Technical white paper

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 operating

system for HPE servers
Technical white paper

Contents
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
New features ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Recommended HPE server platforms .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Minimum system requirements ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Supported configurations ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Recommended system configuration ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Supported components for HPE servers ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Software drivers .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Storage, tape, and network options .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 installation for 64-bit architectures on HPE servers ................................................................................................................... 5
Preinstallation tasks .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Installation procedures ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Upgrading from a previous Red Hat Enterprise Linux release to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8................................................................................... 7
Support for secure boot on UEFI platforms ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Installing the Service Pack for ProLiant ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Getting SPP updates from the HPE Software Delivery Repository (SDR)................................................................................................................................ 7
Smart Update Manager (SUM) ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Installing the Service Pack for ProLiant .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Deploying SPP with SUM ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Resources .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Next steps ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Technical white paper Page 3

Abstract
This white paper provides the information you need to install Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® 8 server operating system on HPE servers.
Key topics addressed in this paper include:
• Supported configurations on HPE servers
• Recommended system configuration and server platforms
• Supported software, storage options, and network adapters
• Procedures for installations

Red Hat provides Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 in the following architectures: AMD 64, Intel® 64, or Arm® 64.

Note
To obtain an evaluation version of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 operating system (OS), see the following Red Hat website:
access.redhat.com/downloads.

A paid subscription is required for downloading from the Red Hat Software and Download Center. However, you can request a free
evaluation subscription at the same site.
This link and other Red Hat links provided in this paper will take you outside the HPE website. HPE does not control and is not
responsible for information outside hpe.com.

Introduction to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 (RHEL 8) is the newest generation of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux OS. In this release, Red Hat integrates
improvements across the server, systems, and overall Red Hat open source experience. The improvements and enhancements include
updates to virtualization; greater scalability and efficiency; environmentally sustainable IT; and much more. For a complete list of
improvements, enhancements, and fixes, see the Red Hat Enterprise Linux documentation at access.redhat.com/site/documentation.

New features
The web console is now available by default
Packages for the RHEL 8 (RHEL 8) web console, also known as Cockpit, are now part of Red Hat Enterprise Linux default repositories, and
can therefore be immediately installed on a registered RHEL 8 system.

Also, on a nonminimal installation of RHEL 8, the web console is automatically installed and firewall ports required by the console are
automatically open. A system message has also been added prior to login that provides information about how to enable or access the
web console.
Installing and booting from NVDIMM devices are now supported
Prior to this update, Nonvolatile Dual Inline Memory Module (NVDIMM) devices in any mode were ignored by the installer.

With this update, kernel improvements to support NVDIMM devices provide improved system performance capabilities and enhanced
file system access for write-intensive applications like database or analytic workloads, as well as reduced CPU overhead.

This update introduces support for:

• The use of NVDIMM devices for installation using the nvdimm Kickstart command and the GUI, making it possible to
install and boot from NVDIMM devices in sector mode and reconfigure NVDIMM devices into sector mode during installation
• The extension of Kickstart scripts for Anaconda with commands for handling NVDIMM devices
• The ability of grub2, efibootmgr, and efivar system components to handle and boot from NVDIMM devices

The IOMMU code supports 5-level page tables in RHEL 8

The I/O memory management unit (IOMMU) code in the Linux kernel has been updated to support 5-level page tables in Red Hat
Enterprise Linux 8.
Technical white paper Page 4

KVM supports 5-level paging

With Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8, KVM virtualization supports the 5-level paging feature, which significantly increases the physical and
virtual address space that the host and guest systems can use.

NetworkManager now supports SR-IOV virtual functions

In Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.0, NetworkManager allows configuring the number of virtual functions (VFs) for interfaces that support
single-root I/O virtualization (SR-IOV). Additionally, NetworkManager allows configuring some attributes of the VFs, such as the MAC
address, VLAN, spoof checking setting, and allowed bitrates. Note that all properties related to SR-IOV are available in the sriov
connection setting.

