NEC D3-10i Quick Start Manual
NEC D3-10i SAN Storage
Quick Start Guide
For the latest information, please see http://support.necam.com/Storage/D-Series/
Please feel free to contact your NEC Corporation of America approved reseller or NEC Corporation of America
Technical Support at any phase of the integration for assistance. NEC Corporation of America Technical Support
can be reached by the following methods:
Web: http://support.necam.com
Email: support@necam.com
Phone: +1-877-632-0064 (toll-free)
Support contact information for other regions of the world is available at http://www.nec.com/global/support/contact/index.html
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 1
Understanding D3-10i Array Management ....................................................................................................... 2
Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 2
STEP 1: Planning and Preparation ....................................................................................................................... 3
Preparing For Installation.................................................................................................................................. 3
Unpacking the Array ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Hardware Component Features ....................................................................................................................... 4
Array Front View ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Array Rear View ............................................................................................................................................. 5
STEP 2: Array Installation ................................................................................................ ..................................... 7
Hardware Installation ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Mounting the Array ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Installing Disk Drives ..................................................................................................................................... 8
Cable Connections ........................................................................................................................................... 8
SAS Cable Connections ................................................................................................................................ 8
Array Connection Configurations ................................................................................................................... 9
iSCSI Connections ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Management Connections ........................................................................................................................... 10
Power Cable Connections ........................................................................................................................... 11
Power-On/Power-Off Procedures ................................................................................................................... 11
Power-On Procedure When Auto Power On Mode Is Not Enabled ............................................................. 11
Power-Off Procedure ................................................................................................................................... 12
STEP 3: Software Installation ............................................................................................................................. 13
Management Server Installation ..................................................................................................................... 13
Installing Storage Manager .......................................................................................................................... 13
Application Server Installation ........................................................................................................................ 16
Control Command Installation...................................................................................................................... 17
Preparing the Software iSCSI Initiator in a Windows Environment .............................................................. 20
Preparing the Software iSCSI Initiator in a VMware ESX Environment ....................................................... 26
Storage Manager Client Installation ................................................................................................................ 32
Storage Manager Client Installation and Startup ......................................................................................... 32
STEP 4: Array Initialization and Configuration .................................................................................................... 34
Array Initialization ........................................................................................................................................... 34
Configuring iSCSI Connections ...................................................................................................................... 42
Configuring the iSCSI Initiator in Windows .................................................................................................. 42
Configuring the iSCSI Initiator in VMware ESX............................................................................................ 46
Configuring Logical Disks and Pools ........................................................................................................... 49
Appendix: Configuring Multipathing .................................................................................................................... 60
Installing PathManager ................................................................................................................................... 60
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the NEC D3-10i SAN Storage array. This document provides instructions that
are designed to help experienced IT professionals to install and configure the array as quickly as possible.
Since this document is a Quick Start Guide, the following assumptions have been made:
Readers have experience with network and storage terminology and configurations.
Readers have experience with Microsoft® Windows® or VMware® ESX administration.
The array will be deployed in a Microsoft Windows or VMware ESX environment.
Expansion options, like an external battery backup unit (BBU), are not initially being installed with this
array.
Throughout this document, the term “base unit” refers to the enclosure containing the array controller modules,
and the term “array” refers to the base unit and any attached disk enclosures collectively. To read about
information not covered in this documentation, please refer to the additional documentation contained on the
CD media that comes with the array.
To review documentation on the Storage Manager CD when Autorun is disabled, navigate to the root directory
of the CD drive and launch Index.HTML. From the browser window, you can navigate to all the documentation
and installation software available for use with the array.
Figure 1. Storage Manager CD Navigation Windows
Maximum Wattage
BTUs per Hour
Model
SAS
SATA
SAS
SATA
D3-10i Base Unit
610 W
540 W
2,081
1,843
Disk Enclosure
430 W
370 W
1,462
1,258
LAN
Ethernet/iSCSI
Management Server
Management Clients
Application Servers
D-Series Array
Understanding D3-10i Array Management
The D3-10i array is flexible enough to be implemented in a number of ways, from a single-server storage
solution up to a multi-server SAN infrastructure. No matter which approach is used, the array requires an
Ethernet connection to a server and client that will perform management functions and an Ethernet connection
to servers that will access the array’s storage.
