Dell EMC PowerScale F900 User manual

PowerScale F900 Node Installation Guide
May 2021

Notes, cautions, and warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid
the problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
© 2021 - Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other
trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Figures..........................................................................................................................................4
Chapter 1: F900 nodes...................................................................................................................5
About F900 nodes...............................................................................................................................................................5
Drive types............................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Unpack and verify components....................................................................................................................................... 5
Chapter 2: F900 node installation..................................................................................................6
Before you begin..................................................................................................................................................................6
Rail kit components for 2U systems............................................................................................................................... 6
Install the rails.......................................................................................................................................................................7
Secure the rail assemblies to the cabinet...................................................................................................................... 8
Install the system in the cabinet...................................................................................................................................... 8
Install the front bezel........................................................................................................................................................ 10
Connect and route cords and cables............................................................................................................................. 11
Node ports..................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Dell Switch configuration........................................................................................................................................... 12
Chapter 3: F900 node configuration.............................................................................................13
Configure the node............................................................................................................................................................13
Federal installations..................................................................................................................................................... 13
SmartLock compliance mode.................................................................................................................................... 13
Connect to the node using a serial cable............................................................................................................... 13
Run the configuration wizard.................................................................................................................................... 14
Updating node firmware............................................................................................................................................. 16
Licensing and remote support...................................................................................................................................16
Front panel LCD display....................................................................................................................................................16
Configure the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller .......................................................................................19
Update the install database............................................................................................................................................. 19
Getting help........................................................................................................................................................................ 20
Contents
Contents 3

1 Sliding rail assembly - 2U systems......................................................................................................................... 6
2 Installing the rear end of the rail.............................................................................................................................7
3 Installing the front end of the rail...........................................................................................................................7
4 Installing screws......................................................................................................................................................... 8
5 Extend rails from the cabinet..................................................................................................................................9
6 Install the system in the rails................................................................................................................................... 9
7 Slide the system into the cabinet......................................................................................................................... 10
8 Installing the front bezel on 2U system............................................................................................................... 11
9 CMA bracket slots.................................................................................................................................................... 11
10 F900 node LCD display........................................................................................................................................... 17
11 Node with RJ-45 iDRAC connection................................................................................................................... 19
Figures
4 Figures

F900 nodes
Topics:
•About F900 nodes
•Drive types
•Unpack and verify components
About F900 nodes
F900 all-flash nodes support inline software data compression (3:1 depending on the workload and the dataset), and data
deduplication with OneFS 9.2.0.0. F900 nodes are 2U models that require a minimum cluster size of three nodes. Clusters can
be expanded to a maximum of 252 nodes in single node increments. The F900 node uses direct-attached NVMe (Non-Volatile
Memory Express) SSDs for fast data access, with integrated parallelism.
Drive types
This installation guide applies to nodes that contain any of the following drive types: Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe), and
NVMe SEDs (self-encrypting drives) on F900 nodes.
CAUTION: Only install the drives that were shipped with the node. Do not mix drives of different capacities in
the node. If you remove drive carriers from the chassis during installation, ensure to label the carriers clearly.
Replace the drive carriers in the same bay from which they were removed. If drive carriers are mixed between
nodes, even before configuration, the system is inoperable.
Do not power off the node during the join process.
Unpack and verify components
Before you install any equipment, inspect it to ensure that no damage occurred during transit.
Remove all components from the shipping package, and inspect the components for any sign of damage. Do not use a damaged
component.
NOTE: To avoid personal injury or damage to the hardware, always use multiple people to lift and move heavy equipment.
1
F900 nodes 5

F900 node installation
This document describes how to install F900 nodes into an equipment cabinet.
Topics:
•Before you begin
•Rail kit components for 2U systems
•Install the rails
•Secure the rail assemblies to the cabinet
•Install the system in the cabinet
•Install the front bezel
•Connect and route cords and cables
Before you begin
WARNING: Before you begin, read and follow the safety instructions in any Safety, Environmental, and
Regulatory information document shipped with the system.
WARNING: To avoid injury, do not attempt to lift the system by yourself.
NOTE: The figures in this document do not represent a specific system.
NOTE: The rail kit is compatible with square, unthreaded round, and threaded round hole racks.
Rail kit components for 2U systems
The sliding rail assemblies are used to secure the node in the cabinet, and extended from the cabinet so that the system cover
can be removed to access the internal FRUs. The sliding rail assembly (2U) is used for installation of the F900 nodes.
Figure 1. Sliding rail assembly - 2U systems
2
6 F900 node installation