Recommended HPE server platforms

The following tables list the minimum system, storage, and virtualization memory requirements (as determined by Red Hat) for installing
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 on HPE servers. Current minimum information can be found at access.redhat.com/articles/rhel-limits.

Minimum system requirements

Table 1. Memory requirements
AMD 64/Intel 64

Minimum 1.5 GB

Recommended 1.5 GB per logical CPU

Table 2. Storage requirements

AMD 64/Intel 64

Minimum 10 GB

Recommended 20 GB

Supported configurations
If your server meets the recommended system requirements established by Red Hat, then Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 should install and run
on any HPE server listed in the “Recommended system configuration” section of this document.

Recommended system configuration

This section lists the recommended system configurations established by Red Hat for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 bare-metal installations, as
well as those supported by HPE. For information about installing Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 in a virtualized environment, see the Red Hat
Enterprise Virtualization software documentation at the following Red Hat website: access.redhat.com/site/documentation.

Important
To help ensure successful installation and use of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 on your HPE server, comply with the system requirements
recommended in this white paper and see the Red Hat documentation at access.redhat.com/site/documentation.
Do not use this white paper as the sole source of installation information.
Technical white paper Page 5

For the most recent supported hardware configurations, see the following HPE Servers Support and Certification Matrices website:
hpe.com/servers/rhelcert

You can also see the Red Hat Ecosystem webpage: access.redhat.com/ecosystem
To determine the required ROM version and the supported HPE servers, see the following web resources for assistance:
• HPE software and drivers: h20565.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public
• Red Hat on HPE support matrix: hpe.com/servers/rhelcert

Supported components for HPE servers

Software drivers
HPE recommends using the drivers contained in the Red Hat Enterprise Linux media, when applicable. Other software and firmware smart
components required for HPE specific customers are provided through Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP).

The SPP replaces the ProLiant Support Pack (PSP) and Smart Update Firmware DVD. The SPP provides HPE server drivers, utilities,
management tools and firmware updates. The SPP also includes firmware previously available on the Smart Update Firmware DVD.
The SPP ISO includes:
• A boot environment
• Smart Update Manager (SUM), the SPP deployment tool
• Driver, software, and firmware components for HPE servers
You can find Service Pack for ProLiant documentation at the following website: h17007.www1.hpe.com/us/en/enterprise/servers/products/
service_pack/spp/index.aspx

Overview information about SPP downloads and the current downloadable version are available from the Service Pack for ProLiant website:
hpe.com/us/en/product-catalog/detail/pip.5104018.html

Storage, tape, and network options

For a list of supported HPE Servers options—such as server smart arrays, NICs, tapes, and SCSI controllers—see the QuickSpecs for
the supported server. You can find QuickSpecs at hpe.com/info/qs.

HPE can provide updated NIC drivers in the SPP as needed. HPE drivers are not available in the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
distribution. However, corresponding NIC drivers from Intel, Broadcom, Emulex, QLogic, and Mellanox are in the distribution, and
you can use them instead.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 installation for 64-bit architectures on HPE servers
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 can be installed in numerous ways—from local media, remote media via HPE Integrated Lights Out Virtual
Media, and through a network-based NFS or PXE server. This white paper provides instructions for installing the OS from local media
and from a PXE network connection.

To further streamline deployment, HPE introduces intelligent provisioning—an essential single-server deployment tool embedded in
HPE Gen10 servers. Intelligent provisioning simplifies HPE server setup, providing a reliable and consistent way to deploy server
configurations. Additional information is available at hpe.com/info/intelligentprovisioning.
Technical white paper Page 6