Figure 2. Sample D3-10i Infrastructure Design
Even though these roles can be implemented on a single server, this document describes these as distinct
server roles as follows:
Management Server – The management server role is performed by a server with the Storage
Manager software installed. This server is attached to the array via an Ethernet connection.
Management Client – The management client role is performed by any Windows workstation or server
that connects to the management server via the Web-based management interface.
Application Server – The application server role is performed by any server that uses the array
storage via an iSCSI connection.
Requirements
The following equipment, tools, and resources are required to complete this installation.
Network Cables – At least two Ethernet cables will be required.
o 1 Ethernet cable is required for connection to the management port.
o 1 Ethernet cable is required for each iSCSI port that will be used for connections to application
servers.
IP Addresses – There is one management port and two iSCSI ports on each controller. Each port that
will be used requires a unique IP address. Those IP addresses should be reserved and all associated
network settings should be confirmed before installation.
Tools – You will need the installation CD (shipped with unit) and a #1 Phillips-head screwdriver.
Rack space – If rack-mounting, 2U of rack space is required for each base unit and an additional 2U of
space is required for each additional disk enclosure.
Power Requirements – Two available outlets providing AC 100-240V single phase 50/60Hz for a
NEMA 5-15P plug will be required for each base unit and each disk enclosure. Power and cooling
requirements are listed in the table below.
Table 1. Storage unit power requirements
STEP 1: Planning and Preparation
This section describes the planning and preparation steps that need to occur before you install the array.
Preparing For Installation
Before installing the array, the following steps should be performed on the application servers that will be
connected to the array:
1. Install any additional gigabit Ethernet NICs on all application servers as needed for iSCSI connectivity.
2. Install and apply the latest driver updates for all application server NICs that will be used for iSCSI
connectivity.
3. Ensure that the array and application servers will reside on the same network subnet and all necessary
IP addresses have been reserved for each iSCSI port that will be connected to that network.
4. Optional: Install and configure at least one iSCSI Naming Services (iSNS) Server on the same network
segment as the array and the application servers that will connect to the array.
5. If a specialized iSCSI HBA will be used instead of a software iSCSI initiator, ensure that all iSCSI
adapters and iSCSI switches, if used, are installed and configured on all application servers as
specified by the hardware vendor.
Note: Check with your D3-10i sales representative to get the latest information about iSCSI HBAs that
have been certified for use with the D3-10i array.
Unpacking the Array
While unpacking instructions are illustrated on the array packaging materials, the following tips should be kept
in mind when unpacking the base unit.
To prevent component damage caused by condensation due to rapid temperature and humidity
changes, please allow the base unit to sufficiently acclimate to the ambient room temperature before
unpacking.
To prevent injury, the array should be unpacked, lifted out of the packing materials, and moved by at
least two people.
To prevent damage to the base unit, the unit should be held by the bottom of the unit when removed
from the packing material or moved. It is not recommended to lift or carry the unit by holding on to
projecting surfaces such as the power supply units or plastic bezel mounts.
Please save all packing materials in case the unit needs to be returned for repairs or shipped to other
locations.
Record the array serial number and model number located on the back of the array or inside the
cabinet door of the array, then visit http://www.necam.com/registration to fill in your self-support
registration information in order to receive an additional 30 days of warranty coverage.
Power LED
Service LED
Description
ON
OFF
Normal operating condition
ON
ON
Indicates that a maintenance request or maintenance task is in process
ON
Blinking
Depending on controller LED status (which is located at the rear of the unit),
can indicate that a power-on sequence, online download sequence, or
automatic download sequence is in progress
ON
ON 5 Seconds
OFF 7 Seconds
Indicates that a condition may exist that requires immediate technical
support from NEC
Blinking
OFF
Cache flushed, okay to power down if desired
OFF
OFF
Powered off
Active/Fault LED
Status
Green
Steady ON
Normal status (Ready)
Green
Blinking
Normal status (Accessing)
Green/Orange
Alternating
Performing RAID rebuild
Orange
Blinking
HDD low power condition
Orange
Steady ON
Abnormal status
Service LED
Power LED
Activity/Fault LED
Disk Drive or Tray
00
02
03
04
08
05
01
06
0A
09
07
0B
Hardware Component Features
This section describes and illustrates a few of important components that are accessible from the front and rear
of the base unit.
