D-PSC-MN-01: Dell PowerScale Maintenance Version 2

To meet SEC 17a-4(f) regulations, the platform engineer must reboot the node into SmartLock Compliance mode before creating the cluster.

Understanding SEC 17a-4(f) Requirements:

SEC 17a-4(f):

A regulation that requires electronic records to be stored in a non-rewriteable, non-erasable format (WORM - Write Once Read Many).

Compliance Necessity:

Financial institutions must comply to ensure data integrity and regulatory adherence.

Dell PowerScale SmartLock Compliance Mode:

SmartLock Compliance Mode:

Provides WORM storage capabilities that meet SEC 17a-4(f) requirements.

Once enabled, it cannot be disabled, ensuring data remains immutable.

Activation Process:

Nodes must be booted into Compliance mode before cluster creation.

Requires selecting the Compliance mode boot option during node initialization.

Required Action:

Reboot into SmartLock Compliance Mode:

Power on Node 1 and access the boot menu.

Select the option to boot into SmartLock Compliance mode.

Proceed with cluster creation in this mode.

Why Other Options Are Less Suitable:

Option A (Create a cluster):

Creating the cluster without first booting into Compliance mode would not meet SEC 17a-4(f) requirements.

Option C (Activate the Enterprise Security mode license):

Enterprise Security mode enhances security features but does not specifically enable WORM storage.

Option D (Call Dell Tech Support to configure the cluster manually):

While Dell Support can assist, the engineer must still reboot into Compliance mode as per procedure.

Important Considerations:

Irreversible Setting:

Once in Compliance mode, the cluster cannot revert to a standard mode.

Data Handling:

All data stored will be subject to WORM policies.

Planning:

Ensure that Compliance mode is necessary before proceeding, as it affects the entire cluster.

Dell PowerScale

Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS SmartLock Administration Guide:

Provides detailed instructions on enabling Compliance mode.

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS SmartLock Guide

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Security Configuration Guide:

Discusses regulatory compliance features.

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Security Guide

Knowledge Base Articles:

Article ID 000123008: 'Configuring SmartLock Compliance Mode for SEC 17a-4(f) Compliance'

Article ID 000123009: 'Steps to Enable Compliance Mode on PowerScale Clusters'

When Windows clients cannot connect to a newly created cluster using the fully qualified domain name (FQDN), but can connect using the IP address, it indicates a DNS resolution issue. Conducting a DNS connection test can help identify and resolve the problem.

Steps to test and troubleshoot DNS:

Verify DNS Configuration on the Cluster:

Ensure that the cluster's FQDN is correctly configured in the OneFS settings.

Check DNS Records:

Use the nslookup or dig command from a client machine to verify that the FQDN resolves to the correct IP address.

Example:

nslookup cluster.example.com

Inspect Client DNS Settings:

Confirm that the clients are using the correct DNS servers.

Update DNS Entries if Necessary:

If the FQDN does not resolve correctly, update the DNS zone files or entries on the DNS server.

Flush DNS Cache:

On the client machine, flush the DNS cache to remove outdated entries.

ipconfig /flushdns

Test Connectivity Again:

Attempt to reconnect using the FQDN to verify that the issue is resolved.

By identifying that DNS is the root cause, appropriate steps can be taken to correct the DNS entries, ensuring clients can connect to the cluster using the FQDN.

Dell PowerScale Networking Guide -- DNS Configuration and Best Practices

Dell PowerScale OneFS Administration Guide -- Managing Network and DNS Settings

Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues -- Dell Knowledge Base Article

The isi diagnostics gather command is used in Dell PowerScale (formerly known as Isilon) clusters to collect comprehensive diagnostic information, including system logs, configuration files, and other pertinent data from all nodes in the cluster. This gathered information is essential for troubleshooting and is often requested by Dell Support to diagnose and resolve issues.

Purpose of isi diagnostics gather:

The command aggregates logs and diagnostic information across the entire cluster.

It collects data such as event logs, configuration settings, and performance metrics.

