Page 1 NEC Express5800 Series N8404-001F Storage and I/O Blade AD106a User's Guide 1st Edition 3-2009 856-128149-101-A...
Page 2 The NEC product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with the terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual performance of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system configuration, customer data, and operator control.
Page 3 Keep this User's Guide at hand for quick reference at anytime necessary. SAFETY INDICATIONS Follow the instructions in this User's Guide for your safety to use the Storage and I/O Blade. The Storage and I/O Blade contains components with possible danger, hazards that may cause by ignoring warnings, and preventive actions against such hazards.
Page 4: Symbols Used In This Manual And Warning Labels
SYMBOLS USED IN THIS MANUAL AND WARNING LABELS Attentions Indicates that improper use may cause an electric shock. Indicates that improper use may cause fumes or fire. Indicates that improper use may cause fingers to be caught. Indicates that improper use may cause personal injury. Indicates that improper use may cause explosion.
Page 5 NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Page 6 User's Guide, contact the service representative where you purchased this product. (5) NEC assumes no liability arising from the use of this product, nor any liability for incidental or consequential damages arising from the use of this User's Guide regardless of Item (4).
Page 7: Preface
PREFACE Welcome to the Storage and I/O Blade for NEC Express5800/SIGMABLADE. Connecting the Storage and I/O Blade with the CPU blade can expand I/O capabilities with up to six hard disk drives and two mezzanine cards. Read this User's Guide thoroughly to fully understand handling of the Storage and I/O Blade and...
Page 8: About This User's Guide
Storage and I/O Blade. Chapter 6 Installing and Using Utilities Refer to the User's Guide of the CPU Blade contained in the NEC EXPRESSBUILDER DVD Chapter 7 Maintenance provides you with all the information necessary to maintain successful operation of the Storage and I/O Blade.
Page 9: Text Conventions
Text Conventions The following conventions are used throughout this User's Guide. For safety symbols, see "SAFETY INDICATIONS" provided earlier. IMPORTANT: Items that are mandatory or require attention when using the Storage and I/O Blade Helpful and convenient piece of information NOTE: IN THE PACKAGE The carton contains various accessories, as well as the Storage and I/O Blade itself.
Page 10: Table Of Contents
CONTENTS SAFETY INDICATIONS ......................iii Symbols Used in This Manual and Warning Labels ...............iv Preface ..............................i About This User's Guide........................ii In the Package..........................iii Chapter 1 Notes on Using Your Storage and I/O Blade..........1-1 Warning Labels ..........................1-1 Safety Notes..........................1-2 For Proper Operation ........................
Page 11 Chapter 4 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade ........... 4-1 RAID System Configuration ......................4-2 RAID............................4-2 Configuration by Internal RAID Controller ................4-8 Before Using WebBIOS ......................4-14 Using WebBIOS ........................4-17 Configuring Virtual Drive ......................4-33 Operation of Various Features ....................4-49 Locate.............................4-60 Slow Initialize ........................4-61 WebBIOS and Universal RAID Utility ..................4-62 Chapter 5 Installing the Operating System ..............
Page 12 Chapter 8 Troubleshooting ................... 8-1 System Viewers..........................8-2 Error Messages ..........................8-3 POST Error Messages ......................8-3 Messages displayed by RAID Controller during POST ............8-3 Lamps ............................8-6 Error Messages on Virtual LCD ....................8-6 Solving Problems ......................... 8-9 Storage and I/O Blade......................
Page 13: Chapter 1 Notes On Using Your Storage And I/O Blade
Chapter 1 Notes on Using Your Storage and I/O Blade This chapter includes information necessary for proper and safe operation of the Storage and I/O Blade. WARNING LABELS The warning label is attached to components with possible danger or their vicinity in your blade to inform the user that a hazardous situation may arise when operating the blade.
Page 14: Safety Notes
NEC assumes no liability for any accident resulting in personal injury, death, or property damage if the Storage and I/O Blade has been used in the above conditions.
Page 15 Do not use any unauthorized interface cable. Use only interface cables provided by NEC and locate a proper device and connector before connecting a cable. Using an authorized cable or connecting a cable to an improper destination may cause a short circuit, resulting in a fire.
Page 16 Notes on Using Your Storage and I/O Blade CAUTION Avoid installation in extreme temperature conditions. Immediately after the Storage and I/O Blade is powered off, its internal components and components in Blade Enclosure are very hot. Leave them until their internal components fully cool down before installing/removing any component.
Page 17: For Proper Operation
Notes on Using Your Storage and I/O Blade FOR PROPER OPERATION Observe the following notes for successful operation of the Storage and I/O Blade. Use of the Storage and I/O Blade ignoring the notes will cause malfunctions or failures of the Storage and I/O Blade .
Page 18 Notes on Using Your Storage and I/O Blade Optional hard disk drive, mezzanine card, and other electronic components – These components are extremely sensitive to static electricity. Make sure to touch the metal frame of the chassis to discharge static electricity from your body before handling the components.
Page 19: Transfer To Third Party
Notes on Using Your Storage and I/O Blade TRANSFER TO THIRD PARTY The following must be observed when you transfer (or sell) the Storage and I/O Blade or software provided with the Storage and I/O Blade to a third party: Storage and I/O Blade Make sure to provide this manual along with the Storage and I/O Blade to a third party.
Page 20: Disposal And Consumables
(e.g., lithium or Li-Ion battery). For stable operation of the Storage and I/O Blade, NEC recommends you replace these components on a regular basis. Consult with your service representative for replacement or the product lives.
Page 21: User Support
Notes on Using Your Storage and I/O Blade USER SUPPORT Before Asking for Repair, do the following when the Storage and I/O Blade appears to fail: Check if the power cord and the cables to other devices are properly connected. See Chapter 8 to find if your problem fits the description.