Array Front View
This section describes the array components accessible from the front.
Figure 3. Array Front View (with bezel removed)
Disk Drives and Dummy Trays
Base units and disk enclosures have 12 disk drive slots. To maintain proper airflow and thermal conditions,
each slot is filled with either a disk drive or dummy tray.
Figure 3, above, shows the drive numbering sequence for the slots.
Service LED and Power LED
The Service and Power indicators illuminate to indicate different operating conditions as follows.
Table 2. Power LED and Service LED Status Conditions
Active/Fault LEDs
There is a single Active/Fault LED for each disk drive slot. These indicators use different color/blinking
indicators to signal different operating conditions for each respective drive as follows.
Table 3. Active/Fault LED Status Conditions
LED
Indication
Description
Power On LED
Solid Green
When lit, indicates that the power supply is on
Power Fault
LED
Solid Orange
Indicates that a fault condition exists in the power supply itself
Blinking Orange
Indicates that there is an abnormal thermal condition in the power supply
or that the other power supply bay is empty
Fan Fault LED
Solid Orange
When lit, indicates that a fault condition exists in the power supply’s fan
Power Supply Cable Clamp
Power Supply Status LEDs
PS 0
PS 1
Controller 1
Controller 0
SAS Ports and LEDs
Power Button
Management LAN Port
Maintenance Port
iSCSI Host Ports
Controller Status LEDs
Array Rear View
The rear of the base unit provides access to the base unit’s two power supply modules (PS 0 and PS 1) and
two controller modules (Controller 0 and Controller 1), as seen in Figure 4 below.
Figure 4. Base Unit Rear View
Power Supply Status LEDs
There are three status LEDs on each power supply that include, from left to right, a power-on LED, a power
fault LED, and a fan fault LED, which indicate the status for each power supply module as follows.
Table 4. Power Supply LED Status Conditions
Controller SAS Port
The SAS ports are used to connect the base unit to additional disk enclosures and have two Status LEDs, a
green Link LED on the left and an Orange Fault LED on the right.
iSCSI Host Ports
The ports labeled iHP on the base unit controllers are iSCSI Host Ports that are used to connect the array
to the application servers. There are two iSCSI Ports on each controller and each array unit can have either
one or two controllers for a maximum of four iSCSI ports per array.
Management and Maintenance Ports
The management port provides the network connection for the management server. The maintenance port
is only for use by NEC-authorized service professionals.
Ready LED
Fault LED
Status
Blinking
OFF
Normal operating condition
ON
OFF
Startup sequence in progress
Rapid Blinking
OFF
Shutdown sequence in progress
Asynchronous Blinking
Online/automatic download sequence in progress
Synchronized Blinking
In download mode
ON
ON
Fault condition exists
ON
Blinking
Waiting for disk enclosure power-on
Blinking
ON
Disk interface is disabled
OFF
OFF
Powered off
Controller Status LEDs
There are three status LEDs on each controller that include, from left to right, a Backup LED, a Fault LED,
and a Ready LED. The Backup LED will only blink to indicate that the battery backup is currently powering
the unit. The Ready and Fault LEDs use the following signal combinations to indicate controller status.
Table 5. Controller Ready LED and Fault LED Status Conditions
Warning: Bezel
mounts are fragile
and should not be
used as handles to lift
the base unit or be
exposed to any other
strong forces.
STEP 2: Array Installation
This section describes the steps necessary to complete the physical installation of the array. These steps
should occur before you connect the array to a server.
Hardware Installation
This section describes the steps you need to perform to physically install an array into a rack and prepare for
connection to any servers.
Mounting the Array
Before mounting the array in a rack enclosure, please observe the following:
When installing both disk enclosures and base units in the same rack, the disk enclosures should be
mounted above the base unit.
If an optional external battery backup unit (BBU) will be installed in the same rack, at least 1U of space
should be reserved underneath the base unit for the external BBU.
If the array is being installed into a rack containing other equipment, the heaviest rack units should be
mounted as close to the bottom as possible, while lighter units can be placed near the top.
