Facilis Hub Server User manual

Facilis Hub Server

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TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, NEITHER FACILIS TECHNOLOGY NOR ITS THIRD PARTYSUPPLIERS
MAKE ANY OTHER WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO
THE FACILIS TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS
OF MERCHANTABILITY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Limitations of Liability
To the extent allowed by local law, the remedies provided in this Warranty Statement are the customer's sole and exclusive
remedies.
TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED BY LOCAL LAW, EXCEPT FOR THE OBLIGATIONS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY
STATEMENT, IN NO EVENT SHALL FACILIS TECHNOLOGY OR ITS THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY
AND WHETHER ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Local Law
This Warranty Statement gives the customer specific legal rights. The customer may also have other rights that vary from state to
state in the United States, from province to province in Canada, and from country to country elsewhere in the world.
To the extent that this Warranty Statement is inconsistent with local law, this Warranty Statement shall be deemed modified to be
consistent with such local law. Under such local law, certain disclaimers and limitations of this Warranty Statement may not apply to
the customer. For example, some states in the United States, as well as some governments outside the United States (including
provinces in Canada), may:
Preclude the disclaimers and limitations in this Warranty Statement from limiting the statutory rights of a consumer (e.g., the United
Kingdom);
Otherwise restrict the ability of a manufacturer to enforce such disclaimers or limitations; or Grant the customer additional warranty
rights, specify the duration of implied warranties which the manufacturer cannot disclaim, or not allow limitations on the duration of
implied warranties.
FOR CONSUMER TRANSACTIONS IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, THE TERMS IN THIS WARRANTY STATEMENT, EXCEPT TO
THE EXTENT LAWFULLY PERMITTED, DO NOT EXCLUDE, RESTRICT, OR MODIFY, AND ARE IN ADDITION TO, THE MANDATORY
STATUTORY RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO THE SALE OF FACILIS TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS TO SUCH CUSTOMERS.
© Facilis Technology Inc. Hub Server Guide, March 2018

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Contents Page Number
Using This Guide
Who Should Use This Guide 4
What This Guide Contains
Symbols and Conventions
Documentation Comments
How to Download this Manual
Chapter 1 –Hardware
Overview 5
Hub Server Front Panel 6
Hub Server Rear Panel 7
Chapter 2 –Hardware Installation
Before You Begin 8
Rack Mounting the Hub Server
Keyboard/Mouse
Monitor
Power Cords 9
Client Hardware Installation
Cabling the Hub Server
Cabling the Hub Server to the Member Servers
Fibre Channel Client Cabling 10
Ethernet Client Cabling
Turning on the Hub Server
Chapter 3 –Setup and Administration
System Setup & Volume Creation 12
Shutting Down and Restarting 14
Appendix A –Server Hardware Specifications
Dimensions and Weight 15-16
Environment
Electrical Load
Connectivity
Appendix B –Hub Server Configurations
Hub Server Qualified stacks 17

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Using This Guide
Who Should Use This Guide
This guide is intended for any user or administrator of the Facilis Hub system.
What This Guide Contains
This guide covers the information regarding:
Facilis Hub Server hardware and configurations
Symbols and Conventions
Important Caution or Instruction
Related Information or Tip
Description or Definition
Documentation Comments
If you have comments relating to the documentation, please E-mail Support@facilis.com,
and specify the page and error or omission in the guide.
How to Download This Manual
We offer a download location on our main web site.
Go to http://facilis.com/support/.

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Overview
The Facilis Hub Server is a system that enables bandwidth aggregation between multiple
TerraBlock servers.
Benefits include:
Increased Available Bandwidth
Seamless Dynamic Aggregation
Simple Administration
Head Unit / System Redundancy
Data Resiliency
Platform:
Hub Servers ship on Windows 10 Professional Operating System.
Hub Servers ship with 16GB RAM.
Version 7 software is required.
A new license is required to add a Hub Server to your configuration.
Member Servers –These can be new TerraBlock server(s) or existing TerraBlock
server(s). They must be Serial Number TB001418 or greater to be connected to a Hub
Server. Connectivity from the Hub Server to the Member Server(s) is via 32Gb/s or
16Gb/s Fibre Channel.
Version 7 supports Win7 and Win10 on TerraBlock servers.
The Hub Server is ordered as a base server with the software loaded. If upgrading from a
previous version, a new license is required; please contact Facilis Technical Support with
your TBLicenseData file (located in C:\Program Files\Facilis\TerraBlock).
The connectivity cards from the Hub Server to the Member Servers are purchased as add-
ons.
Hub Server to 24D or 24EX
oHub Server
Dual 16Gb/s or 32Gb/s Fibre Channel
oMember Servers
Single 16Gb/s or 32Gb/s Fibre Channel
Hub Server to 8D 32TB or 64TB
oHub Server
Dual 16Gb/s Fibre Channel
oMember Servers
Single 16Gb/s Fibre Channel
The basic server connectivity to clients is not included. That is included with your existing
TerraBlock server(s) or with your new TerraBlock server(s). If you have existing TerraBlock
servers you can move the basic server connectivity cards to the Hub Server.
8Gb Fibre Channel Dual Port Connectivity
16Gb Fibre Channel Dual Port Connectivity
10Gb Ethernet Dual Port Connectivity with Optical SFP+ Transceivers or RJ45 copper
40Gb Single Port Ethernet Upgrade card
32Gb Fibre Channel Dual Port Connectivity

