VXRAIL 8.0.

XXX
INSTALLATION

PARTICIPANT GUIDE

PARTICIPANT GUIDE
Table of Contents

VxRail Architecture and Deployment Process 3

Process Overview 3
VxRail Node and Components 3

Generate VxRail Installation Procedures Using SolVe 5

Process Overview 5
Interaction: Generate a VxRail System Installation Procedure 8

Install VxRail Hardware 9

VxRail Hardware Installation Overview 9
Node Sequence in a Rack 9
Install VxRail Nodes 11
Power Cabling of VxRail Nodes 11

Cable Switches and Power on Nodes 13

Connect VxRail Nodes to ToR Switches Overview 13
Cabling for a Predefined Profile 14
Cabling for a Custom Profile 16
Interaction: Install VxRail Node Cables 17
Power on VxRail Nodes 17

Configure iDRAC 19
Configuring iDRAC Network Settings Overview 19
Configuring iDRAC Using System Setup 20
Configuring iDRAC Using the System Setup UI 20
iDRAC Direct USB Connection 25
Configuring iDRAC Using Direct USB Connection 26
Configuring iDRAC Using the iDRAC UI 27
Verify System Date and Time Settings 29
Interaction: Verify System Date and Time in BIOS 31

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 VxRail Architecture and Deployment Process

VxRail Architecture and Deployment Process

Process Overview

The VxRail hardware installation steps include, but are not limited to:
• Unpacking the VxRail nodes
• Mounting the VxRail nodes into the rack
• Connecting the VxRail nodes to the mounted ToR switch or switches
• Connecting switches to the upstream network
• Connecting the VxRail nodes to AC power sources
• Powering on VxRail nodes
• Configuring the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) for
remote management

VxRail Node and Components

VxRail nodes are based on Dell PowerEdge servers and offer

configuration flexibility.

Each VxRail node includes the following:

• Processors
• DIMMs
• Disk drive controller

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 VxRail Architecture and Deployment Process

• Boot device
• Hybrid, all flash, or all NVMe storage devices1
• Onboard networking - integrated Network Daughter Card (NDC) or
OCP ports
• iDRAC port

Front and rear views of a VxRail node

Each VxRail node may also include:

• Graphical Processing Units (GPU2)
• Smart Data Processing Units (SmartDPU3)4
• Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBA)
• Optional network interfaces

1 VxRail dynamic nodes do not have any local storage.

2 GPUs are used to offload graphics, gaming, and AI/ML application workloads from the
server CPU to the GPU.
3 SmartDPUs with the VMware vSphere Distributed Services Engine are used to offload

network and security services from the server CPU to the DPU.
4 SmartDPUs and GPUs cannot be configured simultaneously.

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 Generate VxRail Installation Procedures Using SolVe

Generate VxRail Installation Procedures Using

SolVe

Process Overview

In SolVe Online, the VxRail installation procedures are located under

VxRail Appliance > VxRail Procedures > Install > Installation
Procedures. The Installation Procedures link is used to generate the
VxRail hardware installation (rack and stack) and the VxRail cluster
configuration procedures. The procedure generator prompts the user with
a series of input selections in order to generate the required procedure.

Model

Select the VxRail model. The listing in the Customer view is limited to the
models supported for Customer self-deployment.

SolVe displays relevant knowledge base articles. The informational

message must be acknowledged to proceed. The links to the relevant
knowledge base articles are also documented in the procedure generated.

Customer View with VxRail Appliance and Internal-Partner View with VxRail
Acknowledgement identified Appliance and Acknowledgement Identified

Software Version

Select the VxRail software version. The listing in the Customer view is
limited to the software versions supported for Customer self-deploy.

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 Generate VxRail Installation Procedures Using SolVe

Customer View with VxRail Software image Internal-Partner View with VxRail Software
identified image identified

vSAN Datastore Type

Select the vSAN datastore type. Based on the selected datastore type,
SolVe prompts the user for more input.

vSAN datastore type with vSAN OSA identified

Cluster Type

Select the cluster type. Customers can only self-deploy a Normal Cluster.

Acknowledge the informational message to proceed.

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 Generate VxRail Installation Procedures Using SolVe

Customer View with Cluster Type, vSAN Internal-Partner View with Cluster Type
Witness Type, and Acknowledgement and vSAN Witness Type, and
identified Acknowledgement identified

Activity

Select the activity. Based on the selected activity, SolVe prompts the user
for more input.

