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Introduction

Dell™ PowerVault™ 715N NAS Appliance System Administrator's Guide

  Boot Process

  System Configuration

  Administrator User Name and Password

  Basic Configuration

  Warranty and Return Policy Information

  Other Documents You Might Need

This section provides an overview of the Dell™ PowerVault™ 715N network attached storage (NAS) appliance features, as well as the information necessary to perform the initial configuration of the system.

This system is a "headless" system that is managed through the network; it operates without a keyboard, monitor, or mouse. This system is managed and monitored via a Web-based user interface, the NAS Manager, that runs on another system on the same network. For certain configuration tasks and for troubleshooting, you can also manage this system from another system connected through the serial port using a HyperTerminal session.

Boot Process

The NAS appliance, which is a rack-mounted system, has four integrated drive electronics (IDE) hard drives that are in a redundant array of independent disks (RAID) configuration. Each drive contains both a copy of the operating system and one or more data partitions (see Table 1-1). The working copies of the Microsoft® Windows® Powered operating system and boot sectors are installed on two hard drives in partitions that are RAID 1 (mirrored) partitions. Additional copies of the operating system are placed on the other two drives in RAID 1 partitions. Data can be stored on all four drives in partitions that are configured as RAID 5.

Table 1-1. Hard Drive Partitions

Volume	Disks and RAID Layout	Description
C:	0 and 1: RAID 1	Primary operating system volume (3 GB)
D:	2 and 3: RAID 1	Recovery operating system volume (3 GB)
E:	0, 1, 2, and 3: RAID 5	Data volume (remaining space on all hard drives)

The boot sequence is as follows:

• Operating system hard drive 0
  
  
• Operating system hard drive 1
  
  
• Operating system hard drive 2/3
  
  

System Configuration

You can perform most configuration tasks through the NAS Manager, which is a Web-browser interface to the NAS appliance. The NAS Manager menus consist of common management tasks grouped under tabs on a menu bar. Each tab on the main menu bar has an associated secondary menu bar associated with it. The secondary menu bar lists the tasks you can perform from that page. The NAS Manager allows you to perform routine administrative tasks such as shutdown, restart, new share creation, and set user configuration. The NAS Manager home page displays a status indicator and provides a link to the Messages page, which contains details about logged events.

You can access the Terminal Services Advanced Client from the NAS Manager to perform tasks not available directly through the NAS Manager. See "Advanced Features" for more information.

Administrator User Name and Password

To log on to the NAS Manager, you must enter the administrator user name and password. The default administrator user name is administrator and the default password is powervault. To change the user name and password, click Set Administrator Password in the Welcome window.

Basic Configuration

This section includes information to enable you to get your system up and running. You must set the basic configuration from another system that has a keyboard, monitor, and mouse. After you set the basic configuration, you can use the NAS Manager to set passwords, local users, shares, and so on.

NOTICE: If you do not use the Dell OpenManage™ Kick-Start utility to configure your system, you must disable the Kick-Start utility immediately. If the Kick-Start utility is enabled, the system logs in automatically as administrator, which creates a security risk. The Kick-Start utility also takes up system resources by constantly checking for configuration information. For more information, see "Disabling the Kick-Start Utility."

You can configure your system in several ways, depending on whether you use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP):

• If DHCP is installed on your network, your system automatically configures the network settings.
  
  
• If DHCP is not installed on your network, you can configure your system using a serial connection or the Dell OpenManage Kick-Start utility.
  
  

Configuring Your System With DHCP

NOTICE: If you do not use the Kick-Start utility to configure your system, you must disable the Kick-Start utility immediately. If the Kick-Start utility is enabled, the system logs in automatically as administrator, which creates a security risk. The Kick-Start utility also takes up system resources by constantly checking for configuration information. For more information, see "Disabling the Kick-Start Utility."

When the system is turned on for the first time, it invokes the DHCP client to get parameters (the Internet protocol (IP) address, gateway subnet mask, and domain naming system (DNS) server address) from a DHCP system. The default system name ("Dellxxxxxxx," where xxxxxxx is the system's service tag number) is entered as the DNS server name. Connect to the system using Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or later (or for Red Hat Linux only, using Netscape Navigator 6.1 or later) by entering the system name in the Web browser.

NOTE: Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 may be used only with Windows NT® 4.0 with Service Pack 4 or later.

If DHCP fails, you must set the IP address, gateway subnet mask, and DNS server using either a serial connection or the Kick-Start utility with DHCP on a remote system.

