VPLEX - VPLEX Installation and Upgrade Procedures-Install VPLEX Cluster

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Page 1 of 80
Contents
Preliminary Activity Tasks .......................................................................................................3
Read, understand, and perform these tasks.................................................................................................3
Full VS6 Configuration Guide..................................................................................................5
Page 2 of 80
Preliminary Activity Tasks
This section may contain tasks that you must complete before performing this procedure.
Read, understand, and perform these tasks

1. Table 1 lists tasks, cautions, warnings, notes, and/or knowledgebase (KB) solutions that you need to
be aware of before performing this activity. Read, understand, and when necessary perform any
tasks contained in this table and any tasks contained in any associated knowledgebase solution.
Table 1 List of cautions, warnings, notes, and/or KB solutions related to this activity
335501: To provide feedback on the content of generated procedures
2. This is a link to the top trending service topics. These topics may or not be related to this activity.
This is merely a proactive attempt to make you aware of any KB articles that may be associated with
this product.
Note: There may not be any top trending service topics for this product at any given time.
VPLEX Top Service Topics
Page 3 of 80
Page 4 of 80
Full VS6 Configuration Guide
Note: The next section is an existing PDF document that is inserted into this procedure. You may see
two sets of page numbers because the existing PDF has its own page numbering. Page x of y on the
bottom will be the page number of the entire procedure.
Page 5 of 80
Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony
VS6 Configuration Guide
Page 6 of 80
Copyright © All rights reserved.
Dell believes the information in this publication is accurate as of its publication date. The information is subject to change without notice.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED “AS-IS.” DELL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND
WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. USE, COPYING, AND DISTRIBUTION OF ANY DELL SOFTWARE DESCRIBED
IN THIS PUBLICATION REQUIRES AN APPLICABLE SOFTWARE LICENSE.
Dell Technologies, Dell, EMC, Dell EMC and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be the property
of their respective owners. Published in the USA.
Dell EMC
Hopkinton, Massachusetts 01748-9103
1-508-435-1000 In North America 1-866-464-7381
www.DellEMC.com
2 Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide
Page 7 of 80
CONTENTS
Preface 5
Chapter 1 Verifying Operations 9

Perform preliminary tasks..................................................................................10
Verifying operation............................................................................................ 12
Chapter 2 Configuring a VPLEX Local implementation 15

Overview........................................................................................................... 16
Set the public IP address................................................................................... 16
Connecting to the service port............................................................. 16
Establish Call-Home connectivity to Dell EMC...................................................17
Connecting to the MMCS..................................................................................19
Configuring PuTTY........................................................................................... 20
Log in to the VPlexcli........................................................................................ 23
Verify the product version................................................................................ 24
Verify the cluster health....................................................................................25
Synchronize cluster time with NTP server........................................................ 26
Launch the EZ-Setup Wizard............................................................................ 26
Expose back-end storage.................................................................................. 27
Resume EZ-Setup............................................................................................. 27
Restart the web server if necessary..................................................................28
Create a meta-volume.......................................................................................28
Set a Backup Schedule for Cluster 1................................................................. 29
Complete the EZ-Setup.................................................................................... 29
Register the cluster.......................................................................................... 29
Enable the front-end ports................................................................................30
Deploy the cluster on the ESRS........................................................................ 30
Verify the cluster health....................................................................................30
Expose storage to hosts................................................................................... 30
If you are using the GUI........................................................................ 31
If you are using the VPLEX CLI............................................................ 32
Log out of the SSH sessions............................................................................. 34
Perform a rescan.............................................................................................. 34
Install license.....................................................................................................34
Register SRSv3................................................................................................ 35
Reverting the setup.......................................................................................... 35
Chapter 3 Configuring a VPLEX Metro implementation 37

Overview...........................................................................................................38
Set the public IP address.................................................................................. 38
Connecting to the service port.............................................................38
Establish Call-Home connectivity to Dell EMC..................................................40
Connecting to the MMCS..................................................................................41
Configuring PuTTY............................................................................................43
Log in to the VPlexcli........................................................................................ 45
Verify the product version................................................................................ 46
Verify the cluster health on cluster 1................................................................. 47
Synchronize cluster time with NTP server........................................................ 48
Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide 3
Page 8 of 80
Contents
Launch the EZ-Setup Wizard............................................................................ 48

