apple vtrak e-j-class qsg v1.0 final

VTRAK E-Class/J-Class

Quick Start GuideVersion 1.0

Firmware 3.29

© 2008 Promise Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

VTrak Quick Start Guide

About This GuideThis Quick Start Guide shows you how to install the VTrak E-Class and J-Class in a rack, how to make management and data connections, and how to power-up, set-up, and configure the VTrak subsystem.

For information about unpacking the VTrak, see page 3.

For instructions on installing VTrak in a rack, see page 4.

For diagrams and connections for management and data cables, see page 6.

For the system power-up sequence, see page 11.

For making VTrak network settings, see page 12.

For configuring the VTrak automatically using scripts, see page 18.

For safety information, see pages 3 and 4.

If you cannot connect to the VTrak over Ethernet, use a serial connection, described on page 23.

Promise periodically releases firmware updates that add functionality to your VTrak system. You can download the firmware updates from the Promise Support Website. The firmware update procedure is described in the VTrak Product (User) Manual on the Software CD.

Copyright© 2008 Promise Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Copyright by Promise Technology, Inc. (Promise Technology). No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the expressed, written permission of Promise Technology.

TrademarksPromise, and the Promise logo are registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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http://support.promise.com/

Task 1: Unpacking the VTrak

VTrak Setup Task ListTask 1: Unpacking the VTrak (page 3)Task 2: Mounting VTrak in a Rack (page 4)Task 3: Making Management and Data Connections (page 6)Task 4: Powering On the System (page 11)Task 5: Performing the Initial Setup (page 12)Task 6: Configuring the VTrak (page 18)

For complete information about your VTrak E-Class and J-Class subsystems, see their respective VTrak Product (User) Manuals on the Software CDs.

Task 1: Unpacking the VTrakThe VTrak box contains the following items:

• VTrak Unit• Quick Start Guide• Left and right center-mount

brackets• Left and right mounting rails

• RJ11-to-DB9 serial data cable• 1.5m (4.9 ft) Power cords (2)• Software CD with SNMP files,

Product (User) Manual and Quick Start Guide

Warning

The electronic components within the VTrak disk array are sensitive to damage from Electro-Static Discharge (ESD). Observe appropriate precautions at all times when handling the VTrak or its subassemblies.

Caution

At least two persons are required to safely lift the VTrak subsystem from the box and place it into a rack.

Important

Use the following categories of network cables with VTrak:• Cat 6, preferred• Cat 5E, minimum

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Task 2: Mounting VTrak in a RackThe E-Class subsystem installs to the rack using the supplied mounting rails. You can also use your existing rails.

To install the VTrak subsystem into a rack with the supplied mounting rails:1. Check the fit of the mounting rails in your rack system. 2. Adjust the length of the mounting rails as needed.3. Attach the mounting rail assemblies to the outside of the rack posts, using

the attaching screws from your rack system. See Figure 1 on page 5.Be sure the support is on the bottom facing inward.

4. Square the rail assemblies in the rack.5. Tighten the adjustment screws and the attaching screws.6. Place the VTrak subsystem onto the rails.7. Secure the VTrak subsystem to the rack through each handle, using the

attaching screws from your rack system.

Cautions

• At least two persons are required to safely lift, place, and attach the VTrak subsystem into a rack.

• Do not lift or move the VTrak subsystem by the handles, power supplies or the controller units. Hold the subsystem itself.

• Do not install the VTrak subsystem into a rack without rails to support the subsystem.

• Only a qualified electrician who is familiar with the installation procedure should mount and install the VTrak subsystem.

• Be sure all switches are OFF before installing the VTrak subsystem or exchanging components.

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Task 2: Mounting VTrak in a Rack

Figure 1 Rack mount assembly diagram

8. Remove the drive carriers from their packing and install them into the drive bays of the VTrak enclosure. See Figure 2

9. Plug in the power supply cords.

Figure 2 VTrak mounted in a rack with the supplied rails

Inside of post

Rack front post

Rail attaching screw(not included)

Rail adjustment screw

Flange

Rail attaching screw(not included)

Inside of post

Rack back post

Front rail

Rail adjustment screw

Rear rail

Support

Mounting rails (included) mount outside the rack post

Handles mount outside the rack post

Drive bay (1 of 16)

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Task 3: Making Management and Data ConnectionsVTrak E-Class models have one or two RAID controllers. Each controller has an Ethernet (RJ45) Management Port connector that enables you to monitor the VTrak over your network using the WebPAM PROe Software. VTrak supports HTTP, HTTPS, and Telnet protocols.