You can configure the system using the NAS Manager. The NAS Manager is served on port 1279 and is accessed by the URL, https://<systemname | system_ipaddress>:1279, where systemname is the DELL<service_tag>. Port 1279 uses secured socket layers (SSL) to encrypt data going to and coming from the NAS appliance to provide data security.

NOTICE: Although port 1278 can be used, it uses plain text authentication, which can be a significant security risk. Therefore, using port 1278 is not recommended.

In a system without a DNS server, you can use Internet Explorer (or for Linux only, use Netscape 6.1 or later) to search for the default hostname of the system ("Dellxxxxxxx," where xxxxxxx is the system's service tag number).

NOTE: The NAS Manager default administrator user name is administrator and the default password is powervault.

Configuring Your System Using a Serial Connection

NOTICE: If you do not use the Kick-Start utility to configure your system, you must disable the Kick-Start utility immediately. If the Kick-Start utility is enabled, the system logs in automatically as administrator, which creates a security risk. The Kick-Start utility also takes up system resources by constantly checking for configuration information. For more information, see "Disabling the Kick-Start Utility."

NOTE: You must be logged in as administrator to perform these steps.

On a system running Windows 2000, perform the following steps to connect to the NAS Manager through the administration port:

1. Connect the serial cable included with your system from the client system you are using for configuration to the administration port (serial port 1) on your NAS appliance.
   
   
2. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
   
   
3. In the Control Panel, click Phone and Modem Options.
   
   
4. On the Modems tab, click Add for the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard.
   
   
5. Click the Don't detect my modem; I will select it from a list checkbox, and then click Next.
   
   
6. In the Manufacturers menu, click (Standard Modem Types).
   
   
7. In the Models menu, click Communications cable between two computers, and then click Next.
   
   
8. Click the Selected ports radio button, select the appropriate communication port from the list, and then click Next.
   
   
9. Click Finish to close the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard, and then click OK to close the Phone and Modem Options dialog box.
   
   
10. On the desktop, right-click My Network Places, and then click Properties.
    
    
11. In the Properties window, double-click Make New Connection.
    
    

The Network Connection Wizard displays.

12. Click Next.
    
    
13. Select the radio button for Connect Directly To Another Computer, and then click Next.
    
    
14. Select the radio button for Guest, and then click Next.
    
    
15. In the menu, select the COM port that you are using, and then click Next.
    
    
16. Click Only for myself, and then click Next.
    
    
17. Enter the name of the connection, and then click Finish.
    
    

After you configure your direct serial connection, the Connect <name of connection> window displays.

18. Click Properties.
    
    
19. On the General tab, under Select a Device, select Communication cable between two computers.
    
    
20. Click Configure.
    
    

This selection opens the Modem Configuration window.

21. In the Maximum Speed (bps) menu, click 115200.
    
    
22. Set Flow Control to Xon/Xoff.
    
    
23. Click OK to close the Modem Configuration window.
    
    
24. Click OK to close the Connect window.
    
    

The Connect box prompts you for a user name and password.

25. Enter the User Name and Password that you assigned to your system.
    
    

NOTE: The default User Name is administrator and the default password is powervault.

26. Click Connect.
    
    

This action connects the system you are using for configuration.

27. Start the Web browser on the system you are using to configure the NAS appliance.
    
    
28. Type the name of the system.
    
    
29. Enter the User Name and Password that you have assigned when prompted, and then click OK.
    
    

NOTE: The default User Name is administrator and the default password is powervault.

30. When the main screen appears, click Administer this server appliance, and then click OK to accept the security certificate.
    
    
31. Enter the User Name and Password that you assigned to your system when prompted, and then click OK.
    
    

NOTE: The default User Name is administrator and the default password is powervault.

The PowerVault NAS Manager displays.

Configuring Your System Using the Kick-Start Utility

The Kick-Start utility is software shipped with your system. This utility is used to define the initial network configuration of a system, which makes the system available on the network for complete configuration using the NAS Manager. This utility is intended for customers who have one or more systems to configure but do not want to use the default DHCP assigned address and system name.

A NAS appliance requires configuration information before it can function.

You can supply configuration information by using the Remote Kick-Start utility (a browser-based Java applet) to save the configuration information and send it to one or more systems across an IP network from another system on the same IP subnet.

NOTE: The system you use to create configuration files must be running Windows 2000 and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01.

NOTE: The Remote Kick-Start utility provides an integrated DHCP service that can supply a temporary IP address to discovered NAS appliances that you add to your network before configuring them. If your network already provides DHCP services, the Remote Kick-Start utility detects this and does not turn on the integrated DHCP service.