For the purpose of determining the proper positioning in the rack, a fully loaded base unit may weigh in
excess of 68 lbs and a fully configured disk enclosure may weigh in excess of 63 lbs.
The rack mount rail mounting points are illustrated in Figure 5 above and show M5 screw placements for the
two center screw holes in the front of each rail. Screws are positioned above and below the inner rail tabs at the
rear of each rail as well. The array then slides into the rails from the front and is secured by two screws on each
side of the plastic bezel mount, above and below the front rail mounting screws.
Figure 5. Mounting the Array
Installing Disk Drives
To remove drives or trays, simply push in the tab on the drive carrier to unlock the drive latch, pull the latch out
to the open position as seen in Figure 6 below, and then slide the drive or tray out of the disk drive bay.
Figure 6. Array Disk Drive Latch Open Position
To install a drive or tray in an empty drive bay, simply slide the drive or tray into the empty bay with the drive
latch in the open position until the drive latch catches on the inside edge of the drive bay, then move the latch to
the closed position until it locks into place with a click.
While the drive removal and insertion process is simple, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind
when installing and removing disk drives from the array.
Note: All array disk drives should be reseated before the initial startup anytime after the array is transported or
shipped with the drives installed.
The disk drives in positions 00, 01, and 02 function as a system drive stripe set and must remain
mounted and remain in their original positions for proper array operation.
If disk drives in positions 00, 01, or 02 must be replaced, only remove one drive at any given time.
When installing more than one drive while the system is powered on, only install one drive at a time.
Wait until each drive reaches a ready state before installing the next drive.
When replacing failed disk drives, replace each drive with the same drive model.
Use dummy trays in any vacant slots to maintain proper unit air flow.
Cable Connections
This section describes the various connection points used for network and storage connectivity.
SAS Cable Connections
The array SAS ports are used to connect the base unit with additional disk enclosures to expand storage
capacity. When connecting a disk enclosure to the base unit, use an SAS wide-link cable to connect each DPIN port on the disk enclosure to the DP0 or DP1 port on the base unit. To connect more than one disk
enclosure, connect the DP-IN on the next disk enclosure to DP-OUT on a previously connected disk enclosure
as shown in Figure 7 below.
DP-IN
DP0
Base Unit
DP-OUT
DP-IN
Disk Enclosure
Disk Enclosure
Figure 7. SAS Cable Connections
The D3-10i can support up to 11 additional disk enclosures. For more information about connecting multiple
disk enclosures to an array, Disk Enclosure (DE) and Physical Disk (PD) numbering recommendations, and
other considerations, please refer to the documentation contained in the CD shipped with your base unit.
Array Connection Configurations
The D3-10i SAN Storage array can be used in a number of configurations, ranging from a Direct Attached
Storage (DAS) configuration to being part of a SAN configuration with the array attached to an Ethernet switch
or specialized iSCSI switch.
Additionally, the array can be used in a LUN masking, multipathing, or zoning configuration. While zoning is
configured on specialized iSCSI switches and not covered here*, LUN masking and multipathing are dependent
on software installed in the array and application server.
LUN Masking – This is the simplest method for configuring an array to connect with multiple
application servers through an Ethernet switch; it’s managed on the array through the use of Access
Control in the Storage Manager software on the management server. While it allows multiple
application servers to access array resources, it does not offer any fault tolerance unless used with
multipathing.
Multipathing – This configuration requires use of NEC’s PathManager software and some additional
configuration, but offers redundant connection paths, support for clustered servers, and other traffic
management features that aren’t available when using the array in a LUN Masking configuration by
itself. The installation and configuration of PathManager is covered in the Appendix of this guide.*
*Note: For more information about zoning configurations, please refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for
your specific model iSCSI or iSCSI/FC switch.
*Note: For information about how to configure multipathing using Microsoft’s iSCSI software initiator instead of
NEC’s PathManager, refer to the Microsoft documentation for the software initiator.
iSCSI Connections
As described in the previous section, there are a number of ways in which you can connect the array to an
application server or multiple application servers. Generally, though, there are some common basic guidelines
and suggestions that should be followed when connecting the array to an application server via iSCSI.
The array uses Cat5e or better Ethernet cables, purchased separately.