The VTrak RAID controllers have two 4-Gb Fibre Channel (FC) connections for the data ports. See Figure 3.

You can configure your VTrak for:• Storage Area Network (SAN)• Direct Attached Storage (DAS)• Expansion chassis using SAS data connections

Figure 3 VTrak E-Class RAID controller connector

When you require more than 16 hard disk drives for your storage system, you can add capacity by connecting up to four VTrak J-Class expansion chassis. See Figure 4 on page 7.

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SAS expansion port (to J-Class)

Management port

Fibre Channel data port 2RJ11 Serial Connector

VTrak E-Class

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Task 3: Making Management and Data Connections

Figure 4 VTrak J-Class I/O Module

To connect a VTrak E-Class subsystem to a VTrak J-Class expansion chassis:1. Find the SFF-8088 to SFF-8088 SAS data cables that ship with the J-Class.2. Connect one end of a SAS data cable to the SAS expansion port on the

VTrak E-Class RAID controller. See Figure 5 on page 8.3. Connect the other end of the SAS data cable to the Diamond icon SAS port

on the VTrak J-Class I/O module. See Figure 5 on page 8.4. If your VTrak E-Class has dual RAID controllers and your VTrak J-Class has

dual I/O modules, connect a second SAS data cable between the other RAID controller and I/O module in the same manner.

5. Optional. If your system has multiple VTrak J-Class expansion chassis, connect their SAS data cables:• From the Circle icon SAS port on the I/O module of the First VTrak

J-Class• To the Diamond icon SAS port on the I/O module of the Second VTrak

J-ClassSee Figure 5 on page 8.Be sure all of your SAS data connections are Circle-to-Diamond.

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RJ11 Serial Connector

SAS data ports

Diamond IconCircle Icon

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Figure 5 J-Class expansion SAS data connections

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VTrak J-Class

VTrak J-Class

SAS Expansion Ports

Diamond Icon

Circle Icon

Circle Icon

Diamond Icon

Circle Icon

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Task 3: Making Management and Data Connections

Configuring a Storage Area NetworkA storage area network (SAN) requires:• A Fibre Channel switch• A Fibre Channel HBA card in the Mac Pro or Xserve• A network switch

Data PathsTo establish the data paths:1. Connect one or both of the Fibre Channel ports on each VTrak controller to

your Fibre Channel switch.2. Connect two or four Fibre Channel ports on the Mac to your Fibre Channel

switch.

Management PathTo establish the management path:1. Connect the Management port on the VTrak controller to your network

switch. Figure 62. Connect each Mac’s NIC to your network switch.

Figure 6 SAN data and management connections

A two-path connection, as shown above, is the minimum requirement for VTrak. Use a four-path connection for best performance and no single point of failure.

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MacVTrak

Network Switch

FC Switch

FC data cables

Management cables

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Configuring Direct Attached StorageDirect attached storage (DAS) requires:• A Fibre Channel HBA card in the Mac Pro or Xserve• A network switch

Data PathsTo establish the data paths:

Connect one or both of the Fibre Channel ports on each VTrak controller to the Fibre Channel card in your Mac.

Management PathTo establish the management path:1. Connect the Management port on the VTrak controller to your network

switch. See Figure 72. Connect the Mac’s NIC to your network switch.

Figure 7 DAS data and management connections

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Mac

VTrak

Network SwitchManagement cables

FC data cables

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Task 4: Powering On the System

Task 4: Powering On the SystemThere is a specific sequence to follow when you power on your VTrak and Mac system. See Figure 8

Figure 8 VTrak and Mac power-on sequence

Power on your system components in the following sequence:1. All VTrak J-Class expansion chassis2. The VTrak E-Class subsystem3. The Mac Client

The VTrak takes a few minutes to fully boot-up and become available to the host.

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Task 5: Performing the Initial SetupYou must change the VTrak’s default network settings so the VTrak can function properly on your network. In most cases, you can use WebPAM PROe to make the change.

The table below lists the default VTrak network settings.

Establishing a Connection with VTrakTo establish an Ethernet connection between your Mac and the VTrak:1. Be sure the VTrak is connected to the network and powered on.