Installation activity with rack and stack hardware selected

ToR Switch topology

Select the ToR Switch topology. Based on the selected input, SolVe
prompts the user for more input.

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 Generate VxRail Installation Procedures Using SolVe

Customer View with Top of Rack Switch Internal-Partner View with Top of Rack
topology and ToR Content options Switch topology and ToR Content options
identified identified

Interaction: Generate a VxRail System Installation

Procedure

The web version of this content contains an interactive activity.

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 Install VxRail Hardware

Install VxRail Hardware

VxRail Hardware Installation Overview

The installation procedures for each VxRail model are found in the SolVe
procedure.

Always inspect the packaging and parts for any damage that may have
occurred during shipping.

Verify that the package includes:

• VxRail chassis
• Rack mount kit
• Power cords
• Front bezel

VxRail models support different rail mounting solutions such as static and
sliding rails. A Cable Management Arm (CMA) option is supported with
sliding rails.

Node Sequence in a Rack

Install the VxRail nodes following the step-by-step instructions in the

SolVe procedure.

Preferred Option

Dell Technologies recommends that the nodes are racked by serial

number in ascending order from the bottom of the rack. This technique is
the Dell Technologies standard configuration for delivery.

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 Install VxRail Hardware

Rack Unit ID (RUID) Component Node Serial Number

(PSNT)

RU5 Empty --

RU4 Node 4 DEXXXXXXXX0172

RU3 Node 3 DEXXXXXXXX0171

RU2 Node 2 DEXXXXXXXX0170

RU1 Node 1 DEXXXXXXXX0169

RU0 Support Shelf --

Nodes that are racked in ascending serial number order starting from the bottom of the
rack

Alternative Option

An alternate option is to rack the nodes by serial number descending from

the upper portion of the rack. This option is used when a deviation from
the preferred option is required.

Rack Unit ID (RUID) Component Node Serial Number

(PSNT)

RU27 Empty --

RU26 Node 1 DEXXXXXXXX0169

RU25 Node 2 DEXXXXXXXX0170

RU24 Node 3 DEXXXXXXXX0171

RU23 Node 4 DEXXXXXXXX0172

RU22 Empty --
Nodes that are racked descending from the upper portion of the rack

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 Install VxRail Hardware

Install VxRail Nodes

Both sliding and static rails can be installed using the tool-less and tooled
methods. Nodes can be installed using either the drop-in or stab-in
method.

Tool-less Sliding

To learn about a tool-less installation of sliding rails in a rack using the

drop-in method, watch the video.

Movie:
The web version of this content contains a movie.

Tooled Static

To learn about a tooled installation of static rails in a rack using the stab-in
method, watch the video.

Movie:
The web version of this content contains a movie.

Important: For more details about installing sliding and static

rails, go to the Sliding Rail Installation Guide and the Static Rail
Installation Guide.

Power Cabling of VxRail Nodes

Each VxRail node has two power supplies which should be connected to
redundant Power Distribution Units (PDUs). Each PDU should be
connected to redundant power circuits.

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 Install VxRail Hardware

Three VxRail nodes that are connected to redundant PDUs

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 Cable Switches and Power on Nodes

Cable Switches and Power on Nodes

Connect VxRail Nodes to ToR Switches Overview

Cabling Tasks

General VxRail cabling tasks include:

• Obtaining an approved port map.
• Configuring the ports on the Management and ToR switches.
− Configuring the ports for out of band management traffic.
− Configuring the ports for VxRail system traffic.
• Connecting VxRail network cabling.

− For iDRAC access, connecting to a management switch or a ToR

switch if there is no management switch in place.
− For VxRail system traffic, connecting the NDC/OCP or PCIe ports
to the ToR switches.