The array should be connected to application servers via a gigabit Ethernet connection.
There should not be any routers or firewalls between the array and application servers.
Ethernet
Management Port
Maintenance Port
iSCSI Port 0
iSCSI Port 1
Figure 8. Controller iSCSI Ports
As Figure 8 above shows, each array controller has two iSCSI Host Ports built in and can support a maximum
of four iSCSI ports utilizing two controller modules in an array. iSCSI ports are numbered from right to left
starting at port 0 on the right and port 1 on the left.
Management Connections
The following guidelines should be followed when connecting an array to the network.
The array must be connected to a management server where the Storage Manager software will be
installed to configure the array.
Use the management port on Controller 0 (the controller on the right when viewed from the back of the
unit) if only one Ethernet connection will be used for the array.
Each management port (one on controller 0 and one on controller 1) should have its own IP address
reserved on any DHCP servers. The IP address for each controller is configured manually on the array
during the initialization process outlined in the Array Initialization and Configuration section of this
guide.
The array, Management Server, and management client must be connected to the network before you
use the initialization wizard in Storage Manager to configure an array’s initial settings.
The Management ports on both controllers should be connected to a network switch to provide the
management server with a redundant connection to the array. However, the array can be managed by
connecting just one controller to the network or directly to the management server with a crossover
cable if necessary.
Figure 9. Array Controller Management Port
Power Button
Power Cable Connections
The base unit is shipped in “Auto Power On” mode, so the base unit will turn on when the power cables are
plugged into the unit and an outlet. Therefore, the following steps should be performed before connecting any
power cables to the array:
Ensure that all disk drives are properly seated.
Ensure that all Ethernet cables have been properly connected.
Ensure that any SAS cable connections to additional disk enclosures are properly connected.
Plug in the power cables for any additional disk enclosures attached to the base unit before connecting
the base unit power cables.
To plug an AC power cable into a base unit or disk enclosure:
1. Spread the AC cable clamp.
2. Connect the power cable to the unit.
3. Loosely lock the clamp around the power cord, but do not tighten.
4. Move the clamp in the direction indicated in Figure 10 below until the clamp is fixed securely to the
base of the AC cable plug as shown, and then tighten.
Figure 10. Using Power Cable Management Straps
Power-On/Power-Off Procedures
The array power buttons are located on each controller module at the back of the base unit, as shown in Figure
11 below.
Figure 11. Power Button Location on Array Controller
Power-On Procedure When Auto Power On Mode Is Not Enabled
If the array has been shut down using the power button or if Auto Power On mode is not enabled, the array can
be turned on by depressing the power button and holding it in for approximately one second. If there are two
controllers on the base unit, only one power button needs to be depressed to turn an array on or off.
When the array is first powered on, it will perform a self-test, which is indicated by a flashing Service LED. After
the array has successfully finished the self-test process, the Power LED should remain lit and the Service LED
should turn off. Application servers can be connected to the array after the self-test is completed.
*Note: If the Power LED does not remain lit or if the Service LED does not turn off after the self-test, a controller
fault may have occurred. For information about identifying and troubleshooting fault conditions, please refer to
the D3-10i Disk Array Unit User Guide available on the Storage Manager CD or contact NEC technical support.
Power-Off Procedure
To prevent any data loss or corruption, the following process should be followed when an array is to be shut
down.
1. Turn off or disconnect application servers using the prescribed shut-down process for that server’s
applications and operating system.
2. Turn off the array by depressing the power button located on the array controller at the rear of the base
unit.
3. Turn off the external BBU if used.
4. If the array needs to remain powered off for more than a few hours, partially eject both controllers from
the base unit at the same time and then reseat them, to prevent the internal battery backup from
draining.
STEP 3: Software Installation
The D3-10i SAN Storage array comes standard with Storage Manager software that is required to use basic
array features. To extend an array’s feature sets, additional software can be installed depending on which
features would be best suited for any given environment.
This guide covers the installation and configuration tasks that would be necessary to enable the common
functionality required in an average enterprise environment using Storage Manager software. For more
information about other software suites and the features they enable for the D-Series array, please refer to the
relevant documentation on the CD included with the base unit.