NOTE: Ignore all references to using a diskette on the NAS appliance in the Kick-Start utility help files. Also, do not use the Write Diskette button in the Remote Kick-Start utility. Using a diskette on the PowerVault 715N NAS appliance is not supported.

Configuring NAS Appliances Remotely

You can remotely configure one or more NAS appliances, which provides information to the NAS appliance from another system on the same network IP subnet.

Table 1-2. Kick-Start Utility Configuration Overview

Step 1 Use this guide and the Resource CD included with your system.	Step 2 Record the following information:
	NIC 0: IP Address NIC 0: Subnet Mask NIC 0: Gateway NIC 1: IP Address NIC 1: Subnet Mask NIC 1: Gateway Host Name DNS Server Administrator/Root Password Additional User/Password (if any)	_ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ . _ _ _ _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ ______________________
Step 3 Perform the following remote IP network configuration procedure:
Ensure that the appliance is connected to an IP network by going to a workstation on your network, inserting the Resource CD, and running the Remote Kick-Start utility. Enter information collected in step 2, and save the configuration. Select a NAS appliance, select the configuration, and click Apply. Start the NAS Manager in a browser from a remote workstation using https://myappliance:1279, where myappliance is your system name.

Starting the Remote Kick-Start Utility

The first step in configuring one or more NAS appliances remotely is to start the Remote Kick-Start utility on another system. On a system running Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or higher, perform the following steps:

1. If the remote system does not have the Kick-Start utility installed, insert the Resource CD into the CD drive on that system. Otherwise, double-click the Kick-Start utility icon on the desktop.
   
   

The Resource CD main menu appears automatically. If it does not appear, double-click My Computer on the desktop, right-click the CD drive, and then click Autoplay.

2. On the main menu, click Dell OpenManage Kick-Start or click the Kick-Start tab.
   
   
3. Click Dell OpenManage Kick-Start 2.1.
   
   

A confirmation message asks whether you want to grant permission for a Java applet from Dell to access your system.

4. Click Yes to grant permission and complete the remaining configuration tasks.
   
   

The Kick-Start window appears where you can create, view, and save configurations by name. You can then apply them to selected NAS appliances that have been discovered on the network or save the configurations on your local hard drive. The following procedures explain how to perform these tasks.

NOTE: The Remote Kick-Start utility provides an integrated DHCP service that can supply a temporary IP address to discovered NAS appliances that you add to your network before configuring them. If your network already provides DHCP services, the Remote Kick-Start utility detects this and does not turn on the integrated DHCP service.

Creating Configurations

After you start the Kick-Start utility, you are ready to prepare the configuration information that you will apply to one or more NAS appliances. You apply this data using an IP network.

You can save configurations by name and assign them an order within a named set, such as config001, config002, and so on. Also, you can view or edit configurations.

To prepare configuration information, perform the following steps:

1. Double-click Defined Configurations.
   
   
2. Click PowerVault NAS Appliance.
   
   
3. Click New in the Remote Kick-Start window.
   
   

The Configurations List changes to display the Configuration Form.

4. Select or type the following configuration information:
   
   
   • Configuration Name — Each configuration file you create must have a name. Using the + (plus) and – (minus) buttons beside the name, you can change the three-digit number that is appended to this name. This number allows you to create and save an ordered set of configuration files. An ordered set of configuration files can be used to apply configurations in sequence to a group of NAS appliances.
     
     
   • Time Zone — You can change the time zone by selecting an entry from this list. This is a required field.
     
     
   • Language — You can change the default system language and locale by selecting a language in the drop-down list. This field is required.
     
     

NOTE: This change does not install the Multilanguage User Interface (MUI). To install the MUI or other languages besides those that are listed in the Kick-Start menu, use the Multilingual Support CD.

• Ethernet Port 0 — This port is the built-in Ethernet port on your system closest to the outside edge of the system. You can optionally enter the IP address information for this port. Enter the IP address, subnet mask, and the default gateway IP address. The Kick-Start utility ensures that you have entered all portions of an IP address and checks for a valid IP subnet mask. (Optional field — if you do not complete this field, the system uses DHCP to obtain an IP address.)
  
  
• Ethernet Port 1 — This port is the built-in Ethernet port on your system closest to the middle of the system. You can optionally enter the IP address information for this port. Enter the IP address and subnet mask. The gateway IP address is optional. The Kick-Start utility ensures that you have entered all portions of an IP address and checks for a valid IP subnet mask. (Optional field — if you do not fill in this field, the system uses DHCP to obtain an IP address.)
  
  

NOTE: The Kick-Start utility Ethernet 0 matches Windows Local Area Connection, and Ethernet 1 matches Local Area Connection 2.

