, recommendations, and strong
suggestions.
cA caution means that a specific action you take could cause harm to your computer or cause you
to lose data.
wA warning describes an action that could cause you physical harm. Follow the guidelines in this
document or on the unit itself when handling electrical equipment.
nA user tip provides a helpful hint that can aid users in getting the most from their system.
nA shortcut shows the user keyboard or mouse shortcuts for a procedure or command.
> This symbol indicates menu commands (and subcommands) in the order you select them. For
example, File > Import means to open the File menu and then select the Import command.
This symbol indicates a single-step procedure. Multiple arrows in a list indicate that you
perform one of the actions listed.
(Windows), (Windows
only), (Macintosh), or
(Macintosh only)
This text indicates that the information applies only to the specified operating system, either
Windows or Macintosh OS X.
Bold font Bold font is primarily used in task instructions to identify user interface items and keyboard
sequences.
Italic font Italic font is used to emphasize certain words and to indicate variables.
Courier Bold font Courier Bold font identifies text that you type.
Ctrl+key or mouse action Press and hold the first key while you press the last key or perform the mouse action. For
example, Command+Option+C or Ctrl+drag.
| (pipe character) The pipe character is used in some Avid product names, such as Interplay | Production. In this
document, the pipe is used in product names when they are in headings or at their first use in
text.

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1. Retry the action, carefully following the instructions given for that task in this guide. It is especially important
to check each step of your workflow.
2. Check the latest information that might have become available after the documentation was published.
New information is available in the ReadMe file supplied in your Avid software installation kit as a PDF
document and is also available online.
Always check online for the most up-to-date release notes or ReadMe because the online version is
updated whenever new information becomes available. To view the online versions, visit the Knowledge
Base at www.avid.com/US/support.
3. Check the documentation that came with your Avid application or your hardware for maintenance or
hardware-related issues.
4. Visit the online Knowledge Base at www.avid.com/US/support. Online services are available 24 hours per
day, 7 days per week. Search this online Knowledge Base to find answers, to view error messages, to access
troubleshooting tips, to download updates, and to read or join online message-board discussions.
Accessing the Online Documentation
The Avid online documentation contains all the product documentation in PDF format and Help files where
relevant. You can access the documentation on the Knowledge Base page for your release. Download and install
Acrobat Reader before you access the PDF documentation.
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For information on courses/schedules, training centers, certifications, courseware, and books, please visit
www.avid.com/support and follow the Training links, or call Avid Sales at 800-949-AVID (800-949-2843).

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Contents
Using This Guide ................................................................................................................................. iv
Symbols and Conventions ................................................................................................................................... iv
If You Need Help.................................................................................................................................................. iv
Accessing the Online Documentation ................................................................................................................... v
Avid Training Services .......................................................................................................................................... v
Chapter 1 Avid NEXIS System Overview .................................................................................................... 1
Avid NEXIS Configurations .................................................................................................................................. 1
Avid NEXIS | E2 ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Avid NEXIS | E4 ............................................................................................................................................ 1
System Director Appliance............................................................................................................................ 1
Media Packs.................................................................................................................................................. 2
System Details ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
Engine ........................................................................................................................................................... 2
Cabling............................................................................................................................................................... 12
Chapter 2 Connecting the Equipment....................................................................................................... 13
Rack Mounting Guidelines and Requirements................................................................................................... 13
Mounting the Engine .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Installing the Media Packs ................................................................................................................................. 14
Connecting Power to Equipment ....................................................................................................................... 15
Connecting the Hardware to a Switch................................................................................................................ 15
Supported Cabling ............................................................................................................................................. 15
Chapter 3 Software Installation and System Setup ................................................................................. 17
System Setup Information.................................................................................................................................. 17
What is DNS? .................................................................................................................................................... 18
What is NTP?..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Installing and Setting Up the System ................................................................................................................. 18
Registering the Avid NEXIS and Downloading the Avid NEXIS Software .................................................. 18
Configuring the Computer’s IP Address...................................................................................................... 19
Installing the Software and Setting up the Avid NEXIS System.................................................................. 22
Creating the File System............................................................................................................................. 25
Binding the Media Packs............................................................................................................................. 27
Chapter 4 Adding and Replacing Hardware ............................................................................................. 29
Collecting Logs for Customer Care.................................................................................................................... 29
Hardware Faults................................................................................................................................................. 29
Removing the Bezel........................................................................................................................................... 30
About Drive Failures .......................................................................................................................................... 30