Required Cables

When connecting VxRail nodes to ToR switches, there are various

connectivity options available:

• Twinax Direct-Attach-Copper cables with SFP+, SFP28, or QSFP28

connectors for 10 GbE, 25 GbE, and 100 GbE ports
• Cat 6 or higher Ethernet cables with RJ45 connectors for 1 GbE and
10 GbE ports
• Optical cables with SFP+, SFP28, or QSFP28 optical transceivers for
10 GbE, 25 GbE, and 100 GbE ports

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 Cable Switches and Power on Nodes

Twinax Direct-Attach-Copper (DAC) cable with SFP+ connector

Cat 6 cable or higher with RJ45 connector

Cabling for a Predefined Profile

A VxRail cluster where the networking profile is predefined follows

prescriptive rules for node port selection, and assignment of the node
ports to the VxRail network. The uplink assignments to each VxRail
network are predefined based on whether two ports or four ports are
selected to support the VxRail cluster.

2x10 GbE or 2x25 GbE (Integrated NIC)

If two ports are reserved for the VxRail network, connect two NDC ports to
the ToR switch. If there are four ports on the NDC, then use the two left-
most ports. For a dual-switch deployment, connect one cable to the first
switch, and the second cable to the second switch.

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 Cable Switches and Power on Nodes

Example of a predefined network profile using two NDC ports

4x10 GbE (Integrated NIC)

If four ports are reserved for the VxRail network, and the network speed is
10 GbE, connect four NDC ports to the ToR switch. For a dual-switch
deployment, connect the cables from NDC ports 0 and 2 to the first switch,
and the cables from NDC ports 1 and 3 to the second switch.

Example of a predefined network profile using four NDC ports

4x25 GbE (Integrated and PCIe NICs)

For a dual-switch deployment with two 25GbE ports on the NDC and two
25GbE ports on the PCIe reserved for the VxRail network, connect the

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 Cable Switches and Power on Nodes

cables from NDC port 0 and PCIe card port 1 to the first switch, and the
cables from NDC port 1 and PCIe card port 0 to the second switch.

Example of a predefined network profile using two NDC ports and two PCIe ports

Cabling for a Custom Profile

With a custom profile, the customer can define the port selection, and
determine which node ports are selected to support VxRail networking.

The custom profile must meet the following requirements:

• Two ports per node or four ports per node to support VxRail
networking are required.
• Customer can select any combination of NDC ports and PCIe ports, as
long as they are all running
the same network speed and the same network port type.

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 Cable Switches and Power on Nodes

Example of a custom network profile using two NDC ports and two PCIe ports

Interaction: Install VxRail Node Cables

A VxRail cluster is being installed in a customer environment. The

customer requires each node in the cluster to be connected to the ToR
and Management switches based on the Port Map. Use the Port Map to
cable the first node to the switches.

The web version of this content contains an interactive activity.

Power on VxRail Nodes

Do not power on the VxRail nodes until the following tasks have been
completed:
• Nodes are properly installed in a rack.
• VxRail NIC ports are connected to one or more ToR switches.
• The ToR switches and supporting network are configured according to
the VxRail Network Planning Guide and VxRail Installation procedure.

Power on the VxRail nodes with the following considerations:

• Power on one node at a time, the sequence is not important.

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 Cable Switches and Power on Nodes

• Verify that the fans are operational and there are no amber fault lights
visible.
• Check to confirm that there are no faults on each node.

Once the nodes are powered on, configure iDRAC.

Location of the power button on P or V, S, and E series VxRail models

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 Configure iDRAC

Configure iDRAC

Configuring iDRAC Network Settings Overview

iDRAC can be used to monitor the physical state of the VxRail nodes. It
provides local and remote server management capabilities through an
independent connection. iDRAC must be configured to enable remote
access.

To configure iDRAC, follow the steps in the VxRail SolVe installation

procedure for the specific VxRail model.

iDRAC network settings

Two methods to configure iDRAC are documented in the VxRail SolVe

installation procedures:
1. Using System Setup
2. Using a direct USB connection

The required iDRAC settings are:

• Network
− Enable NIC = Enabled (Default)

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 Configure iDRAC

− NIC Selection = Dedicated (Default)

• IPMI - Enable IPMI Over LAN = Enabled (Default)
• IPv4 - Set the Static IPv4 Address, Static Gateway, and Static
Subnet Mask.

Configuring iDRAC Using System Setup

The process to configure iDRAC from system setup:

1. Connect a KVM to the VxRail node.

Rear view of a P580N node

2. Power on the VxRail node.

3. Press <F2> during the Power-on-Self-Test (POST) to enter System
Setup.
4. Select iDRAC Settings.
5. Select Network and configure the network settings specific to the
VxRail model.