Management Server Installation
The Storage Manager setup CD contains installation software for systems performing the management server,
application server, and management client roles.
The Storage Manager software generates a large number of files and constantly updates files during normal
operation. Therefore, it is recommended that the installation path for the Storage Manager software be
excluded from any real-time virus scanning routine. Also, while a single management server can monitor
several arrays simultaneously, an array should not be managed by more than one management server.
Installing Storage Manager
The following steps take place on the system designated as the management server.
1. Log on to the management server using an account with administrator privileges.
2. Insert the Storage Manager CD.
3. Start the Storage Manager setup. If the Storage Manager setup does not start automatically after
inserting the CD, manually run <CD Drive>:\StorageManager\Install\Windows\ISMSETUP.EXE
4. At the Select Setup Method window, select
Setup the management server from the Quick
Install section, and then click Next.
*Note: Windows Server 2008 in UAC mode may
require an additional step before this step to
grant permission to run the setup.
5. At the License Agreement window, select
Accept, and then click Next.
6. At the Choose Destination Location window,
either leave the default installation path in place
or click Browse to select a new installation path,
and then click Next.
7. At this point, the Storage Manager installation
will attempt to install Java. Click Accept to begin
installing Java.
Note: Storage Manager requires the use of a
specific version of Java that comes with the
installation software. Ensure that Java is
installed during this step even if another version
of Java has already been installed on this server,
to avoid any compatibility issues.
8. After the Java installation process has
completed, click Finish to continue with the
Storage Manager installation process.
9. Allow the setup process to run until setup
prompts you to create a System Administrator
account and password. This account will have
full access to all configuration tasks and user
management roles within Storage Manager.
Select a User Name and Password, and then
click OK.
10. At this point, you can create more user accounts
and grant each account the appropriate access
rights to Storage Manager settings as follows:
Standard (L1) – Authorized for disk
monitoring, state display, and other readonly tasks.
Operator (L2) – Authorized for changing
optimization settings and starting snapshot
or replication tasks.
Administrator (L3) – Authorized for any
management tasks.
To add users, click Add, create the username and
password, select the access level, and then click
OK. After all users have been created, click Next to
continue.
11. At this point, the installation process has been
completed and a system restart will be required
before starting Storage Manager for the first
time. Either click Finish to close the Storage
Manager Setup and restart the server, or if you
do not want to restart the server at this time,
select Restart later, and then click Finish.
12. After the management server has restarted, the
Setup Complete window will appear. Clicking
Finish will launch a Web browser window that
will prompt for a login and then launch the
initialization wizard for the array.
Clicking Cancel will still finish the installation but
will not open a browser window and initialize the
array.
Application Server Installation
After installing software on the management server, the application servers need to be prepared to connect to
the array by installing an auto-discovery host agent on the application servers.
The auto-discovery host agent allows you to perform an auto-discovery of hosts during the array initialization
process when binding logical drives. This host agent can either be installed as part of iSM Volume List
Command or Control Command.
The iSM Volume List installation provides basic host server functionality and the Control Command installation
provides advanced features that are necessary when using the advanced software functions of the array.
The following steps outline the process to install the Control Command host agent and configure the application
servers to connect with the array through an iSCSI connection with a software iSCSI initiator. For information
about how to install iSM Volume List, please refer to the NEC Storage Manager Manuals section on the Storage
Manager CD.
Control Command Installation
This section describes the installation process for the Control Command software from the Storage Manager
installation CD.
1. Log on to the application server with an account that has administrative privileges.
2. Insert the Storage Manager setup CD and run ISMSETUP.EXE from the Autorun prompt or from the
<CD Drive>:\ControlCommand\Install\Windows\ directory.
3. From the ControlCommand Setup Welcome
window, click Next.
4. From the License Agreement window, select
Yes to continue.
5. Review the information for the ControlCommand
setup and click Next to continue.
6. From the Choose Destination Location window,
either leave the default installation path in place
or choose a new destination directory by clicking
Browse and then selecting the appropriate path.
When finished, click Next to continue.
7. At this point, choose a program folder for the
ControlCommand program icons, and then click
Next to continue.
8. Allow the installation process to continue,
and after the installation has finished, the
Installation Complete window will appear.
Click Finish to close the wizard and
complete the installation process.
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