Expose Cluster 1 back-end storage................................................................... 49
Resume EZ-Setup.............................................................................................49
Create a meta-volume...................................................................................... 50
Set a Backup Schedule for Cluster 1..................................................................51
Register the cluster........................................................................................... 51
Enable the front-end ports................................................................................ 51
Connect to Cluster 2......................................................................................... 51
Verify the product version for Cluster 2............................................................52
Verify the cluster health on cluster 2................................................................ 52
Synchronize the time on the clusters................................................................53
Launch the EZ-Setup Wizard on Cluster 2........................................................ 53
Expose Cluster 2 back-end storage.................................................................. 54
Resume EZ-Setup on Cluster 2.........................................................................54
Restart the web server if necessary..................................................................54
Create a meta-volume on Cluster 2...................................................................54
Set a backup schedule for Cluster 2................................................................. 56
Register Cluster 2............................................................................................. 57
Deploy each cluster on the ESRS......................................................................57
Complete the EZ-Setup on Cluster 1.................................................................58
Synchronize the time on the clusters................................................................58
Restart the web server on Cluster 1 if necessary.............................................. 58
Complete the EZ-Setup on Cluster 2................................................................ 58
Configure the WAN interfaces.......................................................................... 59
Verify cluster connectivity................................................................................ 60
Join the clusters............................................................................................... 60
Create logging volumes.....................................................................................60
Check the cluster health................................................................................... 62
Expose storage to hosts....................................................................................62
If you are using the GUI........................................................................62
If you are using the VPLEX CLI............................................................ 63
Perform a rescan.............................................................................................. 66
Install license.................................................................................................... 66
Register SRSv3................................................................................................ 66
(Optional) Perform Cluster Witness setup........................................................66
Reverting the setup.......................................................................................... 66
Chapter 4 Upgrading an Unconfigured System 69

Before you begin...............................................................................................70
Upgrade the Management Server (without OS upgrade) .................................70
Verify the cluster health.................................................................................... 71
Index 73
Page 9 of 80
Preface
As part of an effort to improve its product lines, Dell EMC periodically releases revisions of its
software and hardware. Therefore, some functions described in this document might not be
supported by all versions of the software or hardware currently in use. The product release notes
provide the most up-to-date information on product features.
Contact your Dell EMC technical support professional if a product does not function properly or
does not function as described in this document.
Note: This document was accurate at publication time. Go to Dell EMC Online Support
(https://www.dell.com/support) to ensure that you are using the latest version of this
document.
Purpose
This document is part of the VPLEX documentation set, and describes the VPLEX features and use
cases, configuration options, VPLEX software and its upgrade, and the hardware overview.
Audience
This guide is intended for use by customers who wish to understand the software and hardware
features of VPLEX, the use cases of VPLEX, product offerings, and the configuration options.
Related documents (available on Dell EMC Online Support) include:
l VPLEX Release Notes for GeoSynchrony Releases
l VPLEX Product Guide
l VPLEX Hardware Environment Setup Guide
l VPLEX Configuration Worksheet
l VPLEX Configuration Guide
l VPLEX Security Configuration Guide
l VPLEX CLI Reference Guide
l VPLEX Administration Guide
l Unisphere for VPLEX Help
l VPLEX Element Manager API Guide
l VPLEX Open-Source Licenses
l VPLEX GPL3 Open-Source Licenses
l Procedures provided through the SolVe Desktop
l Dell EMC Host Connectivity Guides
l Dell EMC VPLEX Hardware Installation Guide
l Various best practices technical notes available on Dell EMC Online Support
Special notice conventions used in this document
Dell EMC uses the following conventions for special notices:
DANGER Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious
injury.
Page 10 of 80
Preface
WARNING Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
CAUTION Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or
moderate injury.
NOTICE Addresses practices not related to personal injury.
Note: Presents information that is important, but not hazard-related.
Typographical conventions
Dell EMC uses the following type style conventions in this document:
Table 1 Typographical conventions
Bold Used for names of interface elements, such as names of windows,

dialog boxes, buttons, fields, tab names, key names, and menu paths
(what the user specifically selects or clicks)
italic Used for full titles of publications referenced in text