• DNS IP Addresses — You can optionally enter one or two DNS IP addresses. The Kick-Start utility ensures that you have entered all portions of an IP address.
  
  
• Host/Machine Name and Domain — The host/machine name is required. It is composed of a base host name and a DNS Domain name. Domain indicates a DNS domain (for example, dell.com) and does not indicate a Windows domain. The domain name is optional.
  
  
• Administrator Password — This field is required. You must enter the administrator password twice, and it must be at least six characters long. For security purposes, the password does not appear on the screen, but each character of the password displays as an asterisk (*) placeholder.
  
  
• User Name and Password — You can optionally enter a user login name and password (enter the password twice). For security purposes, the password cannot be seen on the screen, but each character of the password displays as an asterisk (*). Passwords of less than six characters are not accepted.
  
  

5. Click Save when you finish.
   
   
6. Repeat this process to create and save another configuration if you want to configure more than one NAS appliance. Click the + or – buttons to increment or decrement the series number at the right of the configuration name to create an ordered set that use the same name.
   
   

You are ready to apply the configuration to the NAS appliance using an IP network connection.

Configuring NAS Appliances Over an IP Network

If you are configuring multiple NAS appliances on the same IP subnet as the system you use to run the Remote Kick-Start utility, this is probably the fastest configuration method. After starting the Remote Kick-Start utility and creating configurations, perform the following steps.

NOTE: If you are configuring the NAS appliance after performing the reinstallation procedure, you must wait for the RAID 5 regeneration process to complete before the NAS appliance is displayed in the Discovered Dell Systems List. You can determine the current status of the NAS appliance through the NAS Manager using the Disks—> Volume option. This process can take several hours, depending on your system's configuration.

1. Select the NAS appliance you want to configure from the Discovered Dell Systems List. If it does not appear, scroll down and click the Integrated DHCP Server check box, and then wait a few seconds for the system to be assigned a temporary IP address and discovered by the Remote Kick-Start utility.
   
   

NOTE: You must configure the DHCP scope before using the embedded DHCP server. See "Using the Integrated DHCP Server" in the Kick-Start utility online help for more information about configuring the DHCP scope.

2. Select an existing configuration file from the list.
   
   
3. Click a NAS appliance in the Discovered Dell Systems List, and then click Apply.
   
   

If the configuration was successful, the status of the NAS appliance in the Remote Kick-Start window changes to a check mark icon.

NOTE: If more than one Remote Kick-Start utility runs on your network, you can reserve the right to configure a system by locking it first. To do this, select the system in the Discovered List, and then click Lock.

Disabling the Kick-Start Utility

If you do not use the Kick-start utility to configure your system, you must disable it immediately. If the Kick-Start utility is enabled, the system logs in automatically as administrator, which creates a security risk. The Kick-Start utility also takes up system resources by constantly checking for configuration information.

To disable the Kick-Start utility, perform the following steps:

1. From the NAS Manager primary menu, click Maintenance.
   
   
2. Click Terminal Services.
   
   
3. Log on to the system as an administrator.
   
   
4. Click the X on the top, right-hand corner of the Kick-Start window.
   
   

A Warning window displays that asks whether you want the Dell OpenManage Kick-Start configuration tool to run automatically each time the system starts.

5. Click No. If you click Yes, the Kick-Start utility closes; however, it runs again the next time the system reboots.
   
   

Warranty and Return Policy Information

Dell Computer Corporation ("Dell") manufactures its hardware products from parts and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry-standard practices. For information about the Dell warranty for your system, see your System Information document.

Other Documents You Might Need

In addition to this System Administrator's Guide, the following documentation is included with your system:

• The NAS appliance User's Guide, which describes system features, technical specifications, and device drivers.
  
  
• The NAS appliance Installation and Troubleshooting Guide, which provides instructions for installing system hardware and includes troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures for testing your system.
  
  
• Supporting system documentation on the NAS appliance Resource CD, which includes information about all the option cards and software installed.
  
  
• Your System Information document, which provides basic information about your system, including safety, regulatory, and warranty information.
  
  

You might also have one or more of the following documents:

• Documentation that is included with options you purchase separately from the system. This documentation includes information that you need to configure and install these options in your system.
  
  
• Technical information files—sometimes called "readme" or "release notes" files—that might be installed on the CDs that came with your system to provide last-minute updates about technical changes to the system or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or technicians.
  
  
• Information updates that are sometimes included with the system to describe changes to the system or software documentation. Always read the updates before consulting any other documentation. The updates often contain information that supersedes the information in the other documents.
  
  

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