Dell version 3.0 manual Using the Array Builder, How Array Builder works, Controllers

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Using the Array Builder

Using Array Builder, you can define arrays/disk sets with all available RAID settings, logical drives/virtual disks of varying sizes or use all available space, and assign hot spares to individual arrays or assign global hot spares to the controller.

How Array Builder works

When you run the task sequence on a target server, the array configuration utility detects the existing controller(s) on the server as well as the disks attached to each controller. The custom action then tries to match the physical configuration(s) the utility detected to the logical configurations you selected in the Array Builder- <xml file name>.xml Controller Configuration window. The available options are:

Select the embedded controller (on the motherboard)

Select the controller located in slot

Select any controller with <number of disks> disks attached

Select all remaining controllers in the system regardless of configuration

These array configuration rules are defined using a graphical, logical layout that allows you to visualize how your array controllers are configured. Rules are processed in the order displayed in the Array Builder tree, so you know exactly which rules have priority.

You can also apply configuration rules based on task sequence variables detected on the server. This allows you to define different configurations to different servers even if the detected hardware is identical.

Controllers

Controller elements contain variable condition elements. Controllers are one of several configuration types:

The embedded controller

A controller in slot "X"

Any controller with "X" disks

Any controller with "X" disks or more

All remaining controllers

When launching Array Builder from a <Create configuration file> selection in the deployment action, a default embedded controller is created.

When a controller is created, a default variable condition, array, and disk(s) are created to ensure a valid configuration. You can leave the controller unconfigured - with disks set to non-RAID, or you can add arrays or do other actions.

NOTE: If the disk(s) is set to non-RAID, the existing RAIDs are cleared when the variable condition is not met.

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Contents Page Page Contents Troubleshooting Command line options Other Dell documents you might needDell Server Deployment Pack features overview Whats new in this releaseSP1 Before using Configuration Manager Page Importing a Dell Driver Cab files Upgrading a Dell Driver Cab filesWAIK/ADK Creating a boot image for deploying Dell PowerEdge servers Enabling command prompt for debugging boot images Importing Dlci Dell Server Driver PackagesCreating a task sequence Distributing content and updating distribution pointsConfiguring the hardware components of your server Creating a Dell specific task sequenceCreating a custom task sequence Editing a task sequenceDeploying a task sequence on static IP networks Configuring task sequence actionsAdding diskpart clean to task sequence Preparing the .CSV fileCreating the bootable media for OS deployment Configuring system BiosUsing the bootable media for OS deployment Configuring file or command line parameter options OptionsConfiguring system Bios using XML input Import configuration fileConfiguring iDRAC 7 and iDRAC 8 using XML input Retrieving boot device IDs Configuring Set Boot OrderConfiguring RAID by using RAID Config wizard Import configuration file Create configuration fileSample.xml How Array Builder works Using the Array BuilderControllers Editing a controller Adding a controllerDeleting a controller Adding a new variable condition Variable conditionsArrays Editing a variable conditionLogical drives also known as virtual disks Adding a new disk Disks also known as array disksDeleting a logical drive Changing a diskImporting XML Creating task sequences for RAID, DRAC, and iDRACExporting to XML Saving to packageConfiguration file Variable Replacement Configuring Variable Replacement tab optionsApplying the operating system image Retrieving log files or capturing configuration filesAdding Dell driver packages Page Troubleshooting Upgrade ScenarioName, type Set Site Server Address Command line options String Other Dell documents you might need Contacting DellAccessing documents from Dell support site