Monospace Used for:
l System code
l System output, such as an error message or script
l Pathnames, filenames, prompts, and syntax
l Commands and options
Monospace italic Used for variables

Monospace bold Used for user input
[] Square brackets enclose optional values
| Vertical bar indicates alternate selections - the bar means “or”
{} Braces enclose content that the user must specify, such as x or y or

z
... Ellipses indicate nonessential information omitted from the example
Where to get help

Dell EMC support, product, and licensing information can be obtained as follows:
Product information
For documentation, release notes, software updates, or information about Dell EMC products, go
to Dell EMC Online Support at https://www.dell.com/support.
Technical support
Go to Dell EMC Online Support and click Support. You will see several options for contacting Dell
EMC Technical Support. Note that to open a service request, you must have a valid support
agreement. Contact your Dell EMC sales representative for details about obtaining a valid support
agreement or with questions about your account.
Online communities
Visit Dell EMC Community Network (DECN) at https://www.dell.com/community/Dell-
Community/ct-p/English for peer contacts, conversations, and content on product support and
Page 11 of 80
Preface
solutions. Interactively engage online with customers, partners, and certified professionals for all
Dell EMC products.
Your comments
Your suggestions will help us continue to improve the accuracy, organization, and overall quality of
the user publications. Send your opinions of this document to [email protected].
Page 12 of 80
Preface
Page 13 of 80
CHAPTER 1
Verifying Operations
Perform these checks and tasks to ensure successful configuration.
l Perform preliminary tasks...................................................................................................... 10

l Verifying operation.................................................................................................................12
Page 14 of 80
Perform preliminary tasks

Ensure that you follow this checklist before beginning the configuration of the VPLEX system.
Table 2 Preliminary checklist
Completed Item
Download and complete the Dell EMC VPLEX Configuration Worksheet,

which is available with other VPLEX documentation on Dell EMC Online
Support. Keep the worksheet handy for use during the setup procedure.
If you need to upgrade to the latest version of Geosynchrony before

configuring your system, refer to "Upgrading an Unconfigured System" in
the full version of the Dell EMC VPLEX VS6 Configuration Guide or the
document for configuring unconfigured systems, both available in the
SolVe Desktop.
See the VPLEX Configuration Worksheet to verify MMCS passwords.

Contact the system administrator if you have issues.
Verify that four storage devices of at least 78 GB each are available for use
as a VPLEX meta-volume, a mirrored copy, and backups for the meta-
volume and mirror. (The meta-volume contains RAID and virtual volume
metadata.) Unless only one back-end array is available, the meta-volume
and its backup volume must be on separate arrays, and should be in
separate failure domains. This requirement also applies to the mirror
volume and its backup volume. Ensure that storage devices selected to
support meta-volumes. Refer to the VPLEX SAN Best Practices Guide on
Dell EMC Support Zone for more information.
Note: If the meta-volume is on an Dell EMC CLARiiON® array, there
must be active and passive paths to all VPLEX directors from the
meta-volume LUN.
Provide a maximum average response time of 10 ms (for random 4K reads).
Clean all data from disks. Example of how to clean all data from the given
disk:
1. Expose disks used for metadata to the Linux host.

2. Write zeros to the disk using the following command:
CAUTION This command erases all data on the disk. dd if=/dev/
zero of=device name conv=notrunc
For example:
dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdbg conv=notrunc
Verify that all back-end array ports that are used in the VPLEX
implementation are correctly configured as described in the applicable Dell
EMC Host Connectivity Guide.
Verify that redundant fabrics are available for connection to the VPLEX
I/O ports. Each director must connect to both fabrics with both the front-
end and back-end ports. Connecting the ports as shown prevents data
Page 15 of 80
Table 2 Preliminary checklist (continued)
Completed Item
unavailability if a single VPLEX component fails. Refer to the VPLEX SAN