Page 22 1-10 Notes on Using Your Storage and I/O Blade Advice for Health The longer you keep using the computer equipment, the more you become tired, which may cause disorders of your body. When you use a computer, observe the following to keep yourself from getting tired: Good Working Posture You have good posture if the following are satisfied when you use a computer:...
Page 23: Chapter 2 General Description
Chapter 2 General Description This chapter provides information that you should be familiar with before using the Storage and I/O Blade. It includes names and functions of the components and features of the Storage and I/O Blade.
Page 24: Overview
2-2 General Description OVERVIEW NEC Express5800/SIGMABLADE is a modular and multiprocessing system that includes processor, memory, network connections, optional add-in card slot, and associated electronics, all on a single mother board called a CPU blade. The CPU blade, hard disk drive, and other CPU blades are typically installed into a rack-mountable enclosure that houses multiple CPU blades that share common resources such as cabling, power supplies, and cooling fans.
Page 25: Standard Features
Internal voltage monitoring feature BIOS password feature Auto-rebuild feature (hot-swappable) Expandability Management Utilities Equipped with option slot that makes up NEC ESMPRO to two additional slot option cards Universal RAID Utility available. Monitoring of system status through EM Two network ports card Up to six hard disk drives (SAS 2.5-inch)
Page 26: Names And Functions Of Components
2-4 General Description NAMES AND FUNCTIONS OF COMPONENTS This section describes the names and features of the components in the device. Front View Hard disk drive Upper: Slots 0, 1, and 2 from left to right Lower: Slots 3, 4, and 5 from left to right POWER lamp The lamp goes on green when the Storage and I/O Blade is powered on.
Page 27: Internal View
General Description 2-5 Internal View Hard disk drive slot RAID controller Lithium battery Battery for RAID controller Type I mezzanine slot Slot to install mezzanine card for blade Type II mezzanine slot Slot to install mezzanine card for blade MP connector Used to connect with the midplane in Blade Enclosure.
Page 28: External View
2-6 General Description External View Top cover Slide tag Eject lever...
Page 29: Hard Disk Drive
General Description 2-7 Hard Disk Drive The hard disk drive is an optional device. Hard disk drive is sensitive to static electricity, vibration, and shock. Handle it carefully. Hard disk drive BP connector Used to connect with the HDD backplane in Storage and I/O Blade. Drive carrier Disk access lamp (green/amber) Lights green in accessing to a hard disk drive.
Page 30: Lamp Indications
2-8 General Description Lamp Indications This section describes the positions and display meanings of the lamps on the Storage and I/O Blade and other devices. Storage and I/O Blade The Storage and I/O Blade includes five lamps. ID lamp POWER lamp LAN2 Link/Access STATUS lamp lamp...
Page 31: Status Lamp
The following tables list indications of the STATUS lamp, descriptions, and actions to take. NOTE: The Storage and I/O Blade does not support EXPRESSSCOPE Engine (BMC). You cannot view the error log through NEC ESMPRO Manager. STATUS lamp indications STATUS lamp...
Page 32: Disk Access Lamp
Making this lamp being lit can help the maintenance work to identify the faulty device. When the detect command is received from management software such as NEC ESMPRO Manager and Web console of Blade Enclosure, the lamp lights.
Page 33: Using Your Storage And I/O Blade
General Description 2-11 USING YOUR STORAGE AND I/O BLADE This section describes the basic operation of the Storage and I/O Blade. The power of the Storage and I/O Blade is automatically controlled in linkage with the power of CPU blade. Refer to the manual that comes with your CPU blade for power on/off of the Storage and I/O Blade.
Page 34: Device Identification
Blade Enclosure. The ID lamp on Storage and I/O Blade can also be made lit blue by proper software commands (e.g., NEC ESMPRO Manager or Web console of Blade Enclosure) from the management PC on the network.
Page 35: Chapter 3 Setting Up Your Storage And I/O Blade
Chapter 3 Setting Up Your Storage and I/O Blade This chapter describes how to set up the Storage and I/O Blade appropriate for your system, on a step-by-step basis.
Page 36: Before Installing Storage And I/O Blade
Setting Up Your Storage and I/O Blade BEFORE INSTALLING STORAGE AND I/O BLADE Be sure to check the MAC addresses before installing a Storage and I/O Blade in the Blade Enclosure. Check of MAC Address A MAC address indicates the address specific for the network. It is expressed by 12-digit alphanumeric.
Page 37: Installing The Storage And I/O Blade
Setting Up Your Storage and I/O Blade INSTALLING THE STORAGE AND I/O BLADE Install the Storage and I/O Blade in the dedicated Blade Enclosure. The slot to install the Storage and I/O Blade must be the one adjacent to the CPU blade to which the Storage and I/O Blade is to be connected.
Page 38 Setting Up Your Storage and I/O Blade CPU blade that occupies two slots (upper and lower) A pair of a CPU blade and a Storage and I/O Blade occupies four slots as shown below. Slots 1 and 9 – 2 and 10; slots 3 and 11 – 4 and 12; slots 5 and 13 – 6 and 14; slots 7 and 15 –...
Page 39: Installing In Blade Enclosure
Setting Up Your Storage and I/O Blade Installing in Blade Enclosure To use the Storage and I/O Blade, install it in a Blade Enclosure. This section describes how to install the Storage and I/O Blade in SIGMABLADE-M, as an example. Installation Locate a slot to install Storage and I/O Blade according to "Installation Order"...
Page 40 Setting Up Your Storage and I/O Blade While pushing the eject button on the lower part of Storage and I/O Blade, pull the eject lever toward you. Insert the end of Storage and I/O Blade into the guide rails at top and bottom of the Blade Enclosure, then push the Storage and I/O Blade slowly and carefully into the Blade Enclosure.
Page 41 Setting Up Your Storage and I/O Blade Removal Power off the CPU blade to which the Storage and I/O Blade is being connected. IMPORTANT: Be very careful to power off the CPU blade that is connected with the Storage and I/O Blade you are going to remove. You cannot install or remove the Storage and I/O Blade while the CPU blade is being powered on.
Page 42 Setting Up Your Storage and I/O Blade N8403-032 Joint Bracket for AD106a To use the Storage and I/O Blade with the CPU blade that uses upper and lower two slots, an optional N8403-032 joint bracket for AD106a is required. Joint bracket for AD106a NOTE: N8403-032 joint bracket for AD106a must be installed to the Storage and I/O Blade in the lower stage of SIGMABLADE-H.
Page 43: Installation And Removal
Setting Up Your Storage and I/O Blade Installation and Removal Put N8403-032 joint bracket for AD106a with its hooks faces the top surface of Storage and I/O Blade. Make sure that hooks on N8403-032 joint bracket for AD106a engage with holes on the Storage and I/O Blade.
Page 44: Installing The Hard Disk Drive