Preinstallation tasks
To prepare for installation, ensure that:
• The server selected for installation is a supported platform. You can verify this information by referring to the Red Hat Enterprise Linux
support matrix at h17007.www1.hpe.com/us/en/enterprise/servers/supportmatrix/redhat_linux.aspx (click Red Hat Enterprise Linux
[RHEL] under Support & Certification Matrices).
• At the same website, examine Minimum Supported Red Hat Updates for HPE servers and related technical exceptions by clicking
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) under Minimum Operating System Requirements Matrices.
• For information about other options added to the server for the supported HPE server smart arrays, NICs, and SCSI controllers, see
the supported server’s HPE QuickSpecs at hpe.com/info/qs.
• Obtain the latest ROM from the HPE Business Support Center website: hpe.com/info/bizsupport.
• Update to the latest firmware and options for the server. Download the SPP from the HPE Software Delivery Repository at
downloads.linux.hpe.com/SDR.
• You can find instructions for installing the SPP in the “Installing the Service Pack for ProLiant” section of this white paper.
• Use the ROM-Based Setup Utility (RBSU) to set the date/time and configure the boot controller order (if necessary).
• Decide on array type: software or hardware.
• Configure the RAID settings for the server. HPE recommends using the Array Configuration Utility to complete this task. You can
also use a new tool called HPE Smart Storage Administrator (HPE SSA), which offers a single interface for quickly setting up,
configuring, and managing the HPE Smart Array controllers and the HPE SAS Host Bus Adapters (HBAs). Note that HPE SSA is
supported on HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers and controllers only. See the HPE Smart Storage Administrator User Guide for
information about usage and support.
• If you use the HPE Smart Array controller, see the HPE Smart Array SR Gen10 User Guide for information about configuration,
installation, operation, and support.
• Ensure enough disk space is available for installation. For disk space requirements, see the “Minimum system requirements” section
in this white paper.
• Choose an installation method: DVD, hard drive, NFS, URL (HTTP/FTP).
• Choose a boot method: local media, network, or HPE Integrated Lights Out Virtual Media.
• Prepare driver updates, if necessary, during installation.

Installation procedures
To install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 on 64-bit architectures, complete the following steps.
Installing using local media
1. Make sure the server has a DVD drive (either native or attached).

Note
A license key might be required to use HPE iLO Virtual Media with HPE servers. For instructions on using HPE iLO Virtual Media to
install the OS, see the HPE iLO 5 User Guide available at hpe.com/info/ilo.
(First, click the Resources tab and then select the iLO 5 User Guide title.)

2. To begin the installation, insert the Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 media into the DVD drive and boot the server from the DVD.
3. Select the preferred Boot Menu option. The default option is Test this media & install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.0.0.
4. Continue following the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Technical white paper Page 7

Installing using PXE boot via network

1. Make sure a properly configured PXE server and network adapter that supports PXE are available.
2. If a driver update diskette is required to support a driver that is not in the distribution, ensure the driver is added to the PXE server.
You can find instructions on how to add a driver update to the PXE server at access.redhat.com/articles/15453 (To view this Red Hat
Knowledgebase article, you need a Red Hat Network subscription.).
3. Ensure the computer is configured to boot from the network adapter. In most cases, you can do this by inspecting and modifying the
system’s BIOS settings.
4. Power on the server to be configured.
5. When the PXE menu appears, select the operating system you want to install.
6. Select the preferred Boot Menu option. The default option is Test this media & install Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.0.0.
7. Continue following the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Upgrading from a previous Red Hat Enterprise Linux release to Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8
Red Hat does not currently support upgrading from an earlier major version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Support for secure boot on UEFI platforms

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 server operating system includes support for the UEFI secure boot feature, which means that Red Hat
Enterprise Linux 8 can be installed and run on systems where UEFI secure boot is enabled.

The secure boot technology ensures that the system firmware checks whether the system boot loader is signed with a cryptographic key
authorized by a database contained in the firmware. With signature verification in the next-stage boot loader, kernel, and potentially the
user space, it is possible to prevent the execution of unsigned code.

For more information on secure boot on UEFI-based HPE servers, visit “UEFI System Utilities User Guide” and “Secure Boot for Linux on
HPE Servers”

Installing the Service Pack for ProLiant

You can download and install the Service Pack for ProLiant by using the Software Delivery Repository, as described in this section.