Best Practices Guide on Dell EMC Support Zone for more information.
Review the Implementation and Planning Best Practices for Dell EMC VPLEX
Technical Notes, available on Dell EMC Online Support. Ensure the
following requirements are met.
l Your implementation design is consistent with the recommended best
practices for VPLEX.
l You have reviewed best practices for zoning, high-availability
requirements, performance considerations, and other topics for the
specific arrays, hosts, or applications in your environment.
l You understand the zoning requirements and recommendations of your
SAN switch vendor. If necessary, consult with the appropriate storage
administrator
Review the Dell EMC Simple Support Matrix for VPLEX (available on Dell
EMC Online Support) for specific array requirements.
Read the Dell EMC VPLEX Release Notes for the release installed on your
system.
Ensure that you have a laptop, desktop, PC, or similar device with a
keyboard and graphical interface (for example, a data center “crash cart”)
for connecting to the VPLEX MMCS and configuring your VPLEX cluster.
For convenience, this guide uses the term laptop to describe the device. If
you are going to use a laptop, confirm that it has the following:
l Fully charged batteries, as well as an AC power cable, for assurance of
power
l Windows OS
l PuTTY, version 0.60 or later
Note: Several tasks in this document use PuTTY for logging in to
the MMCS. However, you can use any similar Telnet/SSH client,
but make sure you use the SSH protocol Version 2 with any
client.
l WinSCP or a similar tool, in this case, copy files to the MMCS.
l If you want to use the VPLEX GUI:
n Web browsers:
– Internet Explorer 11 and later

– Mozilla Firefox 44 and later
– Google Chrome
n Adobe Flash Player 10.0.0 or higher
During the setup procedure, obtain the port worldwide names (WWNs) of
the Fibre Channel ports that connect to host and storage array ports. Dell
EMC provides a VPLEX Port WWN Calculator that simplifies this task by
generating WWNs for all I/O ports you select. To use the WWN calculator,
Page 16 of 80
Table 2 Preliminary checklist (continued)
Completed Item
download it from https://gscloud.psapps.emc.com/wwn/ and use it at any

time before you start the setup procedure.
Install and launch the SolVeDesktop as directed on Dell EMC Online

Support. Then follow the link under Procedures for Dell EMC Use Only
Troubleshooting > Installation and setup, and generate a troubleshooting
document, for reference if necessary during the configuration procedure.
Verifying operation
Before configuring your VPLEX system, verify that it is operating correctly.
Before you begin
Before beginning, ensure that the system has been properly installed by following the detailed
instructions in the Dell EMC VPLEX VS6 Hardware Environment Setup Guide.
Procedure
1. Verify that the Engine Chassis Power LED is lit solid blue on the front of the engine.
Figure 1 Engine Chassis Power LEDs
Chassis Marker LED Chassis Power LED
VPXX-0109
2. Check the LED status on the InfiniBand Switches to verify both power supplies (on each
switch) are connected and have power, and that no fault LEDs are on. Amber/Red LEDs
indicate fault condition.
Page 17 of 80
Figure 2 IB Switch LEDs
LEDs are as follows, top to bottom:

l Switch Status LED (exclamation point in triangle)
l Fan Status LED (fan icon)
l Power Supply 1 LED (PS1)
l Power Supply 2 LED (PS2)
l Bad Port LED (exclamation point in square)
l Unique identifier LED (UID)
3. Verify the port LEDs are not flashing amber, indicating a physical link fault.
Figure 3 Port LEDs
4. Verify that the UPS AC power input status LEDs are on (solid) to confirm that each unit is
getting power from both power zones.
Figure 4 UPS AC power input LEDs
5. Verify that each UPS is turned ON and that the Online LED is lit. All other front panel LEDs
should be off.
Page 18 of 80
Figure 5 UPS (front-view)
Overload
LED
Online On/off
LED button
UPS: Front view
On battery Replace battery