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Chapter 1 - Hardware
The Hub Server physical attributes are discussed in this section. The Hub Server chassis
contains redundant OS hard drives and field replaceable power supplies units (PSUs). It is
recommended that each power supply be connected to a separate circuit to maintain proper
grounding. An uninterruptable power supply (UPS) is also highly recommended. The Hub
Server ships with field replaceable internal fans.
Hub Server Front Panel
The front panel of the Hub Server is used to start up and shut down the unit. Software
updates can be loaded via USB drive in the front or rear of the unit or by downloading from
http://www.facilis.com/support.
LED indicators:
1. Internal System Disk Activity
Blinks red when active.
2. Power Indicator
Green when powered on.
Front panel buttons from left to right
1. Server Reset
Only use when instructed.
2. Power On/Off
Use to power on the unit or to initiate Windows shutdown.

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Hub Server Rear Panel
The rear panel (back of the server) is the location for Hub Member Server connectivity,
direct connect client connectivity, switch hardware connectivity, and control / monitor ports.
Power supply cabling and cooling fans are also located in this area. There are seven (7)
PCIe low profile slots to share between clients and member connectivity.
Power Supplies –Hub Server includes redundant Power Supplies. One power supply
in the Hub Server chassis is replaceable while the unit is running.
VGA –The VGA port is available for monitoring the server locally; attaching a monitor
(not supplied) to the server is necessary for software installation and troubleshooting. A
standard 15-pin VGA monitor cable is supported.
USB –There are 4 USB ports on the rear panel (2 x USB 3.0, 2 x USB 2.0)
Ethernet –The Ethernet ports are supplied for network access to the unit,
communication to the optional Fibre Channel switch, and when used in conjunction with
the Facilis Shared File system, access from Ethernet clients to the Hub Server virtual
volumes. Direct Ethernet connectivity can be configured using a single Gigabit Ethernet
port on the server. A combination of 2 or more Gigabit Ethernet ports (additional
Ethernet hardware may be added) can be (Teamed) for additional bandwidth and
performance.
Fibre Channel/Ethernet Slots –The number and type of Fibre Channel and Ethernet
host bus adapters (HBAs) may vary depending on your configuration. There is a
maximum of 7 HBAs that can be added. This can be all Fibre Channel HBAs, all 10Gbit
Ethernet, or a combination of both.

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Chapter 2 –Hardware Installation
This chapter describes how to install your Hub Server system.
Before You Begin
The location of the unit should be cool, clean and vibration-free. Make sure you have all the
components that shipped with the system available at the time of installation. If you are
missing any of the components listed below, do not attempt installation until contacting
Facilis Technology customer service at +1 978-562-7022.
After unpacking the Hub Server kit, check the contents of the kit against the following list to
be sure you have received all the components. The kit contains:
One Hub Server enclosure or chassis with redundant OS hard drives and
redundant Power Supplies (PSUs).
Two power cords.
USB stick containing the Hub Software and Documentation.
A rack-mount kit.
An enclosure front cover or bezel (located on chassis).
Rack Mounting the Hub Server
The base configuration of the Hub Server system includes rack rails for mounting the
server in a standard 19” rack containing rear rails. If you are installing the Hub server
enclosure in a rack (recommended), follow the instructions supplied in the rail kit to
install the rack-mount rails. Be sure that:
The rails attach as far forward on the enclosure as possible.
The rails do not interfere with the power strips, power cords, or other cables at the
rear of the rack.
The rails allow the unit to slide completely into the rack.
Power supply vents and other airflow are not restricted when installing the unit in a
rack.
A reliable grounding path is maintained within the rack system. This unit must be
connected to earthen ground.
Keyboard/Mouse
A keyboard and mouse (not supplied) should be installed prior to powering on the Hub
Server. You must use a USB keyboard and mouse, as these will remain enabled after boot
and can also be connected after the server is on.
1. Locate an available keyboard and mouse.
2. Locate the proper USB ports using the symbols on the rear of the unit.
3. Plug the connectors into the proper ports securely.
Monitor
A monitor (not supplied) is required for initial setup and software updates, and is
recommended for daily usage or in the event of troubleshooting. To install a monitor:
1. Locate the VGA port on the rear of the unit. The VGA port is a blue female 15-pin
DIN connector.
2. Plug the monitor into the VGA port.
3. Supply power to the monitor and turn it on.