Install the rails
The rails are labeled left and right, and cannot be interchanged. The front side of each rail is labeled Left Front or Right Front
when viewed from the cabinet front.
1. Determine where to mount the system, and use masking tape or a felt-tip pen to mark the location at the front and back of
the cabinet.
NOTE: Install the left rail assembly first.
2. Fully extend the rear sliding bracket of the rail.
3. Position the rail end piece labeled Left Front facing inward and orient the rear end piece to align with the holes on the rear
cabinet flanges.
4. Push the rail straight toward the rear of the rack until the latch locks in place.
Figure 2. Installing the rear end of the rail
5. For the front end piece, rotate the latch outward and pull the rail forward until the pins slide into the flange, and release the
latch to secure the rail in place.
Figure 3. Installing the front end of the rail
6. Repeat the preceding steps to install the right rail assembly.
F900 node installation 7

Secure the rail assemblies to the cabinet
The supplied screws and washers are used to secure the rail assemblies to the front and rear of the cabinet.
NOTE: For square hole cabinets, install the supplied conical washer before installing the screw. For unthreaded round hole
cabinets, install only the screw without the conical washer.
1. Align the screws with the designated U spaces on the front and rear rack flanges.
Ensure that the screw holes on the tab of the system retention bracket are seated on the designated U spaces.
2. Insert and tighten the two screws using the Phillips #2 screwdriver.
Figure 4. Installing screws
Install the system in the cabinet
This procedure is used to install the system in the cabinet.
Follow all safety guidelines.
CAUTION: The system is heavy and should be installed in a cabinet by two people. To avoid personal injury
and/or damage to the equipment, do not attempt to install the system in a cabinet without a mechanical lift
and/or help from another person.
1. At front of the cabinet, pull the inner slide rails out of the rack until they lock into place.
8F900 node installation

Figure 5. Extend rails from the cabinet
2. Locate the rear rail standoff on each side of the system. Position the system above the rails and lower the rear rail standoffs
into the rear J-slots on the slide assemblies.
3. Rotate the system downward until all the rail standoffs are seated in the J-slots.
Figure 6. Install the system in the rails
4. Push the system inward until the lock levers click into place.
5. Pull the blue slide release lock tabs forward on both rails and slide the system into the cabinet. The slam latches will engage
to secure the system in the cabinet.
NOTE: Ensure that the inner rail slides completely into the middle rail. The middle rail locks if the inner rail is not fully
engaged.
F900 node installation 9

Figure 7. Slide the system into the cabinet
Install the front bezel
The procedure to install the front bezel with the LCD panel.
1. Align and insert the right end of the bezel onto the system.
2. Press the release button and fit the left end of the bezel onto the system.
3. Lock the bezel by using the key.
10 F900 node installation

Figure 8. Installing the front bezel on 2U system
Connect and route cords and cables
1. Connect the power cables and I/O cables as described in documentation for your system.
2. If the system uses a cable management arm (CMA), install it as described in the document that is shipped with the CMA.
3. If the system does not use a CMA, use the two velcro straps to route and secure cords and cables at the rear of the system:
a. Locate the CMA bracket slots on the rear end of both the rails.
b. Bundle the cables gently, pulling them clear of the system connectors to the left and right sides.
NOTE: Ensure that there is enough space for the cables to move when you slide the system out of the rack.
c. Thread the straps through the CMA bracket slots on each side of the system to hold the cable bundles.
Figure 9. CMA bracket slots
F900 node installation 11

Node ports
The back-end ports are the private network connections to the nodes. Port 1 from all nodes connects to one switch, and port 2
from all the nodes connects to a second switch. Both back-end switches are provided.
The front-end ports are for the client network connections.
NOTE: In the F900 and F600 nodes, the rNDC does not provide network connectivity. In the F200, the rNDC can provide
10 GbE or 25 GbE connections for front-end networking.
Dell Switch configuration
Install the configuration file depending on the switch you are using, and the role for which it is being configured.
The following steps apply only to switches that are running DNOS 10.5.0.6.
1. For all flat, top of rack (ToR) setups of switches S4112, S4148, Z9100, and Z9264, run the following command to configure
the leaf role:
configure terminal
smartfabric l3fabric enable role LEAF
For Leaf and Spine network configuration, see the PowerScale Leaf Spine Cluster Installation Guide.
2. The following prompt appears: Reboot to change the personality? [yes/no]
Type yes.
The switch reboots, and loads the configuration.
12 F900 node installation