See “Task 3: Making Management and Data Connections” on page 6 and “Task 4: Powering On the System” on page 11.

2. On your Mac, go to Network Preferences temporarily set the• Network address to 10.0.0.10

(you can use any number from 4 to 254 after the last dot)• Subnet to 255.0.0.0

3. On your Mac Desktop, launch Safari.4. In the address field, type http://10.0.0.1/ and press Enter.5. When the log-in screen appears:

• Type administrator in the User Name field.• Type password in the Password field.• Click the Login button.The User Name and Password are case sensitive.See Figure 9 on page 13.

Component Default SettingVirtual Management Port IP address 10.0.0.1RAID Controller 1 IP address 10.0.0.2RAID Controller 2 IP address 10.0.0.3Subnet Mask 255.0.0.0DHCP support disabledUser Name administratorPassword password

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Task 5: Performing the Initial Setup

Figure 9 WebPAM PROe log-in screen

Changing VTrak’s Network Settings1. Click the + icon beside Administrative Tools.

Then click Network Management.2. In the Management Port tab, click the Port Configuration Link.

Figure 10 Management port configuration tab

DHCP or Static Settings?Does your network have a DHCP server? If it does, your probably want to enable DHCP on the VTrak and obtain your network settings automatically. Choose Option 1, below.

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If you prefer to use static (manual) network settings, check with your IT Manager, Network Administrator, or Technology Consultant as needed for assistance. Then choose Option 2 on page 15.

Option 1 DHCP (Preferred)1. Check the Enable DHCP box.

Then click the Submit button.

Figure 11 Management port enable-DHCP setting

With DHCP enabled, your DHCP server will assign the VTrak a new IP address and other network settings. This information appears on the Management Port tab. See Figure 12.

2. Record the VTraks’ new IP address from the Management Port tab.You will use the new IP address the next time you log into WebPAM PRO.

Figure 12 New IP address shown under the Management Port tab

Continue with “Restarting the VTrak” on page 16.

Important

When your VTrak is fully configured, you should make the same network setting for the individual RAID Controllers.

New IP address

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Option 2 Static (Manual) Settings1. Type the settings you want into the fields provided:

• IP Address• Subnet Mask• Gateway IP Address• DNS Server IP Address

2. Click the Submit button.

Figure 13 Management port static (manual) settings

Continue with “Restarting the VTrak” on page 16.

Important

When your VTrak is fully configured, you should make similar network settings for the individual RAID Controllers.

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Restarting the VTrakTo restart the VTrak:

1. Click Administrative Tools.Then click the Shutdown link.

Figure 14 The Shutdown link under Administrative Tools

2. In the Shutdown dialog box, be sure Restart is chosen in the Option menu.Then click the Submit button.

Figure 15 Shutdown dialog box

3. In the Confirmation Box, type confirm.Then click the OK button.See Figure 16 on page 17.

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Figure 16 Confirmation box

4. Click Logout in the WebPAM PRO header to log out of WebPAM PRO.Wait a few minutes for the VTrak to reboot.

Figure 17 WebPAM PRO header

Continue with “Task 6: Configuring the VTrak” on page 18.

Important

On your Mac, go to your Network Preferences and restore the original settings.

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Task 6: Configuring the VTrakThe VTrak supports a wide range of RAID levels, cache settings, and volume configurations. See the VTrak E-Class Product (User) Manual for more information.

Apple provides a number of tested and supported configuration scripts to simplify system configuration for most common storage applications using Mac OS X, including Xsan configurations. These scripts automatically configure a new VTrak system for best performance.

Visit Apple’s Knowledge Base at http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1200 for configuration scripts and directions on applying them.

Preparing Your ScriptTo prepare your configuration script:1. Double-click this link http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1200.

The scripts are listed under Configure via script. 2. Carefully read the descriptions and choose the script that matches your

application. Click the script name to choose it.3. Highlight the entire script from #Begin Copy through #End Copy, then press

-C to copy it.4. Open TextEdit and press -V to paste the script into a new file.5. From the dropdown menu, choose Format > Make Plain Text.

Be sure you convert the configuration script to a plain text file.6. Choose File > Save As, name the script file, and click the Save button.

Your configuration script is ready to import using WebPAM PROe.