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Power Cords
Connect the power cords (supplied) into the AC ports on the rear of the enclosure. Do not
start the unit until all power cords are connected.
Client Hardware Installation
Client hardware will depend on your Hub Server configuration. Configurations may consist
of all Fibre Channel, all Ethernet, or a combination of both.
All Fibre Channel based configurations require hardware installation in your Mac, Windows
or Linux clients. ATTO Technology is the supported Fibre Channel HBA to be used with your
Hub Server. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing hardware in your
client (Mac Pro, HP Workstation, etc.). It is recommended to use the fastest PCIe slot
available. ATTO ThunderLink devices are also supported for Mac clients that do not have an
available PCIe slot and are Thunderbolt capable (MacBook Pro, iMac). After the hardware is
installed, power on the client and install the proper drivers and firmware (see the current
Release Notes for supported driver and firmware versions and more in depth ATTO Fibre
Channel HBA configuration).
The ATTO Configuration Tool must be installed on each client workstation to verify
and adjust the HBA settings.
Ethernet client configurations may or may not require hardware installation. The 1G
Ethernet onboard adapters can be used with any Mac, Windows or Linux client for
connectivity to the Hub Server. 10G Ethernet configuration will require hardware to be
installed in your client. Myricom and ATTO 10G HBAs are supported.
Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing hardware in your client
workstation (Mac Pro, HP Workstation, etc.). It is recommended to use the fastest PCIe slot
available. ATTO ThunderLink devices are also supported for Mac specific workstations that
do not have an available PCIe slot and are Thunderbolt capable (MacBook Pro, iMac). After
the hardware is installed, power on the client and install the proper drivers (see the current
Release Notes for supported driver versions).
Cabling the Hub Server
The following explains how to cable the Hub Server to the Member Servers and also to
clients directly or to any switches in your configuration. Keep the location of the edit rooms
in mind when installing the Hub Server. There is a 380 meter limitation in 4Gbit FC, 150
meter limitation in 8Gbit FC, and a 100 meter limitation in 16Gbit FC using OM3 50 micron
rated cabling. Ethernet connectivity for CAT 5E, CAT 6 or CAT 7 cabling has a limitation on
length of 100 meters (328ft) in 1Gbit. Ethernet connectivity for 10Gbit optical cabling has a
length limitation of 300 meters (984ft) using OM3 rated cabling.

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Cabling the Hub Server to the Member Servers
The Hub Server is connected to the Member Servers via Fibre Channel. Here are the
options:
Hub Server to 24D or 24EX
oHub Server
Dual 16Gb/s or 32Gb/s Fibre Channel
oMember Servers
Single 16Gb/s or 32Gb/s Fibre Channel
Hub Server to 8D 32TB or 64TB
oHub Server
Dual 16Gb/s Fibre Channel
oMember Servers
Single 16Gb/s Fibre Channel
Fibre Channel Client Cabling
Client connections are based on the number of Fibre Channel HBAs that are installed in your
server.
The Hub Server may also be connected to a switch via single or multiple 4/8/16/32 Gbit
connections. The client workstations would also connect to the switch. All connectors are
“LC” type, and the supported cable type is duplex (send/receive) multimode fibre. The LC
connector will plug into an SFP module. The SFP is inserted in the Fibre Channel HBA on the
server and client. SFPs are also used in the Fibre switch for connectivity between the server
and clients. All SFPs are removable and replaceable.
A Fibre Channel cable is comprised of send and receive strands, and these must be mated
properly to the send and receive ports on the SFP. If your cable was built as an LC-to-LC
patch cable, the connector should be built to achieve this. If you are patching through
another cable via a union or patch field, you may have to determine the send and receive
sides. Try each combination of port connection and connector ends (reversing if necessary)
until a link light appears.
ATTO Fibre Channel host bus adapters contain class 1 laser emitting
devices. Keep the transmit port covered whenever a cable is not connected.
It is good practice to keep open ports covered. Avoid staring into open
ports or aperture.
Ethernet Client Cabling
You can connect the Hub Server to an Ethernet switch or client via 1 Gigabit Ethernet or a
Teamed connection. Alternatively, you can install 10Gbit Ethernet card(s) to connect either
directly to a client or to connect to an Ethernet switch with the 10Gbit uplink option. 40Gbit
Ethernet can also be used to connect the Hub Server to a 40Gbit uplink on a switch.