Getting SPP updates from the HPE Software Delivery Repository (SDR)
HPE offers a repository hosting the Service Pack for ProLiant and management components from HPE. The repository offers multiple means
for acquiring the SPP, including direct download and mirroring. If your system has direct access to the network repository, you can configure
your system to query the repository for installing and updating any specified components as needed.

You can find detailed information on the Software Delivery Repository and retrieval methods at downloads.linux.hpe.com/SDR.
HPE Server Support Guide for Service Pack for ProLiant is available at hpe.com/info/spp/documentation.

Smart Update Manager (SUM)

SPP is deployed using SUM, designed to enable consolidated maintenance and distribution of firmware and software components. SUM
enables you to deploy software for multiple HPE servers from a single GUI. SUM detects the installed hardware and current versions of
firmware and software in use on targeted servers. SUM installs only the required and user-selected components. The default configuration is
to install all available components. Before launching SUM, you must ensure that all necessary Red Hat Package Managers are installed and
that the minimum requirements for operation are met. For a list of required RPMs and minimum requirements, see the SUM release notes.

Information on SUM can be found at hpe.com/info/hpsum.

The Smart Update Manager User Guide and Smart Update Manager Release Notes are available at hpe.com/info/hpsum/documentation.

Installing the Service Pack for ProLiant

You can install the Service Pack for ProLiant through the Software Delivery Repository or from the deliverable downloaded from hpe.com.
Before installing the SPP, ensure that necessary RPMs are installed. For a list of RPMs required for installation, see the release notes for
SPP or SUM.
Technical white paper Page 8

Deploying SPP with SUM

1. Verify that the minimum requirements for SUM in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8 are met. You can find a list of platform-specific
compatibility libraries in the SUM help file. You can view the SUM help file (hpsum_welcome_help_en.html) in a web browser
without starting SUM.
2. Start SUM.
3. In the Source Selection screen, verify that the directory path in the Directory field has the location of the smart components in the SPP,
and then select Start Inventory. SUM performs an inventory of the available updates and discovers the hardware and software installed
on the local system. After the inventory and discovery processes are complete, the Select Installation Hosts screen appears.
4. Select the local host or one (or more) remote hosts for SPP deployment. The Select Bundle Filter screen displays the SPP bundle
information.
5. Select the bundle and the appropriate filter options. For remote deployments, additional screens enable you to update information on a
per-host basis.
6. After selecting the bundle for all hosts being updated, access the Select Items to be Installed screen to complete the following tasks:
a. Select the components to be installed.
b. Review failed dependencies before installation.
c. Review the revision history of the components.
7. To proceed with the installation, click Install. After the installation is complete, the Installation Results screen appears.
8. If any components failed to install successfully, complete the following steps:
a. Review the installation logs for information about any failures.
b. Exit SUM.
c. Make the required updates to the environment.
d. Restart installation of the SPP.

For more information about SUM and other installation methods, see the Smart Update Manager User Guide available at
hpe.com/info/hpsum/documentation.

Resources
For additional information, see the resources listed in the following.

Resource description Web address

Red Hat redhat.com

Red Hat software and downloads access.redhat.com/downloads
Red Hat product documentation access.redhat.com/knowledge/docs/
Red Hat Hardware Catalog access.redhat.com/ecosystem
HPE Servers Support and Certification Matrices hpe.com/servers/rhelcert
HPE operating system services hpe.com/info/proliantlinux
Industry-standard server technology training and communications hpe.com/docs/servertechnology
Technical white paper

Next steps
Contact your HPE representative or visit hpe.com/us/en/contact-hpe.html.

You can also send comments about this white paper to [email protected].

Learn more at
hpe.com/info/proliantlinux

Share now

Get updates

© Copyright 2019 Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP. The information contained herein is subject to change
without notice. The only warranties for Hewlett Packard Enterprise products and services are set forth in the express warranty
statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.
Hewlett Packard Enterprise shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

AMD is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Arm is a registered trademark of Arm Limited. Intel is a trademark of
Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Red Hat is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc. in the United States and
other countries. Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries. All other third-party marks
are property of their respective owners.

a00070872ENW, May 2019