Logging into WebPAM PROeTo log into WebPAM PROe:1. On your Mac Desktop, launch Safari.2. In the address field, type http:// followed by the VTrak’s IP address, then

press Enter.This example comes from “Changing VTrak’s Network Settings” on page 13.

http://192.168.1.120

7. When the log-in screen appears:• Type administrator in the User Name field.• Type password in the Password field.• Click the Login button.

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http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1200

Task 6: Configuring the VTrak

Checking Your Physical DrivesThe configuration script only works when all of your physical drives are unconfigured. If you are setting up your VTrak system for the first time, all of your drives will be unconfigured.

To check your physical drives:1. If WebPAM PROe is not running, launch Safari and log into WebPAM PROe

as described on the previous page.

2. In Tree View, click VTrak, Enclosures, Enclosure, and Physical Drives.

3. Under the Information tab, look at the Operational Status and Configuration of each physical drive.If Operational Status is OK and Configuration is Unconfigured, your physical drives are ready to run the configuration script.

Figure 18 Physical drive information

If you have created any disk arrays, logical drives, or spare drives, you must delete them before you run the script. Be sure you back-up your important data first, then delete the disk arrays and logical drives. See the VTrak E-Class Product (User) Manual for instructions.

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Importing and Running a Configuration ScriptTo import and run your configuration script:

1. In Tree View, click Administrative Tools, then click the Import link.

Figure 19 The Import link under Administrative Tools

2. In the Import File dialog box, choose Configuration Script from the Type dropdown menu.

Figure 20 Import File dialog box

3. In the Import File dialog box, click the Choose File button and navigate to the folder where you saved the configuration file. Click the configuration file and click the Choose button.

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Task 6: Configuring the VTrak

Figure 21 Choosing the configuration file

4. In the Import File dialog box, click the Submit button.

Figure 22 Clicking the Submit button

5. In the Import File dialog box, click the Next button.

Figure 23 Clicking the Next button

6. In the Warning box, click the OK button.See Figure 24 on page 22.

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Figure 24 Warning box

The configuration script takes about 30 to 45 seconds to upload and run.When the script is done, new disk arrays and logical drives appear in Tree View.

Figure 25 An example of Tree View after running a configuration script

The exact appearance of Tree View depends upon how you set up your system and which script you chose.Your VTrak system is now configured and ready to use.

Click Logical Drives Summary in Tree View to see the full representation of your new logical drives.

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Establishing a Serial Management Connection

Establishing a Serial Management ConnectionYou can configure the VTrak through a serial console session using a command-line interface (CLI). For advanced users who prefer the CLI or in a situation when you do not know the VTrak’s IP address, use one of the following procedures to establish a management session through the serial port.

There are three methods, depending on which Mac system you have:• Xserve System – No third party software or hardware required• Mac Pro: Terminal – USB-to-DB9 adapter required• Mac Pro: ZTerm – USB-to-DB9 adapter and ZTerm software required

The table below lists the default serial connection settings.

Xserve SystemBefore you begin:1. Find the RJ11-to-DB9 serial cable that ships with the VTrak.2. Attach the RJ11 end of the serial cable to the RJ11 serial connector on one

of the VTrak controller modules. See Figure 3 on page 6.3. Attach the DB9 end of the serial cable to the serial connector on the Xserve.

Figure 26 Xserve system serial connector

To make the serial port available for communication with the VTrak:1. Launch Terminal.

Item ValueBits per second 115200Data bits 8Parity noneStop bits 1Flow control none

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DB-9 serial connector

Xserve Server

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2. Type the following command and press Enter.sudo launchctl remove com.apple.xserve.serial-ports

To open a serial connection with VTrak:1. Type the following command.

screen /dev/cu.serial 115200

2. Press Enter once to launch the CLI. The CLI opens in the Local window. The prompt should look like this:

administrator@cli>

If you see a Login prompt, type administrator and press Enter.Then at the Password prompt, type password and press Enter.

3. Go to “Making Settings on VTrak” on page 26.

To exit from the serial connection and restore the serial port for console login:1. Type Ctrl-A and press Enter, then type Ctrl-\ and press Enter.2. Type the following command and press Enter.

sudo launchctl load -D system

Mac Pro: TerminalBefore you begin:1. Obtain a USB-to-DB9 adapter. See Figure 27.

Install the software for the USB-to-DB9 adapter onto your Mac Pro.