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Replacing a Drive............................................................................................................................................... 31
Removing a Drive ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Inserting a Drive ......................................................................................................................................... 31
Adding Media Packs .......................................................................................................................................... 31
Adding a Media Pack to an Avid NEXIS | E4 Engine.................................................................................. 32
Power Supply LEDs ........................................................................................................................................... 32
Replacing a Power Supply ................................................................................................................................ 32
Replacing a Storage Controller.......................................................................................................................... 33
Replacing a Storage Controller ................................................................................................................... 33
Replacing an Engine.......................................................................................................................................... 34
Adding an Engine to Your Infrastructure............................................................................................................ 35
Chapter 5 Specifications and Notices....................................................................................................... 36
Physical.............................................................................................................................................................. 36
Electrical and Power .......................................................................................................................................... 36
Altitude and Temperature .................................................................................................................................. 36
Shock, Vibration and Noise................................................................................................................................ 37
Approvals ........................................................................................................................................................... 37
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).................................................................................................................. 37
Warnings and Cautions...................................................................................................................................... 38
Proposition 65 Warning...................................................................................................................................... 38
FCC Notice ........................................................................................................................................................ 38
Class A Equipment...................................................................................................................................... 39
Class B Equipment...................................................................................................................................... 39
Modifications ............................................................................................................................................... 39
Cables ......................................................................................................................................................... 39
Canadian Notice (Avis Canadien)...................................................................................................................... 39
Class A Equipment...................................................................................................................................... 39
Class B Equipment...................................................................................................................................... 39
LED Safety Notices............................................................................................................................................ 40
European Union Declaration of Conformity ....................................................................................................... 40
Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in the European Union........................................................................ 41
Argentina Conformity ......................................................................................................................................... 41
Australia and New Zealand EMC Regulations................................................................................................... 42
Japan EMC Regulations .................................................................................................................................... 42
Class A Equipment...................................................................................................................................... 42
Korean EMC Regulations .................................................................................................................................. 42
Class A Equipment...................................................................................................................................... 42
Taiwan EMC Regulations .................................................................................................................................. 43
Index .................................................................................................................................................... 47

1Avid NEXIS System Overview
The Avid NEXIS system is a shared storage solution for acquisition, creative, distribution, and archive media
workflows. Avid network storage systems are built for media and entertainment. They enable multiple clients to
share, capture, play, and edit video and audio media.
Clients access Avid NEXIS systems through external switch connections. The Avid NEXIS Management Console
provides workspace and system management functionality.
This chapter provides an overview of the Avid NEXIS system and the basic function of each component. Other
chapters in this guide describe how to install the system in a rack, connect the power and Ethernet cables, and
configure the system.
Avid NEXIS Configurations
The Avid NEXIS system is available in the following hardware configurations.
Avid NEXIS | E2
The Avid NEXIS | E2 is a 2U Engine with one Avid NEXIS | E2 Controller, two 764W power supply/cooling
modules, two solid state system drives (400GB), and one Media Pack (see “Media Packs” on page 2).
The Avid NEXIS | E2 can function as both a storage engine and a System Director for itself and up to four Media
Packs. To manage more than four Media Packs in the same shared storage system, you must deploy a System
Director Appliance, which takes over the System Director functions and provides no media storage. The System
Director Appliance supports up to 24 Media Packs, in any combination of Avid NEXIS engines.
Avid NEXIS | E4
The Avid NEXIS | E4 is a 4U Engine with one Avid NEXIS | E4/SDA Controller, and four 580W power supply/
cooling modules. The Engine has 24 drive slots; two are reserved for the solid state system drives (400GB). The
remaining slots support up to two Media Packs (see “Media Packs” on page 2), and two spare Media Pack drives,
if purchased. Empty drive slots are covered with blank plates to maintain proper airflow and cooling.
The Avid NEXIS | E4 can function as both a storage engine and a System Director for itself and up to four Media
Packs. To manage more than four Media Packs in the same shared storage system, you must deploy a System
Director Appliance, which takes over the System Director functions and provides no media storage. The System
Director Appliance supports up to 24 Media Packs, in any combination of Avid NEXIS engines.
System Director Appliance
The System Director Appliance looks the same as a Avid NEXIS | E2, but uses one Avid NEXIS | E4/SDA
Controller, two 764W power supply/cooling modules, and two solid state system drives (400GB). The System
Director Appliance does not provide media storage; the drive slots are covered with blank plates. It runs the
System Director for one or more Avid NEXIS engines that collectively contain between four and 24 Media Packs.