Use Cases:

Troubleshooting: When experiencing issues with the cluster, this command helps in collecting necessary data for analysis.

Support Assistance: Dell Support may request the output from this command to assist in diagnosing cluster problems.

Process:

When executed, the command generates a single compressed file containing all the collected information.

The file can be securely sent to Dell Support for further analysis.

Dell PowerScale

Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS CLI Administration Guide: This guide provides detailed information on command-line utilities, including isi diagnostics gather.

Dell EMC Knowledge Base Articles: Articles related to troubleshooting often reference the use of isi diagnostics gather to collect logs.

When reimaging a Dell PowerScale node, an important consideration is to perform the reimage on a node that is not a member of a cluster. Reimaging a node that is part of a cluster can lead to data loss and cluster instability. Therefore, the recommended practice is to remove the node from the cluster before initiating the reimage process.

1. Understanding Reimaging:

Reimaging Process:

Reimaging involves reinstalling the OneFS operating system on a node.

It effectively returns the node to a factory-default state.

All data and configurations on the node are erased during the process.

Purpose of Reimaging:

Used to address software corruption, persistent errors, or to prepare a node for redeployment.

2. Importance of Performing Reimage on a Non-Clustered Node:

Data Protection:

Reimaging a node within a cluster can disrupt data protection schemes.

The node's data may not be fully replicated elsewhere, risking data loss.

Cluster Integrity:

Removing the node ensures that the cluster remains stable and avoids potential conflicts.

The cluster's metadata and configuration remain consistent.

Recommended Procedure:

Step 1: Remove the node from the cluster using the appropriate OneFS commands or the WebUI.

Step 2: Confirm that the cluster recognizes the node removal and data has been reprotected.

Step 3: Proceed with reimaging the node.

3. Why Other Options Are Less Suitable:

Option B: Reimaging does not erase the data and is faster.

Incorrect; reimaging erases all data and configurations on the node.

It is not necessarily faster and involves careful steps to ensure data integrity.

Option C: Perform on a node that is a member of a cluster.

Not recommended due to risks of data loss and cluster instability.

Best practices dictate removing the node first.

Option D: Use the rolling reimage update to retain the current OneFS version.

There is no 'rolling reimage update' process.

Rolling upgrades are for updating OneFS versions, not reimaging nodes.

4. Dell PowerScale Best Practices:

Node Removal Before Reimaging:

Always remove the node from the cluster before reimaging.

Ensure the cluster is healthy and data is fully protected.

Backup Critical Data:

Verify that critical data is backed up or replicated.

5. Dell PowerScale

Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Administration Guide:

Provides instructions on managing nodes and reimaging procedures.

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Administration Guide

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS CLI Administration Guide:

Details commands for removing nodes and reimaging.

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS CLI Guide

Knowledge Base Articles:

Article ID 000180125: 'Best Practices for Reimaging PowerScale Nodes'

Article ID 000180126: 'Procedures for Safely Reimaging a Node'

The platform engineer should inform the customer that hybrid node SSDs in identical sled locations can be used for either cache or primary storage.

Understanding Dell PowerScale H600 Nodes:

Hybrid Nodes:

H600 nodes are hybrid, combining HDDs for capacity and SSDs for performance.

Drive Sleds:

Nodes have sleds (drive bays) where drives are installed.

SSDs and HDDs are populated in specific sled locations.

Using SSDs for Cache or Primary Storage:

Flexibility:

SSDs in hybrid nodes can serve as either L3 cache or as a tier for primary storage.

Identical Sled Locations:

For consistency and performance optimization, SSDs should be installed in identical sled positions across all nodes in the pool.

Configuration:

Administrators can configure the usage of SSDs through SmartPools and data storage policies.

Benefits of Using SSDs for Primary Storage:

Performance Improvement:

Storing hot or frequently accessed data on SSDs enhances read/write speeds.

Data Tiering:

OneFS can automatically move data between SSDs and HDDs based on access patterns.

Why Other Options Are Less Suitable:

Option A (Cache expansion requires a Dell Professional Services engagement):

While professional services can assist, customers can add SSDs and configure caching without mandatory professional services.