Figure 27 An example of a USB-to-DB9 adapter

2. Find the RJ11-to-DB9 serial cable ships with the VTrak.

DB9 end USB end

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3. Attach the RJ11 end of the serial cable to the RJ11 serial connector on one of the VTrak controller modules. See Figure 3 on page 6.

4. Attach the DB9 end of the serial cable to the DB9 connector on the USB-to-DB9 adapter.

5. Attach the USB end of the USB-to-DB9 adapter to a USB port on the Mac Pro.

To open a serial connection with VTrak:1. Launch Terminal.2. Type the following command.

screen /dev/cu.KeySerial1 115200(this command is for a Keyspan USB-to-DB9 adapter)


administrator@cli>


4. Go to “Making Settings on VTrak” on page 26.

Mac Pro: ZTermBefore you begin:1. Go to http://homepage.mac.com/dalverson/zterm/ and download the ZTerm

terminal emulation software.Install ZTerm onto your Mac Pro.

2. Obtain a USB-to-DB9 adapter. See Figure 27 on page 24.Install the software for the USB-to-DB9 adapter onto your Mac Pro.

3. Find the RJ11-to-DB9 serial cable ships with the VTrak.4. Attach the RJ11 end of the serial cable to the RJ11 serial connector on one

of the VTrak controller modules. See Figure 3 on page 6.5. Attach the DB9 end of the serial cable to the DB9 connector on the USB-to-

DB9 adapter.6. Attach the USB end of the USB-to-DB9 adapter to a USB port on the Mac

Pro.

To set up a serial connection with VTrak:1. On your Mac Pro, double-click the ZTerm desktop icon (right).

The Local window opens on the desktop.

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2. From the ZTerm dropdown menus, choose Settings > Connection.Set the Data Rate to 115200 and click the OK button.


administrator@cli>


4. Go to “Making Settings on VTrak,” below.

Making Settings on VTrakTo make your settings on VTrak:1. Type the following string to set the system date and time, then press Enter.

administrator@cli> date -a mod -d 2008/07/25 -t 14:50:05

In the above example, the date and time are included as examples only.Use yyyyy/mm/dd for the date and a 24-hour clock for the time.

2. Type the following string to set the Virtual Management Port IP address and other settings, then press Enter.Option 1 DHCP (Preferred)

administrator@cli> net -a mod -t mgmt -s "dhcp=enable"

Option 2 Static (Manual) Settingsadministrator@cli> net -a mod -t mgmt -s "primaryip=192.168.10.85, primaryipmask=255.255.255.0, gateway=192.168.10.1"

3. To verify the settings, type net and press Enter.administrator@cli> net

===========================================CId Port Type IP Mask Gateway Link===========================================1 1 Mgmt 192.168.10.85 255.255.255.0 192.168.10.1 Up

Note that the Virtual Management Port IP address described above belongs to the VTrak subsystem. It is not the actual IP address of a RAID controller.The IP address and subnet mask shown here are examples only.

Important

Remember this IP address. You will use this IP address to log into WebPAM PROe for daily RAID management.

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4. Type the following string to set the RAID controller IP addresses and other settings, then press Enter. You must set each Controller separately.Option 1 DHCP (Preferred)

administrator@cli> net -a mod -t mgmt -m -c 1 -s "dhcp=enable"

administrator@cli> net -a mod -t mgmt -m -c 2 -s "dhcp=enable"

Option 2 Static (Manual) Settingsadministrator@cli> net -a mod -t mgmt -m -c 1 -s "primaryip=192.168.10.101, primaryipmask=255.255.255.0, gateway=192.168.10.1"

administrator@cli> net -a mod -t mgmt -m -c 2 -s "primaryip=192.168.10.102, primaryipmask=255.255.255.0, gateway=192.168.10.1"

5. To verify the RAID Controller settings, type net -m and press Enter.administrator@cli> net -m

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –CtrlId: 1 Port: 1Type: Management Ethernet IPType: IPv4IP: 192.168.10.101 IPMask: 255.255.255.0MAC: 00:01:55:AE:02:AE DNS: 192.168.10.5Gateway: 192.168.10.1 DHCP: Enabled

The IP address and subnet mask shown here are examples only.

To exit ZTerm, press -Q.

Note

You will only use these IP addresses to log into the RAID controllers for troubleshooting. See the VTrak E-Class Product (User) Manual for more information.

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apple vtrak e-j-class qsg v1.0 final

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