Review Task 11, Method 1 of the example VxRail Installation procedure

for the detailed steps to configure iDRAC using System Setup.

Configuring iDRAC Using the System Setup UI

Main Menu

From the System Setup Main Menu, go to iDRAC Settings.

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 Configure iDRAC

System Setup Main Menu with iDRAC Settings highlighted

iDRAC Settings

From the iDRAC Settings page, go to Network Settings.

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 Configure iDRAC

System Setup iDRAC Settings Menu with the Network option highlighted

Network Settings

On the Network Settings page, set Enable NIC to Enabled and NIC
Selection to Dedicated.

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 Configure iDRAC

System Setup Network Settings page showing the Enable NIC and NIC Selection
settings

IPv4 Settings

In the IPv4 Settings section, set the Static IP Address (iDRAC address),
the Static Gateway, and the Static Subnet Mask.

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 Configure iDRAC

Network IPv4 Settings page showing the static IP address, gateway, and subnet mask

IPMI Settings

In the IPMI Settings section, set Enable IPMI Over LAN to Enabled.

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 Configure iDRAC

Network IPMI Settings page showing the Enable IPMI Over LAN settings

iDRAC Direct USB Connection

All VxRail models have a micro USB iDRAC Direct port on the front,
indicated by the spanner icon . This port can be used to configure
iDRAC.

Front view of VxRail models identifying the location of the micro USB iDRAC Direct port

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 Configure iDRAC

Configuring iDRAC Using Direct USB Connection

The process to configure iDRAC using direct USB connection:

1. Connect a USB A to a Micro-B cable from a laptop to the iDRAC Direct
port on the node.
2. Wait for the laptop to acquire an IP address:
− The laptop acquires IP address 169.254.0.4.
− The iDRAC Direct port IP address is 169.254.0.1. The IP address
can be 169.254.0.3 on some VxRail models.

Output from a laptop that is connected to VxRail node

3. Use a web browser to log in to the iDRAC UI.

4. Follow the SolVe procedure to complete the iDRAC Configuration
process.

Review Method 2 of the example VxRail Installation procedure for the

detailed steps to configure iDRAC using direct USB connection.

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 Configure iDRAC

Configuring iDRAC Using the iDRAC UI

Log in to iDRAC

In a web browser, enter the iDRAC IP and log in with the default
username/password of root/calvin.

iDRAC Dashboard with the iDRAC IP highlighted in the browser navigation bar

Configure IPMI Settings

Go to iDRAC Settings > Connectivity > IPMI Settings. Enable IPMI

Over LAN.

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 Configure iDRAC

iDRAC Settings > Connectivity page with the IPMI Settings highlighted

Configure IPv4 Settings

Expand IPv4 Settings. Disable DHCP, and enter the static IP address,
static gateway, and static subnet mask.

iDRAC Settings > Connectivity page with the IPv4 Settings highlighted

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 Configure iDRAC

Verify Connectivity

Go to Maintenance > Diagnostics. Ping the gateway IP. The response

should show that the ping command was transmitted and received with
0% packet loss. It may take 30 to 60 seconds for the static IP to take and
be able to ping the gateway.

If you can NOT ping the gateway, try to ping another iDRAC in the same
rack.

Maintenance > Diagnostic page showing a successful ping response from the gateway

Verify System Date and Time Settings

Verify that the system date and time are set to UTC time on each VxRail
node before the first-run process. Date and time verification is performed
using System Setup. To verify the date and time settings, follow the steps
in the VxRail SolVe installation procedure.

From the System Setup Main Menu:

1. Select System BIOS.
2. Select Miscellaneous Settings.

System BIOS with System Time and System Date Settings

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 Configure iDRAC

1:

The System Time is set in UTC. The Change Time dialog does not have
a Time Zone specification.

Changes that are made in the Change Time dialog take effect
immediately.

2:

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 Configure iDRAC

Changes that are made in the Change Date dialog take effect
immediately.

Interaction: Verify System Date and Time in BIOS

The web version of this content contains an interactive activity.

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Drop-in
Drop-in means that the system is installed by inserting the standoffs on
the sides of the system into the J-slots in the inner rail members.

Stab-in
Stab-in means that the inner (chassis) rail must first be attached to the
sides of the system. The rail is then inserted into the outer (cabinet) rail
installed in the rack.

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