Option C (Only F series nodes can use SSDs for primary storage):

Incorrect; hybrid nodes can also use SSDs for primary storage via SmartPools.

Option D (Each sled must have an equal number of SSDs):

Not strictly required; however, best practices recommend balanced configurations for performance consistency.

Best Practices:

Balanced Configuration:

Install SSDs uniformly across nodes to maintain consistent performance.

Consult Documentation:

Review hardware guides and configuration manuals for specific instructions.

Dell PowerScale

Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS SmartPools Administration Guide:

Details on configuring SSDs for primary storage and caching.

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS SmartPools Guide

Dell EMC PowerScale H600 Hardware Guide:

Provides information on drive sled configurations and SSD usage.

Dell EMC PowerScale H600 Hardware Guide

Knowledge Base Articles:

Article ID 000123010: 'Using SSDs in Hybrid Nodes for Primary Storage'

Article ID 000123011: 'Configuring SSDs in Dell PowerScale Hybrid Nodes'

By default, the Power Supply Hot Spare feature may cause one power supply to run while the other is idle.

Steps to Ensure Equal Power Supply Loading:

Access iDRAC Interface:

Log into the iDRAC for each F200 node.

Disable Hot Spare Feature:

Navigate to Power Management settings.

Disable the Power Supply Hot Spare option.

Result:

Both power supplies will share the load equally.

Dell PowerScale

Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale F200 Hardware Guide:

Power Supply Configuration:

Instructions on adjusting power supply settings via iDRAC.

Best Practices:

Ensure redundancy by connecting power supplies to separate PDUs.

Monitor power usage to confirm balanced loading.

When an engineer wants to create a 4-node cluster after rack and stack, they must use the iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller) port to start the installation.

Understanding iDRAC:

Remote Management:

iDRAC provides out-of-band management capabilities, allowing administrators to manage and monitor nodes remotely.

Virtual Console Access:

Offers a virtual console for accessing the node's BIOS and performing installations.

Initial Cluster Setup with iDRAC:

Accessing the Node:

Connect to each node's iDRAC interface using its IP address.

Starting the Installation:

Use the iDRAC virtual console to interact with the node as if you were physically present.

Benefits:

No need for physical access to the COM port or direct console connections.

Allows for remote configuration and reduces the time required for setup.

Why iDRAC is Used Over Other Ports:

COM Port:

The COM (serial) port can be used for initial setup, but it requires physical access and serial cables.

Less convenient compared to iDRAC's remote capabilities.

FE (Front-End) and BE (Back-End) Ports:

FE and BE ports are used for data network connections, not for initial setup or management.

The initial configuration cannot be performed through these ports.

Procedure for Using iDRAC:

Step 1: Connect to iDRAC

Ensure that iDRAC network interfaces are connected and configured with IP addresses.

Access iDRAC via a web browser using the IP address.

Step 2: Launch Virtual Console

Log in to the iDRAC interface.

Launch the virtual console to access the node's system interface.

Step 3: Perform Initial Configuration

Use the virtual console to run the OneFS installation wizard.

Configure cluster settings, networking, and other parameters.

Dell PowerScale Best Practices:

Using iDRAC for Installation:

Recommended for its convenience and efficiency.

Allows for consistent setup procedures across multiple nodes.

Network Preparation:

Ensure iDRAC interfaces are properly connected to the management network.

Verify network settings to allow access from the engineer's workstation.

Dell PowerScale

Reference:

Dell EMC PowerScale OneFS Installation Guide:

Provides detailed steps on installing OneFS using iDRAC.

Dell EMC PowerScale Networking Guide:

Discusses management network configurations, including iDRAC setup.

Dell EMC iDRAC User's Guide:

Offers comprehensive information on using iDRAC features.

Knowledge Base Articles:

Article ID 000125678: 'Initial Cluster Configuration Using iDRAC'

Article ID 000125679: 'Best Practices for Remote Installation on PowerScale Nodes'