3-10 Setting Up Your Storage and I/O Blade INSTALLING THE HARD DISK DRIVE Install a hard disk drive according to the procedure described in Chapter 9. IMPORTANT: The hard disk drive is extremely sensitive to static electricity. Make sure to touch the metal frame of the Storage and I/O Blade to discharge static electricity from your body before handling the hard disk drive.
Page 45: Chapter 4 Configuring Your Storage And I/O Blade
Chapter 4 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade This chapter describes how to configure RAID system with hard disk drives installed in the Storage and I/O Blade.
Page 46: Raid System Configuration
Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade RAID SYSTEM CONFIGURATION This section describes how to use the internal hard disk drives as RAID System by Internal RAID Controller. RAID Overview of RAID System What is RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks)? RAID can configure more than one HDDs as a single array (disk group) to operate the HDDs effectively.
Page 47: Raid Levels
Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade RAID Levels The record mode enabling the RAID feature includes several levels. Among the levels, the Internal RAID Controller supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and 6. The number of hard disk drives required to create a disk group varies depending on the RAID level as shown in the table below.
Page 48: Virtual Disk
Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Virtual Disk Virtual disk is a logical drive defined in disk group. It is recognized as a physical drive by OS. The allowable number of virtual disks is up to 16 per disk group, or up to 64 per controller. The figure below shows a sample configuration in which the Internal RAID Controller is connected with three HDDs, creating one Disk Group.
Page 49: Characteristics Of Raid Levels
Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade RAID Levels Characteristics of RAID Levels The table below lists the characteristics of the RAID levels. Level Function Redundancy Characteristics RAID0 Striping Data read/write at the highest rate • Largest capacity • Capacity: (capacity of single HDD) × •...
Page 50 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade RAID0 In RAID0, data to be recorded is distributed to HDDs. The mode is called "striping". In the figure below, data is recorded in stripe 1 (disk 1), stripe 2 (disk 2), and stripe 3 (disk 3)… in the order.
Page 51 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade RAID5 In RAID5, data is distributed to HDDs by striping and, at the same time, the parity (redundant data) is distributed to the HDDs. This mode is called "striping with distributed parity". Each of stripe x, stripe x+1, and parity (x, x+1) created from stripe x and stripe x+1 is written onto a specific HDD.
Page 52: Configuration By Internal Raid Controller
The manual rebuild can be performed by using WebBIOS or Universal RAID Utility, the management utility of the Internal RAID Controller. Select a HDD and start the rebuild manually. For the detailed operation, refer to the "Universal RAID Utility Ver2.0 User's Guide" in NEC EXPRESSBUILDER DVD that comes with the CPU blade.
Page 53: Patrol Read
Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Patrol Read The patrol read gives the read & verify test in the entire area of HDDs. It can be performed for all HDDs assigned to virtual disks and hot-spares. The Patrol Read allows subsequent defects of HDDs to be detected and repaired. For HDDs configuring redundant virtual disks or those assigned to hot-spares, error sectors detected during Patrol Read can be repaired.
Page 54 4-10 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Background Initialize The Background Initialize is automatically executed when RAID5 virtual disk is created in the disk group composing of five or more HDDs. The Background Initialize performs the parity generation processing in the background to the area not initialized.
Page 55 4-11 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Reconstruction The reconstruction feature is used to change configuration and/or RAID level of existing virtual disk. The Reconstruction contains the following three features, however, the Internal RAID Controller supports "Migration with addition" only. IMPORTANT: You can use WebBIOS for Reconstruction.
Page 56 4-12 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade IMPORTANT: Note the following for the Reconstruction: Be sure to make backup copy of data and perform Consistency Check before starting Reconstruction. The Reconstruction is disabled in the configuration where several virtual disks are defined in one disk group During Reconstruction, the processing rate is decreased due to much load.
Page 57 4-13 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Configuration on Disk (COD) Feature Configuration on Disk (COD) feature is used to store the configuration information in hard disk drive. If the RAID controller is replaced with new one due to its failure, you can restore the configuration information from the hard disk drive.
Page 58: Before Using Webbios
4-14 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Before Using WebBIOS Read the following sections describing supported functions and precautions before using "WebBIOS". Supported Functions Indication of model name and capacity of Hard Disk Drive Indication of allocation status of Hard Disk Drive Creation of virtual drive –...
Page 59 When installing an OS in VD under the Internal RAID Controller, create a VD dedicated to OS installation. WebBIOS cannot be used via remote console functions of NEC ESMPRO Manager. The physical drive numbers shown in WebBIOS and those shown in Universal RAID Utility are identified as follows.
Page 60 4-16 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Property of Physical Device of Universal RAID Utility...
Page 61: Using Webbios
4-17 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Using WebBIOS Starting WebBIOS When the screen as shown below appears, press Ctrl + H to start WebBIOS. LSI MegaRAID SAS - MFI BIOS Version XXXX (Build MMM DD, YYYY) Copyright (c) 20XX LSI Corporation HA - X (Bus X Dev X) MegaRAID SAS 8708EM2 FW package: X.X.X - XXXX 0 Virtual Drive(s) found on the host adapter.
Page 62: Main Menu
4-18 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Main Menu Shown below is [Adapter Selection] screen that appears first on WebBIOS. On [Adapter No.] box, select an adapter you want to operate with WebBIOS, then click [Start]. When the adapter is selected on [Adapter Selection], the WebBIOS Top Menu appears. Information of VD configured and physical devices connected with the controller.
Page 63 4-19 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade WebBIOS Menu Controller Selection Goes back to Adapter Selection menu. Controller Properties Displays properties of the controller. Scan Devices Detects Hard Disk Drives connected with the controller again. Virtual Drives Opens operation window for VD that has already been configured. Drives Opens operation window for Hard Disk Drive connected with the controller.