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Turning on the Hub Server
Before turning on the Hub Server make sure all TerraBlock Servers in the stack are turned
on first, otherwise the Hub server will fail to see them.
The Power button is on the front indicator panel. Press it once. The system has been
configured from the factory to login to the operating system automatically with user account
“Facilis” and no password.
It is the responsibility of the site administrator to maintain any desired software
security options, including passwords, for the Hub Server.
Upon reaching Windows Explorer (desktop), launch the SMDriveMonitor tool shortcut
(yellow Facilis icon) on the desktop. The text on screen should state that the Facilis storage
service has started, list the version of the service, and display the start date and time.

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Chapter 3 –Setup and Administration
The Hub server has software management tools pre-installed on the server. The following
covers these tools, which are installed prior to shipping.
The Admin Console allows for user and volume management of RAID5, Mirrored, and
unprotected volumes. Launch the Admin Console from any Supported Web Browser (see
Web Console documentation for more details) by navigating to http://localhost. A console
user given Admin permissions can also perform administration from any client workstation
by navigating to the Hub Server’s IP address in a Supported Wed Browser.
In Version 7.1 the Facilis Admin console should be used for all administrative tasks on your
Hub server.
System Setup & Volume Creation
After the server is installed and powered on, no additional configuration is required. The
disk set was created prior to shipping and is presented to the Admin Console. You can begin
allocating the storage into virtual volumes.
Setting up existing MUW volumes for Hub Server
Existing RAID5 Multi-User Write (MUW) volumes can be set up to be accessed via the Hub
server. To do so follow the instructions below:
1. Go to each Member Server and delete the MountInfo file (located in C:\Program
Files\Facilis\TerraBlock).
2. From TerraBlock Manager on the Hub Server, change the volumes to Single-User Write
(SUW) by highlighting the volume and clicking “Change”.
3. Launch the Facilis Admin console then right click each volume and take ownership. Or
choose take ownership from each volumes action list.
Setting up new volumes for use with Hub Server
The standard Hub Server volume creation process is as follows:
1. From Facilis Admin console on the Hub Server, create spanned volumes by selecting the
drive groups of your member server.
2. The external Tandem Raid setting will activate giving you two options.
Stripe –Create the volume as a stripe across the selected drive groups.
Mirror –Create a volume with its primary on one selected group and a mirror
on the other.
3. Choose Create.
The volume will now appear in the list and can be assigned permissions.
When the Hub Server is shipped from the factory, there are no volumes and no users; these
will need to be created. Administrator access is given when the Admin Console is launched
on the Hub Server itself.
There are several applications that can be launched on the Hub Server:
Management:
Facilis Hub Admin Console
SMDriveMonitor
SMmanager
Troubleshooting/Servicing:
Drive Checker
Data Verifier

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ATTO Configuration Tool
Facilis Hub Admin Console
The Facilis Hub Admin Console is a web browser based user interface for connecting to
and administering one or more Facilis TerraBlock servers.
Hub Admin Console allows for user and volume management of all volume types.
Hub Admin Console can be accessed from any Supported Web Browser (see Web
Console documentation for more details) by navigating to http://localhost on the Hub
Server or http://Hub_IP_Address on a client.
SMDriveMonitor
This tool is used to monitor the output of the service during operation. The
SMDriveMonitor will display the version, time/date of the service startup, any special
features licensed on the system, as well as the drives found in the disk set. The
SMDriveMonitor also displays any drive errors and any recovery or DynaRAID protection
activity, including the percentage of recovery while in progress.
The SMDriveMonitor is launched from “C:\Program
Files\Facilis\TerraBlock\SMDriveMonitor.exe”or the yellow desktop shortcut.
SMmanager
SMmanager tool is a command-line interface for the administration and management of
Hub volumes and users. It is suggested that SMmanager only be used at the
recommendation of, and with assistance from, Facilis Technical Support.
SMmanager is launched from "C:\Program
Files\Facilis\TerraBlock\Utilities\SMmanager.exe" or the red desktop shortcut.
ATTO Configuration Tool
Hub servers configured with Fibre Channel interface cards to connect to client stations or
a Fibre Channel switch will have the ATTO Configuration Tool pre-installed. ATTO HBAs
can be viewed and configured using this tool. The ATTO Configuration Tool will allow a
system administrator to set the Connection Mode, update firmware, and check ATTO
driver versions. See the current Release Notes for more information. This tool should be
installed on all client stations with fibre channel hardware.