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Media Packs
A Media Pack is a set of 10 drives, all of which are either 2TB or 6TB, yielding a Media Pack capacity of 20TB or
60TB.
System Details
The Engines and the System Director Appliance are described in more detail in the following sections.
Engine
The Engine is a rack-mountable unit housing the other system components (drives, power supplies). If a
component fails, the system is designed to remain operational while you replace it. Do not shut down an Engine or
the System Director Appliance before replacing a failed part.
Data passes between the Engine and clients through a switch connected to the Engine with one or more 10 Gb or
40 Gb Ethernet connections. These connections provide clients access to the data on the media drives.
Avid NEXIS | E2 Engine Front
The front of the Avid NEXIS | E2 has a removable bezel (not shown). Removing the bezel allows access to the
drive slots. The Avid NEXIS | E2 supports one Media Pack (10 drives) for media storage and two system drives.
As shipped from Avid, the system drives occupy the first two slots in the Engine (0 and 1). Drive slot numbering
is shown below.
Avid NEXIS | E2 Rear View
The rear of the Avid NEXIS | E2 provides access to the Storage Controller and the power supply/cooling modules.
Avid NEXIS | E2 Rear View Features
Callout Description
1 764W power supply and cooling fan modules (in event and error messages, 0=left, 1=right)

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Control Panel
The following figure shows the control panel on the Avid NEXIS | E2 and Avid NEXIS | E4 and the System
Director Appliance, on the left side of the chassis.
Control Panel on Avid NEXIS | E2, Avid NEXIS | E4, and System Director Appliance
Control Panel Features
Avid NEXIS | E4 Front View
The front of the Engine has a removable bezel (not shown). Removing the bezel allows access to the drive slots.
The Avid NEXIS | E4 Engine supports two Media Packs (10 drives each) for media storage and two system
drives. As shipped from Avid, the system drives occupy the first two slots in the Engine (0 and 1). Drive slot
numbering is shown below.
The drives in the Avid NEXIS | E4 Engine are numbered from top left (0) to bottom right (23), as shown.
2 Avid NEXIS | E2 Controller
Callout Description
Description Status/Purpose
Input/Mute Switch Used to set the LED display and to transition alarm states (depends on VPD setup).
System Power LED Green when system is on (operational).
Amber when system is in standby mode (not operational).
Module Fault LED Amber when there is a system hardware fault. In that case, another LED on the faulty component
may be lit.
Logical Fault LED Amber when something other than the enclosure management system (usually a drive) fails.
Enclosure ID Display Displays the enclosure identification number (optional; useful with multiple enclosure systems)

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Avid NEXIS | E4 Rear View
The rear of the Avid NEXIS | E4 provides access to the Storage Controller and the power supply/cooling modules.
Avid NEXIS | E4 Engine Rear View Features
Storage Controllers
Depending on your Avid NEXIS model, the Engine has one of the following Storage Controllers.
Callout Description
1 Four 580W power supply and cooling fan modules (in error and status messages, 0=top left, 1=bottom left, 2=top
right, 3=bottom right)
2 Avid NEXIS | E4/SDA Controller, installed in the top slot by default (identified in error and status messages as
Storage Controller 0)

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Storage Controller and NEXIS Model Combinations
If a Storage Controller fails, see “Replacing a Storage Controller” on page 33.
The Storage Controller provides the software management functionality, in some cases including the System
Director. The Storage Controllers are turned on when the power supplies are on. The following figure and table
describe the Storage Controller features. Unidentified features are not used.
Storage Controller
Storage Controller Features
Avid NEXIS Model Storage Controller Type Technical Details
Avid NEXIS | E2 Avid NEXIS | E2 Controller Six core controller with 16GB memory. Supports a 10GbE
switch connection.
Labeled “Storage Controller | 10.”
Avid NEXIS | E4 and
System Director Appliance
Avid NEXIS | E4/SDA
Controller
Eight core controller with 32GB memory. Supports a 10GbE
switch connection.
Labeled “Storage Controller | 20.”
Description Purpose
Ethernet Connectors In the Avid implementation, only the top port, called the Management Port, is used,
to connect to a laptop or other computer to install the Avid NEXIS software and
initially configure the system. The port has the following LEDs:
Right side:
• Steady green: Link is active
• Flashing green: Network activity
Left side—Network speed:
• Yellow: 1000Mb/s
• Green: 100Mb/s
• Off: 10Mb/s