LED LED
VPXX-0076
Page 19 of 80
CHAPTER 2
Configuring a VPLEX Local implementation
Perform these tasks to configure a VPLEX Local system.
l Overview................................................................................................................................16
l Set the public IP address....................................................................................................... 16
l Establish Call-Home connectivity to Dell EMC....................................................................... 17
l Connecting to the MMCS...................................................................................................... 19
l Configuring PuTTY................................................................................................................ 20
l Log in to the VPlexcli.............................................................................................................23
l Verify the product version..................................................................................................... 24
l Verify the cluster health........................................................................................................ 25
l Synchronize cluster time with NTP server............................................................................ 26
l Launch the EZ-Setup Wizard................................................................................................ 26
l Expose back-end storage...................................................................................................... 27
l Resume EZ-Setup................................................................................................................. 27
l Restart the web server if necessary...................................................................................... 28
l Create a meta-volume........................................................................................................... 28
l Set a Backup Schedule for Cluster 1......................................................................................29
l Complete the EZ-Setup.........................................................................................................29
l Register the cluster...............................................................................................................29
l Enable the front-end ports.................................................................................................... 30
l Deploy the cluster on the ESRS............................................................................................ 30
l Verify the cluster health........................................................................................................ 30
l Expose storage to hosts........................................................................................................ 30
l Log out of the SSH sessions..................................................................................................34
l Perform a rescan...................................................................................................................34
l Install license......................................................................................................................... 34
l Register SRSv3..................................................................................................................... 35
l Reverting the setup...............................................................................................................35
Page 20 of 80
Overview
The following lists preliminary information pertaining to VPLEX Local configuration tasks.
Note: If any command or step in this procedure does not give you the expected result and you
cannot resolve the issue, contact the Dell EMC Support Center. Warnings such as Failed to
unconfigure RabbitMQ and Failed to configure RabbitMQ while disconnecting
and connecting local directors to VPLEXcli as part of the EZ-setup can be ignored while
running the EZ-setup. These warnings are seen only while disconnecting/connecting directors
and also when the VPlexcli is restarted. They do not impact the operation of VPLEX.
Note: For all the greenfield VS2 deployments with PowerEdge R240XL Management Server,
use Pre-Config Upgrade (popularly known as PCU) to upgrade the directors to 6.1 Patch 2 to
match the Management Server GeoSynchrony version before running the EZSetup procedure.
During the setup procedure, type some commands in an SSH shell session, and some commands in
a VPlexcli session. To facilitate identification of the applicable session, many steps in this section
include one or both of the following icons. It is especially useful in tasks where you have multiple
SSH sessions opened:
l
Shell prompt:
l
VPlexcli prompt:
Set the public IP address

Before you can log in to an MMCS over the customer network, you must connect to the MMCS
and set the public IP address.
Connecting to the service port

Procedure
1. Connect your laptop to the service port on MMCS-A.
2. Open a command window and ping the 128.221.252.2 IP address to verify it is available.
3. Launch PuTTY to connect to IP address 128.221.252.2.
4. Log in to the MMCS A with username service and service account password.
5. From the shell prompt, type the following command, where hostname is a name that
replaces the default name (ManagementServer) in the shell prompt in subsequent logins to
the MMCS:
Figure 6 Red ethernet cable connection to Service Port
Page 21 of 80
Do not use the Linux OS hostname command to make this change.
sudo /opt/emc/VPlex/tools/ipconfig/
changehostname.py -n hostname
6. Type the vplexcli command, which connects you to the VPlexcli.

7. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the following command to configure the IP
address of the MMCS’s public Ethernet port:
To configure IPv4 or IPv6 address, enter the management-server set-ip -i
IP_address/netmask -g gateway eth3 command.
VPlexcli:/> management-server set-ip -i IP_address/netmask

-g gateway eth3
8. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the following command to configure the IP address of the
public Ethernet port on MMCS-B (using the --peer option):

-g gateway eth3 --peer
9. After confirming that the public IP addresses are set, connect customer network Ethernet
cables to the black MRJ21 connector on both MMCS-A and MMCS-B.
10. Type the following command, and confirm that the output shows the correct
information:
VPlexcli:/> ll
/management-server/ports/eth3
Name Value
-------- -------------
address 10.243.48.65
gateway 10.243.48.1
net-mask 255.255.255.0
Note: Management Admin password may be needed for this task. For guidelines on
password defaults, see the EMC Security Configuration Guide.
Establish Call-Home connectivity to Dell EMC