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Shutting Down and Restarting
Shutting down and restarting the Hub server and member storage requires following the
steps outlines below:
Shutting Down
1. Unmount all volumes from clients.
2. Shut down the Hub server by initiating a normal shutdown from the
Windows 10 start menu.
3. Once the Hub server is fully shut down initiate a normal windows
shutdown for each of the member storage servers.
When starting up a shut down Hub stack make sure the member storage servers boot
completely before starting the Hub server back up.
Restarting
1. Unmount all volumes from clients.
2. Shut down the Hub server by initiating a normal shutdown from the
Windows 10 start menu.
3. Once the Hub server is fully shut down initiate a normal windows restart
for each of the member storage servers.
4. Once the member storage servers have fully rebooted start the Hub
server.

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Appendix A: Server Hardware Specifications
Warning: Be sure to remove all power before servicing the unit. See label
affixed on the unit for power ratings.
Dimensions and Weight
Product
Weight
Board
Depth
Width
Height
Facilis
Hub
Server
10.9kgs / 24lbs
ATX(12"x 9.6")
17.7 in
44.96
cm
19 in
48.26
cm
3.5 in
(2u)
8.89 cm
Power Supplies
Redundant 350W Power supplies are hot-swappable while the server is in operation. Please read the
following procedure for swapping a power supply unit.
1. Locate the failed power supply by the flashing amber light on the unit.
2. Remove the AC power cord from that power supply unit.
3. Press the green tab to the right to free the power supply from the chassis.
4. Pull on the handle to remove the power supply.
5. Slide the new power supply into the slot, and lock into place.
6. Attach AC power cord to the replacement power supply in the chassis.
Cooling Units
3x (80 mm = 42.5CFM ea.) Fans
Drive bays
2 x 2.5” SSD Redundant
Environment
Max Ambient Temp: 30C / 86F
Min Ambient Temp: 5C / 41F
Humidity - 5% - 95% Non-condensing
Electrical Input
100-240 Vac, 3-1.5 A per power cord
50-60Hz
Auto switching
Multiple power sources. Disconnect all power cords before servicing. See user guide for additional
Warnings.
Hub Server (dual PSU)
Startup: ~250W
Idle: ~120W
Active: ~160W
Ports
6x USB Ports (2x front; 4x rear)

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Connectivity
Fibre Channel Cable - Multimode 50 or 62.5/125Full Duplex
Fibre Channel Terminations - LC (square small form factor)
Fibre Channel Tolerance - .5 DB/jump, Max 6DB/run P2P
Ethernet Cable - Cat6a or higher rated for 10Gbit
Multimode 50/125
Ethernet Connector - RJ45 for Gbit
LC for 10 Gb
Fibre Channel Cable Specifications and Length
Micron Max Distance by optical cable 4/8/16/32Gbs
9 µm (OS1) Single mode 10km/10km/NA/NA
50 µm (OM4) Multi mode 4700 MHz 400m/190m/125m/100m
50 µm (OM3) Multi mode 2000 MHz 380m/150m/100m/70m
50 µm (OM2) Multi mode 500 MHz 150m/50m/35m/20m
62.5 µm (OM1) Multi mode 200 MHz 70m/21m/15m/NA
Ethernet Cable Specifications and Length
UTP Length Max 1Gbit
CAT 5E, CAT 6 or CAT 7 100m
UTP Length Max 10Gbit
CAT 6 or CAT 7 100m
Optical Fiber Length Max 10Gbit
50 µm (OM3) 300m

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Appendix B: Hub Server Configurations
Hub Server Basic Stacks
The first release of Hub Server has a set of qualified configurations. You can have 4x 8D servers or 2x
24D/24EX servers. Contact Sales for other configurations.
Table of contents
Other Facilis Server manuals