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System Director
The System Director maintains all information about the file system. The System Director is either embedded on
a Storage Controller in an Avid NEXIS Avid NEXIS | E2 or Avid NEXIS | E4 Engine, or runs separately on a
System Director Appliance. In a multi-Engine Avid NEXIS storage system, there can be only one System
Director. If the System Director is embedded, the first Engine configured in a multi-Engine system runs the
System Director for the entire system.
The embedded System Director can manage up to four Media Packs, in any combination of Avid NEXIS | E2 and
Avid NEXIS | E4 Engines.
The System Director Appliance can manage up to 24 Media Packs, in any combination of Avid NEXIS Engines.
The System Director:
• Manages the metadata by storing directory information and file attributes.
• Provides a location to coordinate file access modes (read/write), file locking, range locking, performance data
collection, logging, file lookup, and directory change tracking for client systems.
• Provides the following information to a client or storage system:
- Identity of all connected storage systems
- Information about the drives, power, cooling and Storage Controllers in the configuration
- Names of workspaces
- Lists of users and groups within the system
The System Director does not store client data (media files); these are stored on the Media Packs (drives) within
the Engine. System Director metadata is mirrored on the system drives in the Engine, or on the system drives in
the System Director Appliance.
Power/OK, Fault, and ID LEDs Power/OK: Green when the controller is operating correctly. Flashing green
indicates a controller VPD error.
Fault: Amber when the controller has a fault.
ID: Blue when the controller is being identified.
POST LEDs Shows the boot progress of the controller. If the controller fails to boot, the LEDs
show the stage in which the error occurred.
Storage Controller identification label Indicates the Storage Controller type, which specifies in which Engine it can be
used:
• Avid NEXIS | E2 Controller for Avid NEXIS | E2
• Avid NEXIS | E4/SDA Controller for Avid NEXIS | E4 and the System Director
Appliance
Controller Release Latch To remove the controller from the Engine (see “Replacing a Storage Controller” on
page 33)
10GbE or 40GbE Ports Connect to a network switch (see “Connecting the Hardware to a Switch” on
page 15)
Description Purpose

7
System Directors, workgroup servers, and clients must all be synchronized with a common time of day. For
information on setting the Network Time Protocol (NTP), see “Software Installation and System Setup” on
page 17.
Media Pack and System drives
The Avid NEXIS Engines contain varying numbers of Media Packs, 10 drives per pack. As shipped from Avid, all
the drives in a single Media Pack are either 2TB or 6TB. The System Director Appliance contains no Media
Packs, as it is not used for client data storage.
If you replace a failed drive in a Media Pack, the resulting total Media Pack capacity is based on the smallest
capacity drive. This has implications for the Storage Groups you create from the Media Packs; for more
information, see “Replacing a Drive” on page 31 and the Avid NEXIS Administration Guide.
Each Engine and System Director Appliance has two system drives, of 400GB capacity. The System Director,
whether running on an Engine or in the System Director Appliance, uses the system drives for metadata, startup
files, and other system files. The Engine or System Director Appliance can run with one failed system drive, but
Avid recommends replacing it as soon as possible.
In the Avid NEXIS | E2 and Avid NEXIS | E4, every drive is in a 3.5” carrier; do not remove the drive from the
carrier.
The system drives typically occupy slots 0 and 1, and the Media Pack drives typically use the remaining slots.
To distinguish between the types of drives:
• System drives are labeled similar to the following, indicating the capacity, the letters SS for solid state, and a
manufacturer serial number:
• Media Pack drives are labeled similar to the following, indicating the capacity (2TB or 6TB), the abbreviation
7K2 indicating the drive speed (7200 rpm), and a manufacturer serial number:
System drives are physically 2.5” but are in a 3.5” carrier, like the Media Pack drives.

8
Avid NEXIS | E2 and Avid NEXIS | E4 Media Pack and System drives
The drives in the Avid NEXIS | E2 and Avid NEXIS | E4 Media Packs have a lock indicator and two LEDs that
show the drive status, explained in the following figure and table.