Page 64 4-20 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade IMPORTANT: The right frame of Physical View shows slot number, type, capacity, and status of Hard Disk Drive. The slot number is represented by the number between 0 and 5. It indicates the slot number of the Hard Disk Drive bay. The controller does not support the Events feature.
Page 65 4-21 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Controller Properties When you click [Controller Properties] on WebBIOS Top Menu, the configuration information is displayed. Click [Next] to see the detailed settings of this controller.
Page 66 4-22 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade The detailed setting is continued on the next page. Click [Next] to view more information. Clicking [Supported] in "Schedule CC" opens the screen for setting scheduled consistency check.
Page 67 4-23 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Default settings and their explanation Item Default Description Change Battery Backup Present Displays Properties of additional – battery. None When battery is installed: Present • When battery is not installed: None • Set Factory Defaults –...
Page 68 VDs simultaneously. *1 Do not perform "Set Factory Defaults". If performed, the NEC's factory-set value will no longer be restored. *2 If Alarm Control is set to "Enabled", the CPU blade issues an alarm sound when the VD is degraded due to failure of Hard Disk Drive.
Page 69 4-25 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade How to change setting value On [Controller Properties] screen, change a parameter to desired value, and then click [Submit] at the center of the screen to determine the new value. With Storage and I/O Blade, the status of "Battery Backup" is indicated as "Present". Clicking [Present] opens the Battery Status screen as shown below.
Page 70: Scan Devices
4-26 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Scan Devices When you click [Scan Devices] on WebBIOS Top Menu, the connected Hard Disk Drives are detected again. Use this feature when you have installed a new Hard Disk Drive additionally while the WebBIOS is running.
Page 71 4-27 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Virtual Drives When you click [Virtual Drives] on WebBIOS Top Menu, the screen for operating the VD that has already been configured. List of VDs box shows existing VDs. List of VDs Clears the top area of the VD being selected in List of VDs box. Fast Initialize Clears whole area of the VD being selected in List of VDs box.
Page 72 4-28 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Drives When you click [Drives] on WebBIOS Top Menu, the screen for operating the connected physical drive appears. IMPORTANT: If no device is connected, the upper right column of the screen will be blank. Use this menu only when a Hard Disk Drive is being connected.
Page 73 4-29 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Physical Drive Properties Take the following procedures to check Physical Drive Properties. Shown below is an example to check property of physical drive. Click the Physical Drive you want to check. Click the checkbox for [Properties]. Click [Go].
Page 74 4-30 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Physical Drive Properties Item Description Locate Let Disk Status lamp light or blinks. Make Global HSP The selected Hard Disk Drive is assigned as hot-spare available for all DGs. Make Dedicated HSP The selected Hard Disk Drive is assigned as hot-spare available only for the specific DG.
Page 75: Configuration Wizard
4-31 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Configuration Wizard Use this wizard to configure a virtual drive using the Hard Disk Drives connected. The detailed explanation of this feature is given in "Configuring Virtual Drive". Controller Selection You may need to select an adapter controlled by WebBIOS to configure each adapter. Clicking [Controller Selection] on WebBIOS top menu opens the [Adapter Selection] screen.
Page 76 4-32 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Exit When you click [Exit] on WebBIOS Top Menu, a confirmation screen to exit from WebBIOS is displayed. Click [Yes] to exit from WebBIOS. The screen as shown below appears when WebBIOS is terminated. Restart the CPU blade connected with this Storage and I/O Blade.
Page 77: Configuring Virtual Drive
4-33 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Configuring Virtual Drive This section describes the procedures for configuration of VD (virtual drive) using WebBIOS. Configuration Wizard When you click [Configuration Wizard] on WebBIOS Top Menu, the screen as shown below appears. Select the relevant operation, and click [Next] at lower right of the screen. Clear Configuration Allows you to clear existing configuration (RAID information).
Page 78 4-34 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade When you select [Add Configuration], the screen as shown below appears. Be sure to select [Manual Configuration], and click [Next]. IMPORTANT: The RAID Controller does not support "Automatic Configuration" feature. Use this menu to define several Hard Disk Drives as a drive group (DG). While pressing Ctrl, click the Hard Disk Drives to be included in DG.
Page 79 4-35 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Upon completion of selection, click [Add to Array] at the lower left of the screen. A new DG is defined in the Drive Groups frame. To define the new DG, click [Accept DG] at the lower right of the screen. After the DG has been defined, click [Next] at the lower right of the screen.
Page 80 4-36 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Then, the Span Definition screen appears. Select a DG to define VD from "Array With Free Space" frame, then click [Add to SPAN]. The DG is defined in the "Span" field to the right. After the Span has been defined, click [Next] at the lower right of the screen.
Page 81 4-37 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade IMPORTANT: To configure RAID0, 1, 5, or 6, perform Span Definition to a single DG only. If you need to perform Span Definition to several DGs, define VD for the first DG, then select the next DG to define VD. To configure RAID10 or 50, select several DGs containing the same number of Hard Disk Drives for Span Definition.
Page 82 4-38 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Upon completion of VD definition, click [Next]. IMPORTANT: RAID1 may be configured with three or more Hard Disk Drives in drive group. However, with this controller, the drive group must contain only two Hard Disk Drives. WebBIOS does not support the RAID6 logical drive having Stripe Size: 8KB composed of three Hard Disk Drives.