F900 node configuration
Topics:
•Configure the node
•Front panel LCD display
•Configure the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller
•Update the install database
•Getting help
Configure the node
Before using the node, you must either create a new cluster or add the node to an existing cluster.
Federal installations
Configure nodes to comply with United States federal regulations.
If you are installing F900, F600, or F200 nodes in a United States federal agency, configure the external network with IPv6
addresses. To comply with Federal requirements, if the OneFS cluster is configured for IPv6, enablement of link-local is required.
As part of the installation procedure, configure the external cluster for IPv6 addresses in the Isilon configuration wizard after a
node is powered on.
After you install the cluster, enable link-local addresses by following the instructions in the KB article How to enable link-local
addresses for IPv6.
SmartLock compliance mode
You can configure nodes to operate in SmartLock compliance mode. If your data environment must comply with SEC rule
17-a4(f), only then should you run the cluster in SmartLock compliance mode.
Compliance mode controls how SmartLock directories function and limits access to the cluster in alignment with SEC rule
17-a4(f).
A valid SmartLock license is required to configure a node in compliance mode.
CAUTION: Once you select to run a node in SmartLock compliance mode, you cannot leave compliance mode
without reformatting the node.
SmartLock compliance mode is incompatible with the following:
●vCenter
●VMware vSphere API for Storage Awareness (VASA)
●VMware vSphere API for Array Integration (VAAI) NAS Plug-In
Connect to the node using a serial cable
You can use a null modem serial cable to provide a direct connection to a node.
If no serial ports are available, you can use a USB-to-serial converter.
1. Connect a null modem serial cable to the serial port of a computer, such as a laptop.
2. Connect the other end of the serial cable to the serial port on the back panel of the node.
3
F900 node configuration 13

3. Start a serial communication utility such as Minicom (UNIX) or PuTTY (Windows).
4. Configure the connection utility to use the following port settings:
Setting Value
Transfer rate 115,200 bps
Data bits 8
Parity None
Stop bits 1
Flow control
(RTS/CTS)
Hardware
5. Open a connection to the node.
Run the configuration wizard
The Isilon configuration wizard starts automatically when a new node is powered on. The wizard provides step-by-step guidance
for configuring a new cluster or adding a node to an existing cluster.
The following procedure assumes that there is an open serial connection to a new node.
NOTE: You can type back at most prompts to return to the previous step in the wizard.
1. For new clusters, joining a node to an existing cluster, or preparing a node to run in SmartLock compliance mode, choose one
of the following options:
●To create a cluster, type 1.
●To join the node to an existing cluster, type 2.
●To exit the wizard and configure the node manually, type 3.
●To restart the node in SmartLock compliance mode, type 4.
CAUTION: If you choose to restart the node in SmartLock compliance mode, the node restarts and returns
to this step. Selection 4 changes to enable you to disable SmartLock compliance mode. Selection 4 is the
last opportunity to back out of compliance mode without reformatting the node.
2. Follow the prompts to configure the node.
For new clusters, the following table lists the information necessary to configure the cluster. To ensure that the installation
process is not interrupted, it is recommended that you collect this information before installation.
Setting Description
SmartLock compliance license A valid SmartLock license for clusters in compliance mode only
Root password The password for the root user for clusters in compliance mode do not
allow a root user and request a compliance administrator (comp admin)
password.
Admin password The password for the administrator user
Cluster name The name used to identify the cluster. Cluster names must begin with a
letter and can contain only numbers, letters, and hyphens.
NOTE: if the cluster name is longer than 11 characters, the
following warning displays: WARNING: Limit cluster name
to 11 characters or less when the NetBIOS Name
Service is enabled to avoid name truncation.
Isilon uses up to 4 characters for individual
node names.
Character encoding The default character encoding is UTF-8.
14 F900 node configuration