9
cLeave failed drives in place until you have a replacement so you maintain the proper airflow. Obtain a
replacement as soon as possible.
Power Supplies
Depending on your Avid NEXIS model, the Engine or System Director Appliance has the following number and
type of power supply modules:
• Avid NEXIS | E2 and System Director Appliance — Two 764W power supply/cooling modules (integrated
fans)
• Avid NEXIS | E4 — Four 580W power supply/cooling modules (integrated fans)
The power supplies are turned on when the power cord is plugged in and the power switch is on.
The Avid NEXIS | E2 and the System Director Appliance can continue operating with only one working power
supply. The Avid NEXIS | E4 can run with only two of the four power supplies working.
Media Pack Drive and System drives
Callout Description Status
1 Locking window showing drive is locked Red when drive is locked
2 Locking window showing drive is unlocked Black when drive is unlocked
3 Power and activity LED Off—No power
Blinking—I/O activity
4 Fault and identify LED Blinking 1second on, 1 second off—To identify the drive
On—Drive failed
Off—OK

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Avid NEXIS | E2 (764W) Power Supply and Cooling Module Features
nThe bottom two LEDs, marked with battery icons, are not used.

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Avid NEXIS | E4 (580W) Power Supply and Cooling Module LEDs
The LEDs on the Avid NEXIS | E4 power/cooling module work together to indicate overall module status; in the
following table, for each row, all the LEDs must be in the listed state for the definition to apply.
580W Power and Cooling Module LED States
cLeave failed power supply or cooling modules in place until you have a replacement so you maintain the
proper airflow. Obtain a replacement as soon as possible.
AC Fault Fan Fault Power/Module OK DC Fault Definition
nFor readability, a series of dashes (---) means the LED is OFF.
--- --- --- --- No AC power on any PCM
On --- --- On No AC power on this PCM
--- --- On --- AC present; PCM OK
--- --- On On PCM fan speed is outside acceptable limits
--- On --- --- PCM fan has failed
On On --- On PCM fault (over temperature, over voltage, or over
current)
--- --- Flashing --- Standby mode
Flashing Flashing --- Flashing PCM firmware download in progress

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Cabling
For a list of cables qualified with the Avid system, see “Supported Cabling” on page 15.

2Connecting the Equipment
This chapter explains how to rack mount and connect the system hardware.
Rack Mounting Guidelines and Requirements
Avid recommends installing the Avid NEXIS hardware in a rack, using the following guidelines:
• If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment
might be greater than room ambient. Make sure the rack environment is compatible with the maximum
ambient temperature (Tma) specified by the manufacturer.
• Avoid uneven mechanical loading.
• Make sure your rack enclosure is stable enough to prevent tipping over if using extending sliding rails.
• Follow the equipment nameplate ratings to avoid overloading the circuits.
• Maintain reliable grounding of rack-mounted equipment, especially regarding supply connections other than
direct connections to the branch circuit (for example, power strips).
• Avid airflow is from the front of the enclosure to the rear. Make sure nothing blocks airflow to the front panel
surface and the rear.
• For normal operation, maintain approximately 2 feet (0.6 meters) of open space in front of and behind the
rack. This allows free access to the components in the rack for operating changes or adjustments. For service,
maintain approximately 3 feet (1 meter) of open space in front of the rack and 2 feet (0.6 meters) of open
space behind the rack. This allows for the removal of any component that needs to be replaced.
• Allow at least 0.5 in (1.3 cm) clearance on top of the enclosure for cover removal.
wTo ensure the stability of the rack enclosure, install the heaviest equipment in the lower sections of the rack
enclosure. Install lighter equipment in the middle and upper sections.
cFor information about power specification and dimensions see “Specifications and Notices” on page 36.
Mounting the Engine
The Avid NEXIS Engines are designed for 19-inch (483-mm) rack configurations and need the following amounts
of space in the rack:
• Avid NEXIS | E2 and the System Director Appliance each require two vertical rack units of space
• Avid NEXIS | E4 requires four vertical rack units
The rack mount kit can accommodate racks with round, square, or threaded holes, sometimes called broadcast
racks. Installation instructions are included on a decal located on the side of one of the bracket rails.
nDo not lift the Engine by the handles on the power supply units, cooling modules or Storage Controller – they are
not designed to support the weight of the entire system.
wAvid recommends that two people lift the Engine, especially when installing in upper rack units.