Page 83 4-39 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade VD is created in DG as shown in the screen below. After making sure that the VD is created correctly, click [Accept] at the lower right of the screen. The confirmation message "Save this Configuration?" appears. Click [Yes] to save the configuration.
Page 84 4-40 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade WebBIOS Top Menu is displayed. Virtual Drives you have created is displayed in the right frame of the screen.
Page 85 4-41 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Configure SPAN The following explains the sample procedure to configure RAID10 (spanning of RAID1) with four Hard Disk Drives. IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to configure RAID00 or RAID60. They are not supported. Click [Configuration Wizard] on WebBIOS Top Menu to start Wizard. While pressing Ctrl, click the Hard Disk Drives to be included in DG.
Page 86 4-42 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade A new DG is defined in the Drive Groups frame. Define another DG in the similar procedures. After DGs have been defined, click [Next] at the lower right of the screen. When DGs were defined, [Span Definition] screen is displayed. Select DG0 from "Array With Free Space"...
Page 87 4-43 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Then, select DG1 and click [Add to SPAN]. When the two DGs are defined in the "Span" field to the right, click [Next] at the lower right of the screen. The VD Definition screen is displayed. Enter the necessary parameters, and click [Accept].
Page 88 4-44 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Make sure that both DG0 and DG1 are defined as VD 0, then click [Next] at the lower right of the screen. IMPORTANT: RAID10 may be configured with three or more Hard Disk Drives in each span. However, with this controller, each drive group must contain only two Hard Disk Drives.
Page 89 4-45 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade The confirmation message "Save this Configuration?" appears. Click [Yes] to save the configuration. The confirmation message "All data on the new Virtual Drives will be lost. Want to Initialize?" appears. Click [Yes] to perform "Fast Initialize". "Virtual Drives"...
Page 90 4-46 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Parameters for VD Definition Listed below are parameters for Configuration Wizard. Item Parameter Remarks RAID Level RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 5 / RAID 6 / RAID 00 RAID 00 and RAID 60 are not / RAID 10 / RAID 50 / RAID60 supported.
Page 91 4-47 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade The Write Policy has the following modes depending on combination with WrtThru for BAD BBU. Select a mode suitable for your environment. WrtThru forBAD BBU Checked Unchecked Write WBack Normal write back mode Constant write back mode Policy (recommended)
Page 92 4-48 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade The Disk Cache Policy has the following modes. Select a mode suitable for your environment. Unchanged The controller uses the default write cache policy of hard disk drive. • The default value may not be identical to the factory-set value, therefore, do not •...
Page 93: Operation Of Various Features
4-49 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Operation of Various Features Check Consistency Check Consistency is used to check consistency among virtual drives. Start WebBIOS on POST screen of CPU blade. Click [Virtual Drives] on WebBIOS Top Menu. Select a VD to perform Check Consistency from the upper right frame of Virtual Drives screen.
Page 94 4-50 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade The progress of Check Consistency is displayed on the left frame of Virtual Drives screen. Click [Home] at the lower left of Virtual Drives screen to return to the Top Menu. IMPORTANT: A lot of inconsistency may be detected at Check Consistency performed immediately after the VD was configured due to inconsistencies in the unused area.
Page 95: Manual Rebuild
4-51 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Manual Rebuild Rebuild can be performed automatically when the failed Hard Disk Drive is replaced in hot-swap mode. However, if the failed Hard Disk Drive is replaced after turning off the power of the CPU blade connected with this Storage and I/O Blade, Rebuild will not start automatically.
Page 96 4-52 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Described below are procedures based on assumption: One of the Hard Disk Drives failed in a RAID5 VD configured with three Hard Disk Drives. Replace the failed Hard Disk Drive with new one after turning off the power of the CPU blade connected with this Storage and I/O Blade.
Page 97 4-53 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Check to "Make Global HSP" or select the DG you want to rebuild and check to "Make Dedicated HSP", and then click [Go] on the lower center of the screen. – Check to "Make Global HSP" check box.
Page 98 4-54 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade The WebBIOS Top Menu changes as shown below during rebuild. If you click on Physical Drive being rebuilt, the progress of rebuild is displayed. When the rebuild completes, the status for the Physical Drive is "Online" and that of the Virtual Drive is "Optimal".
Page 99 4-55 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Setting Hot Spare Described below are procedures based on assumption: Add a Hard Disk Drive to a RAID5 VD configured with three Hard Disk Drives and assign a newly added Hard Disk Drive as Hot Spare Disk. Start WebBIOS on POST screen of CPU blade.
Page 100 4-56 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Check to "Make Global HSP" or select the DG you want to specify as Hot Spare and check to "Make Dedicated HSP", and then click [Go] on the lower center of the screen. Global HSP Indicates the Hot Spare available for all DGs.
Page 101 4-57 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Click [Home] at the lower left of the screen to go back to WebBIOS Top Menu.
Page 102 4-58 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Reconstruction Described below are procedures based on assumption: Add a Hard Disk Drive to a RAID5 VD configured with three Hard Disk Drives to make a RAID5 VD configured with four Hard Disk Drives. Start WebBIOS on POST screen of CPU blade.
Page 103 4-59 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade On the right of the screen, items required for reconstruction are displayed. Information of physical devices in the DG in which a VD is defined. Migration Only: Allows change of RAID level. Migration with addition: Allows addition of physical device and change of RAID level.
Page 104: Locate
4-60 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Locate The Locate command makes an LED on Hard Disk Drive light or blink to confirm the location of the slot. We recommend you to check the slot of Hard Disk Drive before adding VD or hot spare disks, reconstructing VD, or replacing Hard Disk Drive.
Page 105: Slow Initialize