Setting Description
int-a network settings
●Netmask
●IP range
The int-a network settings are for communication between nodes.
The int-a network must be configured with IPv4.
The int-a network must be on a separate subnet from an int-b/failover
network.
int-b/failover network settings
●Netmask
●IP range
●Failover IP range
The int-b/failover network settings are optional. The int-b network is
for communication between nodes, and provides redundancy with the
int-a network.
The int-b network must be configured with IPv4.
The int-a and int-b networks must be on separate subnets.
The failover IP range is a virtual IP range that is resolved to either of
the active ports during failover.
External network settings
●Netmask
●MTU
●IP range
The external network settings are for client access to the cluster. The
25 Gb, and 100 Gb ports can be configured from the wizard.
The default external network can be configured with IPv4 or IPv6
addresses.
The MTU choices are 1500 or 9000.
Configure the external network with IPv6 addresses by entering an
integer less than 128 for the netmask value. The standard external
netmask value for IPv6 addresses is 64. If you enter a netmask value
with dot-decimal notation, use IPv4 addresses for the IP range.
In the configuration wizard, the following options are available:
Configure external subnet
[ 1] 25gige-1 - External interface
[Enter] Exit configuring external
network.
Configure external subnet >>>
Or
Configure external subnet
[ 1] 100gige-1 - External interface
[Enter] Exit configuring external
network.
Configure external subnet >>>
NOTE: The 100gige is an option on F900 and F600 nodes.
Default gateway The IP address of the optional gateway server through which the
cluster communicates with clients outside the subnet. Enter an IPv4
or IPv6 address, depending on how the external network is configured.
SmartConnect settings
●SmartConnect zone name
●SmartConnect service IP
SmartConnect balances client connections across nodes in a cluster.
Information about configuring SmartConnect is available in the OneFS
Administration Guide.
DNS settings
●DNS servers
●DNS search domains
The DNS settings are for the cluster.
Enter a comma-separated list to specify multiple DNS servers or
search domains. Enter IPv4 or IPv6 addresses, depending on how you
configured the external network settings.
Date and time settings
●Time zone
●Day and time
The day and time settings are for the cluster.
F900 node configuration 15

Setting Description
Cluster join mode The method that the cluster uses to add new nodes. Choose one of the
following options:
Manual join Cluster join mode enables configured nodes in
the cluster, or new nodes to request to join the
cluster.
Secure join A configured node in the existing cluster must
invite a new unconfigured node to join the
cluster.
NOTE: If you are installing a node that contains SEDs (self-encrypting drives), the node formats the drives now. The
formatting process might take up to two hours to complete.
Updating node firmware
To make sure that the most recent firmware is installed on a node, update the node firmware.
Follow instructions in the most current Node Firmware Release Notes to update your node to the most recent Node Firmware
Package.
Licensing and remote support
After configuring new hardware, update the OneFS license and configure the new hardware for remote support.
For instructions on updating OneFS license and configuring remote support (SRS), see the OneFS WebUI Administration Guide
or the OneFS CLI Administration Guide.
Front panel LCD display
The LCD display provides system information, status, and error messages to indicate that the system is functioning correctly or
requires attention. The LCD display is also used to configure or view the system iDRAC IP address.
The following lists the status and conditions of the LCD display:
●The LCD backlight is white during normal operating conditions.
●When the system needs attention, the LCD backlight is amber, and displays an error code before the descriptive text.
●When the system turns off and there are no errors, the LCD enters the standby mode after five minutes of inactivity. Press
any button on the LCD to turn it on.
●If the LCD panel stops responding, remove the bezel and reinstall it. If the problem persists, see Getting help.
●The LCD backlight remains off if LCD messaging is turned off through the iDRAC utility, the LCD panel, or other tools.
NOTE: If the system is connected to a power source and an error is detected, the LCD is amber whether the system is
turned on or off.
16 F900 node configuration

Figure 10. F900 node LCD display
Item Button or Display Description
1Left Moves the cursor back in one-step
increments
2Select Chooses the selected menu item
3Right Moves the cursor forward in one-step
increments during message scrolling:
1. · Press and hold the right button to
increase scrolling speed.
2. Release the button To stop scrolling,
release the button.
NOTE: The display stops scrolling
when the button is released. After
45 s of inactivity, the display starts
scrolling.
4LCD Display Displays system information, status, and
error messages or iDRAC address
View the Home screen
The Home screen displays user-configurable information about the system. This screen is displayed during normal system
operation when there are no status messages or errors. When the system is off and there are no errors, the LCD enters standby
mode after five minutes of inactivity. Press any button on the LCD display to turn it on.
1. To view the Home screen, press one of the three navigation buttons (Select, Left, or Right).
2. To go to the Home screen from another menu, complete the following steps:
a. Press and hold the navigation button until the up arrow is displayed.
b. Go to the Home icon by using the up arrow.
c. On the Home screen, press the Select button to enter the main menu.
d. Select the Home icon.
Setup menu
NOTE: When you select an option in the Setup menu, confirm the option before going to the next action.
F900 node configuration 17

