Dell 4200 manual Setting Up the Cluster Hardware, Cabling the Cluster Hardware

RJ45 Ethernet connector

node-to-node

interconnected NIC

second cluster-specific RAID

controller (not shown)

standard RAID controller

(optional)

cluster-specific RAID

controller (required)

RAID channel 0

RAID channel 1

LAN-connected NIC

Figure 1-2. Back View of a PowerEdge 4200 Cluster Node

Setting Up the Cluster Hardware

The PowerEdge Cluster can be set up in either a free- standing configuration or installed in a Dell Rack-Mountable Solutions enclosure. Information on Dell-supported rack configurations for the cluster is pro- vided in Appendix B, “Stand-Alone and Rack Configurations,” in this guide. Also included in Appen- dix B are instructions for installing the network switch in a rack. For instructions on installing all other PowerEdge Cluster components (including the Apex Outlook Con- centrator switch) in a Dell rack, refer to the Dell PowerEdge Rack-Mountable Solutions Installation Guide.

Cabling the Cluster Hardware

After the PowerEdge Cluster hardware is set up, the sys- tem must be properly cabled for clustering. Chapter 2, “Cabling the Cluster Hardware,” provides instructions for cabling the cluster components.

Updating System BIOS/Firmware for Clustering

NOTE: BIOS upgrades should be performed only when instructed by a Dell support technician.

If you are upgrading existing hardware to a PowerEdge Cluster, the BIOS firmware for the PowerEdge system(s) and SDS 100 storage system(s) must be updated to sup- port clustering. Appendix A, “Upgrading to a Cluster Configuration,” provides instructions on performing all necessary firmware updates.

Getting Started 1-5