4-61 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Slow Initialize Slow Initialize writes zero to all the sectors of the data area in the VD. Start WebBIOS on POST screen of CPU blade. Click [Virtual Drives] on the WebBIOS Top Menu. Select a VD to perform Slow Initialize from the upper right frame of the Virtual Drives screen.
Page 106: Webbios And Universal Raid Utility
4-62 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade WebBIOS and Universal RAID Utility You can use Universal RAID Utility for configuration and management, monitoring of RAID System after start up operating system. The point to be kept in mind when using Universal RAID Utility together with WebBIOS is as follows.
Page 107 4-63 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade Disk Array WebBIOS manages Disk Array by a number beginning with 0. You can see a number of Disk Array where [DG X] in Physical Drives and Virtual Drives. Universal RAID Utility manages Disk Array by a number beginning with 1. You can see a number of Disk Array where [Disk Array] in the property of Logical Drive on RAID Viewer or [RAID Controller #X Disk Array #Y] in the property of Disk Array on raidcmd.
Page 108 4-64 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade See the table below for correspondence. Setting value of WebBIOS and the display level of Universal RAID Utility Item Setting value of WebBIOS Universal RAID Utility level Rebuild Priority 80 to 100 High Rebuild Rate (WebBIOS) 31 to 79 Middle...
Page 109: Chapter 5 Installing The Operating System
Chapter 5 Installing the Operating System Refer to the User's Guide of your CPU Blade for how to install the operating system.
Page 110: Installing And Setting Device Drivers
5-2 Installing the Operating System INSTALLING AND SETTING DEVICE DRIVERS Follow these steps to install and configure the device drivers. NOTE: You may need an optical disk drive to setup the device driver. Refer to the User's Guide of optical disk drive for how to use the drive. (The optical disk drive equipped on Blade Enclosure is also available.) Installing Internal RAID Controller Driver Refer to the User's Guide of CPU Blade to install the driver.
Page 111: Network Driver
Installing the Operating System 5-3 Network Driver Refer to the User's Guide of CPU Blade to install network driver of onboard network adapter. IMPORTANT: The setting change of the link speed of onboard network adapter (Intel(R) 82576 Gigabit Dual Port Server Network Connection]/[Intel(R) 82576 Gigabit Dual Port Server Network Connection #2] is not supported.
Page 112: Setting Receive Side Scaling
5-4 Installing the Operating System Setting Receive Side Scaling The setting for Receive Side Scaling must be changed on the onboard network adapter and optional network board Follow steps below. (N8403-017/020/021/022). NOTE: This is common procedure for all Windows OS. IMPORTANT: With Windows Server 2003 64-bit (x64) Edition / Windows Server 2003 32-bit (x86) Edition, setup Receive Side Scaling before installing Intel®...
Page 113: Setting Up Scalable Networking Pack (Snp)
Installing the Operating System 5-5 Setting up Scalable Networking Pack (SNP) Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Scalable Networking Pack (SNP) is a module that improves network throughputs by offloading the packet processing to the specific network adapter. SNP supports the following operating systems: –...
Page 114: Installing Fibre Channel Controller Driver (N8403-018)
5-6 Installing the Operating System [Agree Software License Agreement] screen appears. Read the license terms carefully. If you agree, select "I accept the license terms", and then click [Next]. Installation starts by copying files. After a while, [Setup Wizard Completed] dialog appears.
Page 115: Setting For Solving Problems
Installing the Operating System 5-7 SETTING FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS Setup the following issue in advance so that your computer can recover from any trouble precisely and as soon as possible when it should occur. Network Monitor Microsoft Network Monitor allows you to examine and troubleshoot network problems. Network Monitor Setup (Windows Server 2008) NOTE: Windows Server 2008 does not provide Network Monitor.
Page 116 5-8 Installing the Operating System Network Trace Capture (Windows Server 2008) On the Start menu of the CPU Blade, start Microsoft Network Monitor. On [Start Page], select [Create a new capture tab...] or select [New] in the [File] menu, and click [Capture...]. A new tab for capturing a network trace is created.
Page 117 Installing the Operating System 5-9 Network Monitor (Windows Server 2003) To use Network Monitor, you need to restart the system after the installation has completed, so we recommend you to install Network Monitor before any network trouble occurs. Point to [Settings] from Start menu of the CPU Blade, and click [Control Panel]. The [Control Panel] dialog box appears.
Page 118: Updating The System
5-10 Installing the Operating System UPDATING THE SYSTEM Use NEC EXPRESSBUILDER DVD that comes with your CPU blade to update the system. Refer to the User's Guide of CPU blade for details. Execute "Updating the System" in following cases. CPU is expanded (changed from single processor to multi-processor).
Page 119 Chapter 6 Installing and Using Utilities Refer to the User's Guide of the CPU Blade contained in the NEC EXPRESSBUILDER DVD for information about utilities provided for the CPU Blade and Storage and I/O Blade.
Page 120: Chapter 6 Installing And Using Utilities
6-2 Installing and Using Utilities (This page is intentionally left blank.)
Page 121: Chapter 7 Maintenance
Storage and I/O Blade. MAKING BACKUP COPIES NEC recommends you make backup copies of your valuable data stored in hard disk drives of the Storage and I/O Blade on a regular basis. For backup storage devices suitable for the Storage and I/O Blade and backup tools, consult with your service representative.
Page 122: System Diagnostics
7-2 Maintenance SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS The System Diagnostics runs several tests on the CPU blade and Storage and I/O Blade. Select [Tool menu] - [Test and diagnostics] in the NEC EXPRESSBUILDER provided with the CPU blade to diagnose the system. Test Items The following items are tested in system diagnostics.
Page 123: Relocating/Storing The Unit
Maintenance 7-3 RELOCATING/STORING THE UNIT Follow the procedure below to relocate or store the Storage and I/O Blade, hard disk drives, and Blade Enclosure: WARNING Observe the following instructions to use the Storage and I/O Blade safely. Failure to follow these instructions may result in death or serious personal injury.
Page 124 7-4 Maintenance Relocating/Storing Blade Enclosure with Devices Installed Turn off the powers of all the CPU blades and Storage and I/O Blade in Blade Enclosure. Turn off the power of Blade Enclosure. Unplug the power cord of Blade Enclosure from the power receptacle. Remove all the cables from CPU blades, Storage and I/O Blade, and other devices.
