IBM System Storage N3700 A20 Setup Guide User Manual
Summary
This technical manual provides a comprehensive guide to deploying and configuring highly available, clustered storage systems using the IBM System Storage N3700. It details everything from initial hardware installation and LAN cabling to advanced cluster node setup and critical disk ownership procedures. This resource is essential for system administrators and technical practitioners responsible for implementing resilient, high-capacity data storage environments.
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Redpaper
Alex Osuna Dirk Peitzmann
IBM System Storage N3700 A20 Setup
In this IBM Redpaper, we discuss how to set up clustered systems, using IBM® System Storage™ N3700 Model 2863-A20 as an example. This paper covers: Hardware setup, such as cabling and connecting to local area networks (LANs) and expansion shelves such as the System Storage EXN2000 expansion unit Initial setup of the cluster nodes and cluster configuration Disk ownership in a clustered environment
We start our planning and installation procedure after unpacking and mounting the systems in the 19” rack.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2007. All rights reserved. ibm.com/redbooks
Page Summary Contents For IBM System Storage N3700 A20 Setup Guide User Manual
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Redpaper Alex Osuna Dirk Peitzmann IBM System Storage N3700 A20 Setup In this IBM Redpaper, we discuss how to set up clustered systems, using IBM® System Storage™ N3700 Model 2863-A20 as an example. T...
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Planning the implementation Regardless of whether or not you are installing a single-node or clustered systems environment, planning and preparation are of particular importance. Planning and preparat...
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The following table (Table 1) shows a sample disk ownership. Table 1 Disk ownership sample Bay number Disk shelf 1 Node A Node B Disk shelf 2 Node A Node B Disk shelf 3 Node A Node B X marks the node ...
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Check disk assignment after setup using the CLI command storage show disk, or the Web interface Filer View → Storage → Manage. Figure 2 illustrates disks in a sample clustered environment. Figure 2 Fi...
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Attention: The N3700 and EXN2000 use sensitive electronic components. To avoid damage to them, wear an antistatic wrist strap and grounding leash for the installation. Tools and equipment The N3700 Mo...
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Components The N3700 Model A20 filer ships with two power supplies (PSU1 and PSU2), which are located on the back panel on the rightmost and leftmost sides of the N3700 appliance. Each power supply ha...
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The shelf ID switch and appliance and disk shelf loop switch are between the CPU modules. The illustration in Figure 4 shows the CPU module ports. Next, we describe installing the N3700 cluster. Figur...
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3. Set the 1Gb/2Gb switch to the 1Gb position (Figure 6). 1Gb/2Gb Switch Figure 6 Setting the 1Gb/2Gb switch 4. Connect the Ethernet cable to the (green) Ethernet port in the middle of the controller ...
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6. If no third-party device will be attached to the fibre channel ports (orange ports), insert the fibre channel terminator or loopback terminator into the fibre channel ports (orange ports) at the CP...
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8. If you are connecting one or more EXN2000 disk shelves, set the terminate switch on the CPU modules (Node B and Node A) to OFF (Figure 9). Figure 9 EXN2000 attached 9. Proceed if you are connecting...
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Figure 10 Connecting EXN2000 shelves e. Set the EXN2000 shelf ID to 2 and set the disk shelf loop speed to 1 Gb. f. If you attach only one EXN2000, plug in the power cord to the left and right power s...
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h. Attach the grounding cable (EXN2000 #1 and #2). See Figure 11. Base Unit (ID1) Figure 11 Connecting additional EXN2000 shelves i. Set the EXN2000 shelf ID (second EXN2000) to 3 and set the disk she...
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Initial configuration Next, we describe the initial configuration after booting the System Storage N series filer for the first time. After turning on your system for the first time, run diagnostics t...
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Flow control: None Web browser If DHCP is enabled, you can use a Telnet client for the setup. To keep the installation simple, we skip this and continue with the console setup. Turn on the N3700 Turn ...
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Figure 12 Initial setup: Host and network definitions IBM System Storage N3700 A20 Setup 15
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Figure 13 Initial setup: WINS, CIFS, and user authentication settings Figure 14 Initial setup: Joining a Workgroup 16 IBM System Storage N3700 A20 Setup
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2. After completing the initial setup procedure, we log on to the appliance: login: root password: <password_you_selected_during_setup> 3. Now we can start with disk management. First, we check ...
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6. Verify the license settings and add missing or additional licenses. All licenses you bought with the hardware should already be installed on the filer. Use the following commands to show license in...
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Note: The counterpart of the node where you issued the cf takeover command shuts down. To re-enable the node, issue the cf giveback command. 11.Check the status of the appliance cluster again (Figure ...
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You can use the Setup Wizard for additional configuration tasks. The following step-by-step procedure describes this approach: 1. First, log on to the filer using the host name or IP address, as shown...
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Figure 22 shows the System Storage N series Web interface. Figure 22 System Storage N series Web interface IBM System Storage N3700 A20 Setup 21
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2. Select Wizards (bottom left of Filer View) and then Setup Wizard (Figure 23). Figure 23 Starting the Setup Wizard 22 IBM System Storage N3700 A20 Setup
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3. The following figure contains settings from the initial setup. Verify these settings and make changes when needed (Figure 24). Tip: You can use the shortcut: http://vour_filername/api Figure 24 Set...
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4. Provide an Email Address, Location of the filer (data center, branch office, and so on), and the Administrative Host name (Figure 25). Figure 25 Setup Wizard: Email Address, Location, and Administr...
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5. The Filer Setup Wizard - Network Services window enables DNS and NIS services and gateway settings (Figure 26). Figure 26 Setup Wizard: DNS, NIS, Gateway settings IBM System Storage N3700 A20 Setup...
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6. The Filer Setup Wizard - Network Addresses window provides information about the network configuration, such as IP addresses, network masks, network type, and WINS settings (Figure 27). Figure 27 S...
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7. Use the Protocol Configuration window to change the Microsoft Windows® domain, Windows administrator, Windows password, WINS servers, and NFS settings (Figure 28). Figure 28 Setup Wizard: Protocol ...
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8. Verify the settings in the Confirmation window and proceed with the Setup Wizard by clicking Finish (Figure 29). Figure 29 Setup Wizard: Confirmation 28 IBM System Storage N3700 A20 Setup
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The Setup Wizard finishes and you receive a “successfully submitted” message stating that the configuration settings are complete (Figure 30). Wait a couple of minutes while the filer is updated with ...
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The team that wrote this Redpaper This Redpaper was produced by a team of specialists from around the world working at the International Technical Support Organization. Alex Osuna is a Project Leader ...
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Notices This information was developed for products and services offered in the U.S.A. IBM may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in other countries. Consult your...
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Send us your comments in one of the following ways: Use the online Contact us review Redbooks form found at: ibm.com/redbooks Send your comments in an e-mail to: [email protected] Mail your comments ...
Manual Details
| Brand | IBM |
|---|---|
| Pages | 32 |
| File Size | 1.20 MB |
| Published | May 23, 2026 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What safety measures should be taken when installing N3700 or EXN2000?
Wear an anti-static wrist strap and grounding leash to avoid damaging sensitive electronic components.
How do the cluster nodes ensure service continuity?
The two nodes are designed to take over or failover resources and services to their associated counterpart nodes.
What commands can I use to check disk ownership after setup?
Use the CLI command `storage show disk` (or relevant Web interfaces) to determine which node owns specific disks.
What information should be gathered before starting installation?
Gather data and plan carefully, as proper planning prevents problems and saves time during configuration.