Option Description
iDRAC Select DHCP or Static IP to configure the network mode.
If Static IP is selected, the available fields are IP, Subnet
(Sub), and Gateway (Gtw). Select Setup DNS to enable DNS
and to view domain addresses. Two separate DNS entries are
available.
Set error Select SEL to view LCD error messages in a format that
matches the IPMI description in the SEL. You can match
an LCD message with an SEL entry. Select Simple to view
LCD error messages in a simplified description. For information
about the generated event and error messages in the system
firmware and agents that monitor system components, see
the Error Code Lookup page, at qrl.dell.com.
Set home Select the default information for the Home screen.
View menu
NOTE: When you select an option in the View menu, confirm the option before going to the next action.
Option Description
iDRAC IP Displays the IPv4 or IPv6 addresses for iDRAC9. Addresses
include DNS (Primary and Secondary), Gateway, IP, and
Subnet (IPv6 does not have Subnet).
MAC Displays the MAC addresses for iDRAC, iSCSI, or Network
devices
Name Displays the name of the Host, Model, or User String for the
system
Number Displays the Asset tag or the Service tag for the system
Power Displays the power output of the system in BTU/hr or
Watts. The display format can be configured in the Set home
submenu of the Setup menu.
Temperature Displays the temperature of the system in Celsius or
Fahrenheit. The display format can be configured in the Set
home submenu of the Setup menu.
Join a cluster by using buttons and the LCD display
NOTE: When you select an option in the View menu, confirm the option before proceeding to the next action.
When the node starts and is unconfigured, the LCD display reads, Unconfigured, and launches a wizard. The wizard joins the
node to a cluster that is connected to the back-end network.
To join the node to a cluster when the LCD display reads, Unconfigured:
1. Press Select to start the wizard.
2. Press Left or Right to switch menu items:
a. <Scan>: Scan the back-end network, and display available clusters.
b. <Return>: Return to the Unconfigured screen.
3. To browse the available clusters, press Left or Right.
NOTE: Some of the clusters might not have enough IP addresses. The attempt to join the node fails.
4. To join the displayed cluster, press Select.
5. <Return>: Return to the scan menu in Step 3.
6. The LCD display reads Joining….
18 F900 node configuration

a. If the node joins the cluster successfully, the LCD displays the hostname of the node.
b. If the node fails to join the cluster, the LCD displays Failed to join…. Return to Step 4.
c. To try another cluster, press Select.
Configure the Integrated Dell Remote Access
Controller
The integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) delivers advanced, agent-free local, and remote administration. iDRAC is
embedded in every F900, F600, and F200 node and provides a secure means to automate specific node management tasks. The
node management tasks include remote reboot or shutdown by using IPMI commands.
NOTE: Although iDRAC is preinstalled in F900, F600, and F200 nodes, caution is recommended when using iDRAC. Some
iDRAC features and functionality are accessible with the iDRAC interface, but are not supported. OneFS only supports the
following IPMI commands with the iDRAC interface:
●Shutdown (power off)
●Reboot (power cycle)
●Startup (power on)
●Power Status (read-only)
IDRAC does not require any additional software installation.
1. After connecting the network cables, and powering on the node, iDRAC is available for use. For iDRAC, the RJ-45 (1 GbE)
connects to the external network switch.
Figure 11. Node with RJ-45 iDRAC connection
2. Log in to iDRAC by using the following default username and password:
●root
●calvin
NOTE: F900, F600, and F200 nodes can be ordered with both default username and password (root, calvin), or with
a random password option. If the nodes were ordered with the random password option, the username and password
differ.
Update the install database
After all work is complete, update the install database.
1. Browse to the Business Services portal.
2. Select the Product Registration and Install Base Maintenance option.
3. To open the form, select the IB Status Change option.
4. Complete the form with the applicable information.
5. To submit the form, click Submit.
F900 node configuration 19

Getting help
This topic contains resources for getting answers to questions about PowerScale products.
Dell Technologies support ●https://www.dell.com/support/incidents-online/en-us/contactus/product/
isilon-onefs
Telephone support ●United States: 1-800-SVC-4EMC (1-800-782-4362)
●Canada: 1-800-543-4782
●Worldwide: 1-508-497-7901
●Local phone numbers for a specific country or region are available at https://
www.dell.com/support/incidents-online/en-us/contactus/product/isilon-onefs.
PowerScale OneFS Documentation Info
Hubs
●https://www.dell.com/support/article/sln318794
Dell Community Board for self-help ●https://www.dell.com/community
20 F900 node configuration