Page 125: Chapter 8 Troubleshooting
Chapter 8 Troubleshooting If your CPU blade and Storage and I/O Blade do not operate as expected, read this chapter before assuming a failure.
Page 126: System Viewers
8-2 Troubleshooting SYSTEM VIEWERS Monitor the occurrence of fault by NEC ESMPRO and Web console of EM card during the system operation. Check whether any alert is reported on NEC ESMPRO Manager and Web console of EM card. [Example] NOTE: To monitor the occurrence of fault by NEC ESMPRO, the EM card in Blade Enclosure must be associated with NEC ESMPRO.
Page 127: Error Messages
Troubleshooting 8-3 ERROR MESSAGES If an error occurs in the Storage and I/O Blade, an error message appears on the display unit. POST Error Messages Powering on the CPU blade automatically starts the self-diagnostic program, POST (Power On Self- Test). When the POST detects any error, it displays an error message and its measure on the display unit.
Page 128: Troubleshooting
8-4 Troubleshooting On-screen message Action SATA drives were detected, but this controller does RAID Controller may be faulty. Contact your not support SATA drives. service representative to replace the RAID Controller. Please remove the SATA drives then restart your system. Press any key to continue, or 'C' to load the configuration utility.
Page 129 Troubleshooting 8-5 On-screen message Action The following VDs are missing: xx Check if cable and hard disk drives are connected properly. If the same error If you proceed (or load the configuration utility), persists, contact your service these VDs will be removed from your configuration. representative.
Page 130: Lamps
8-6 Troubleshooting On-screen message Action Multiple Single-bit ECC errors were detected during Contact your service representative to the previous boot of the controller. DIMM on the replace the RAID Controller. controller needs replacement. If you continue, data corruption can occur. Press 'X' to continue or else power off the system and replace the DIMM module and reboot.
Page 131 Troubleshooting 8-7 Virtual LCD indications when STATUS lamp is flashing in red On-screen message Description Action MEZ1 Power Fault An error was detected in power Check installation status of circuit of mezzanine card installed in mezzanine card. Type 1 slot of Storage and I/O Blade. If the same error persists, contact your service representative.
Page 132 8-8 Troubleshooting Virtual LCD indications when STATUS lamp is flashing in amber On-screen message Description Action HDD X Fault An error was detected in hard Contact your service representative. disk drive installed in Storage and I/O Blade. X: Indicates slot number containing the failing hard disk drive with 0-origin number.
Page 133: Solving Problems
Troubleshooting 8-9 SOLVING PROBLEMS When the CPU blade or Storage and I/O Blade fails to operate as expected, see the following to find out your problem and follow the instruction given before asking for repair. If the CPU blade or Storage and I/O Blade still fails to operate successfully after solving your problem, take a note on the on-screen message and contact your service representative.
Page 134 8-10 Troubleshooting Did you turn on the power of Blade Enclosure and Storage and I/O Blade within 30 seconds after AC power is supplied to each power unit? → Initialization of BMC takes about 30 seconds after AC power is supplied to the CPU blade and Storage and I/O Blade.
Page 135 Fail to access the hard disk drive: Is the hard disk drive applicable to the CPU blade and Storage and I/O Blade? → Operation of any device that is not authorized by NEC is not guaranteed. Is the hard disk drive properly installed? →...
Page 136 8-12 Troubleshooting The system does not restart automatically when a stop error occurs, though the system is adjusted to automatically restarting: → When the system does not restart automatically, restart it manually. The CPU blade is not found on the network: Is the LAN cable connected? →...
Page 137: Problems With Windows
Troubleshooting 8-13 Problems with Windows The following system events are logged when Windows Server 2008 is installed: Event ID: Source: Microsoft-Windows-Time-Service Level: Warning Description: NtpClient was unable to set a manual peer to use as a time source because of DNS resolution error on 'time.windows.com,0x9'. NtpClient will try again in 15 minutes and double the reattempt interval thereafter.
Page 138 8-14 Troubleshooting The following application events are logged when Windows Server 2008 is installed. Event ID: Source: Microsoft-Windows-WMI Level: Warning Description: A provider, Ncs2, has been registered in the Windows Management Instrumentation namespace Root\cimv2 to use the LocalSystem account. This account is privileged and the provider may cause a security violation if it does not correctly impersonate user requests.
Page 139 Troubleshooting 8-15 The following system event is logged when Windows Server 2008 is installed. Event ID: Source: VDS Dynamic Provider Description: The provider failed while storing notifications from the driver. The Virtual Disk Service should be restarted. hr=80042505 → Go to the Microsoft website: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/948275/en-us/ The following system events are logged when Windows Server 2008 is installed.
Page 140 8-16 Troubleshooting There are some cases that an event log is registered as follows when you install Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions: Source: DCOM Category: Error Event ID: 10016 Description: The application-specific permission settings do not grant Local Activation permission for the COM server application with CLSID {555F3418-D99E- 4E51-800A-6E89CFD8B1D7} to the user {NT AUTHORITY\LOCAL SERVICE} SID {S-1-5-19}.
Page 141 Troubleshooting 8-17 There are some cases that an event log is registered as follows when you install Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions. Source: Service Control Manager Type: Error Event ID: 7011 Description: Timeout (30000 milliseconds) waiting for a transaction response from the Dfs service.
Page 142 R2, above-shown event log will be registered. For more details, refer to "Enabling Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Hardware Management" on the following site. [NEC Express5800 Web Site] http://www.nec.co.jp/express/download/W2K3_R2 The system displays the message below and fails to log in.
Page 143: Problems With Raid System And Raid Controller
Troubleshooting 8-19 Problems with RAID System and RAID Controller Fail to install the OS: Did you create virtual disk? → Create virtual disks by using WebBIOS. Fail to start the OS: Are hard disk drives properly installed? → Install them properly. If the same error persists, the hard disk drive or RAID Controller may be faulty.