Before you begin
Perform this task only if you want early call-home connectivity to the VPLEX cluster box and you
know that there is a delay in fully configuring the cluster. If you are running EZ-Setup in the near
future, then this task is not necessary since EZ-Setup configures call-home.
To perform this procedure, the following preconditions must be met:
l Cluster has been certified as ready for use by Dell EMC service personnel.
l Power is available and supplied to all components.
l Public IP address is configured.
Page 22 of 80
Procedure
1. Type the following command, which connects you to the VPlexcli:
vplexcli
2. Configure the cluster by executing the configuration connect-local-directors

command.
VPlexcli:/>configuration connect-local-directors
3. Configure the cluster to dial home and/or send system reports by executing the
configuration event-notices-reports-config command .
VPlexcli:/>configuration event-notices-reports-config
4. Complete the product registration by executing the configuration register-

product command.
VPlexcli:/>configuration register-product
5. VPlexcli At the VPlexcli prompt, type the following to enable Call Home:
cd /notifications/call-home
set enabled true
6. Verify Call Home has been enabled by entering the ls command.

If Call Home is enabled, the following output should appear.
Attributes:
Name Value
---- -----
Enabled true
7. Test and Validate that Call Home connectivity has been established by entering the
following commands within the call-home context.
a. Issue the test command to test Call Home functionality.
VPlexcli:/notifications/call-home> test
call-home test was successful.
b. Issue the syrcollect command to validate Call Home data.
VPlexcli:/notifications/call-home> syrcollect
SyrCollect running on the system. This may take a while...
Complete SYRCollect successfully
Page 23 of 80
If either of these commands fail, contact Customer Service to resolve the problem.
Connecting to the MMCS

About this task
For the remaining setup tasks, you can leave your laptop connected directly to the MMCS or you
can reconnect to the MMCS over the customer network.
Note: This task only applies if you want to move your laptop another location and then
reconnect to your network to configure a cluster. If this is not applicable, then skip this task.
Procedure
1. Ensure that the following cables are connected on MMCS-A when working with a laptop.
Figure 7 Service port on MMCS-A {back view)
Engine 1
3x
0
0
0
1
DC DC
1
1
1
P
IB
AC AC
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
xxx-xxx-xxxx-xx xxx-xxx-xxxx-xx xxx-xxx-xxxx-xx

xxx-xxx-xxxx-xx xxx-xxx-xxxx-xx

3
3
3
2
2
2
2
AC AC
IB
P
1
1
1
DC DC
0
1
0
x 3
Service port
VPLX-000643b
You can also connect a keyboard and mouse directly.

Figure 8 Micro-USB/DisplayPort connections on MMCS-A (back view)
Engine 1
3x
0
0
0
1
DC DC
1
1
1
P
IB
AC AC
2
2
2
2
3
3
3


3
3
3
2
2
2
2
AC AC
IB
P
1
1
1
DC DC
0
0
0
x 3
USB port USB port DisplayPort
VPLX-000643d
The VS6 engine is supplied with the following cables.

l Red ethernet cable for attachment to Service Port
l MRJ21 cable assembly for connection to Management Port
For complete installation instructions, refer to the EMC VPLEX Hardware Installation Guide.
A summary of the connections follows.
Page 24 of 80
a. Connect the red ethernet cable (RJ-45) to the Service Port.

Note: The red ethernet cable is only connected on MMCS-A.
b. Connect the MRJ21 cable assembly to the connector. The management network cables
connect to the lime and violet connectors on the MRJ21 cable assembly. The customer
network connects to the black connector.
2. Prepare for connection to the customer network:

l If you want to connect to the network from your laptop, set the laptop to an IP address
on the network.
l If you want to connect to the network from a different PC (or similar device):
a. Restore your laptop to the settings it had before you began this procedure (including re-
enabling any network cards).
b. Verify that PuTTY is installed on the device, and install it if necessary.
c. Set the device to an IP address on the customer network.
Configuring PuTTY
Configure PuTTY to connect to the MMCS.
Procedure
1. Launch PuTTY.exe.
2. Select Session in the Category list and configure PuTTY for cluster 1 as follows.
Page 25 of 80
Figure 10 PuTTY settings for logging into cluster 1 over a customer network
a. In the Host Name (or IP address), type the address of the public Ethernet port on the
MMCS in the first cluster you are configuring.
b. In the Saved Sessions box, type a name that identifies the cluster, such as VPLEX
Cluster 1.
c. Verify Port is 22.