Page 144 8-20 Troubleshooting RAID battery is not detected, or POST displays the following message: The battery hardware is missing or malfunctioning, or the battery is unplugged, or the battery could be fully discharged. If you continue to boot the system, the battery-backed cache will not function. If battery is connected and has been allowed to charge for 30 minutes and this message continues to appear, then contact technical support for assistance.
Page 145 Troubleshooting 8-21 Event ID505: The following message is registered in RAID log in Universal RAID Utility and OS log (Event Log of Windows, syslog of Linux). Source: raidsrv Event ID: Type: Warning Description: <RU0505> [CTRL: RAID controller number] Temperature of battery is high.
Page 146: Problems With N8403-018 Fibrechannel Controller
8-22 Troubleshooting Problems with N8403-018 FibreChannel Controller The names of the FibreChannel Controllers may appear with different names on Device Manager: → Refer to the User's Guide of your CPU Blade for details. COLLECTING EVENT LOG If an error occurs on the CPU blade and Storage and I/O Blade, you can collect the log of various events to acquire necessary information.
Page 147: Chapter 9 Upgrading Your Storage And I/O Blade
IMPORTANT: Optional devices described in this chapter may be installed or removed by any user. However, NEC does not assume any liability for damage to optional devices or the Storage and I/O Blade or malfunctions of the system resulted from installation by the user.
Page 148: Safety Notes
Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade SAFETY NOTES Observe the following notes to install or remove optional devices safely and properly. WARNING Observe the following instructions to use the Storage and I/O Blade safely. Failure to follow these instructions may result in death or serious personal injury.
Page 149: Anti-Static Measures
Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade ANTI-STATIC MEASURES The Storage and I/O Blade contains electronic components sensitive to static electricity. Avoid failures caused by static electricity when installing or removing any optional devices. Wear a wrist strap (an arm belt or anti-static glove). Wear a wrist strap on your wrist.
Page 150: Confirmation After Installation/Removal
Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade CONFIRMATION AFTER INSTALLATION/REMOVAL Confirm the following after installing an additional option and removing a component: Installing removed components exactly as they were Install the components and cables, which were removed and disconnected for addition of an option, exactly as they were.
Page 151: Preparation For Installation
Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade PREPARATION FOR INSTALLATION To install or remove an optional device in the Storage and I/O Blade, you should first remove the Storage and I/O Blade from the Blade Enclosure. See Chapter 3 for details. NOTE: You may install or remove the hard disk drive while it is being installed in the Blade Enclosure.
Page 152: Installation/Removal Procedure
Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade INSTALLATION/REMOVAL PROCEDURE Install or remove the devices in the following procedure. Mezzanine Card The Storage and I/O Blade can contain two mezzanine cards for blade. To install a mezzanine card, use the mezzanine card slot installed on the CPU unit. IMPORTANT: The mezzanine card is extremely sensitive to static electricity.
Page 153 Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade Notes Note the followings in the installation or removal of the mezzanine card. Be careful not to make your hands touch the terminals of the mezzanine card slot directly. Otherwise, the oil and/or dirt on the hands may adhere to the terminals to result in contact failure.
Page 154 Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade Remove the two screws fixing the top cover. Firmly hold the cover, move it slightly toward the rear of the blade, then lift the cover to remove it from the Storage and I/O Blade. IMPORTANT: Handle the cover carefully so as not to make it contact with any electronic components on the Storage and I/O Blade.
Page 155 Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade From top of the Storage and I/O Blade, position the connector of the mezzanine card so that it aligns the connector of the mezzanine card slot, and insert the mezzanine card straight into the slot. Type I Type II IMPORTANT:...
Page 156 9-10 Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade Removal To remove the board, follow the procedure below: After the shutdown processing for the CPU blade in the slot adjacent to the Storage and I/O Blade to be removed, turn off the power of the CPU blade. The Storage and I/O Blade is powered off automatically.
Page 157: Hard Disk Drive
For static notes, see the section "Anti-static Measures" described earlier. Do not use any hard disk drives not approved by NEC. If an unapproved third party's hard disk drive is installed in the Storage and I/O Blade, not only the hard disk drive but also the Storage and I/O Blade may be defected.
Page 158 9-12 Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade Installation or Removal of Hard Disk Drive Install the hard disk drive in the following procedure. Install the hard disk drive in slot 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, then 5 in the order. To install a hard disk drive in the slot 1 and the subsequent slot, remove a dummy tray from the slot before installing a hard disk drive.
Page 159 9-13 Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade Hold the hard disk drive so that its BP connector faces the hard disk drive slot and the lever on the front of the drive carrier faces the top. Insert the end of the drive carrier into the hard disk drive slot slowly and carefully. Insert the drive carrier until it hits the slot end, and pull up the lever.
Page 160 9-14 Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade (This page is intentionally left blank.)
Page 161: Appendix A Specifications
Appendix A Specifications Storage and I/O Blade AD106a Item N8404-001F Hard disk drive Standard None Maximum 1800 GB (300 GB × 6) RAID Cache size 128 MB RAID level 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50 Battery Factory installed Max. No. of logical drives 64 (16 max. per disk group) Mezzanine card Type 1 2 max.
Page 162 A-2 Specifications (This page is intentionally left blank.)

This manual is also suitable for:

N8404-001f

NEC Express5800 series User Manual

Chapter 1 Notes on Using Your Storage and I/O Blade

Chapter 2 General Description

Chapter 3 Setting up Your Storage and I/O Blade

Chapter 4 Configuring Your Storage and I/O Blade

Chapter 5 Installing the Operating System

Chapter 6 Installing and Using Utilities

Chapter 7 Maintenance

Chapter 8 Troubleshooting

Chapter 9 Upgrading Your Storage and I/O Blade

Appendix A Specifications

Quick Links

Troubleshooting

Related Manuals for NEC Express5800 series

Summary of Contents for NEC Express5800 series

This manual is also suitable for:

Table of Contents