d. Verify Connection type is SSH.
e. Verify Close window on exit is set to Only on clean exit.
f. Click Save.
3. Select SSH in the Category list. Verify that Preferred SSH protocol version is set to 2.
Page 26 of 80
Figure 11 PuTTY SSH protocol version 2
Page 27 of 80
MMCS in the second cluster you are configuring.
Cluster 2.

f. Click Save.
Log in to the VPlexcli

Procedure
1. Select the VPLEX Cluster 1 session and click Load.
2. Click Open, and log in to the MMCS with username service and password.
3. Shell At the shell prompt, type the following command to connect to the VPlexcli:
vplexcli
Page 28 of 80
Verify the product version

Procedure
1. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the following command to connect to all local
directors:
configuration connect-local-directors -f
2. Type the following command to ensure that all local directors are connected:
ll /engines/*/directors
/engines/engine-1-1/directors:
Name Director Cluster Commissioned Operational
Communication
-------------- ID ID ------------ Status Status
-------------- --------- -------- ------------ -----------
---------------
director-1-1-A -1 -1 false ok ok
director-1-1-B -1 -1 false ok ok
3. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the version -a command.

This example represents output from a local dual-engine system.
VPlexcli:/> version -a
What Version Info
-------------------------------------------- --------------
------------------------------------------------
Product Version 6.0.0.00.00.13 -
SMSv2 D40.0.0.395.0 -
Mgmt Server Base D40.0.0.165 -
Mgmt Server Software D40.0.0.428 -
/engines/engine-1-1/directors/director-1-1-B 7.1.409.0.0 -
/engines/engine-1-1/directors/director-1-1-A 7.1.409.0.0 -
Note: If you are unable to connect to the directors through the VPLEX CLI (but, you can
ping the directors from the MMCS successfully), follow the procedure described in the
Knowledge Base article 519163. If the procedure is not followed, continuous firmware
crashes can occur on the VS6 directors.
If you need to upgrade to the latest version of Geosynchrony before configuring your
system, refer to "Upgrading an Unconfigured System" in the full version of the EMC VPLEX
VS6 Configuration Guide or the document for configuring unconfigured systems, both
available in the SolVe Desktop.
Page 29 of 80
Verify the cluster health

Before launching the EZ-Setup utility, you should verify that all components in the cluster are
functioning correctly:
Procedure
1. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the following command:
exit
2. From the shell prompt, type the following command (where the options are as described
following the command):
VPlexPlatformHealthCheck [option]
You can include one or more of these options:
l -h, which displays the command usage.

l -l path, which allows you to specify a path and filename for the health check output.
The default value is
/var/log/VPlex/cli/VplexPlatformHealthCheck/.
l -v, which turns on verbose mode.
In the output, confirm the following values:
System Information Correct cluster size: single-engine, dual-engine, or quad-engine

Management Server All OK
IP Connectivity
Check
Local-com FC not connected to peer director's loc com
Connectivity Check
Management Server
Local-com IB Connectivity Check
System Check -------------------------------
IB Director Connectivity Check : OK
If the system is a small system, values in this category stays same

as before
Director Health For each director, all values OK
Check
Platform Health
Platform Health Check Found xx errors
Check /var/log/VPlex/cli/connections file exists, but
not all directors are commissioned.
Delete connections file and try again.
Note: Note: XX is a numeric value and would depend on the

configuration of the unit.
Page 30 of 80
Note: If the VPlexPlatformHealthCheck reports the Process Check: ERROR ECOM

(EMC COM) : not running error for one or more directors, follow the procedure
described in the Knowledge Base article 519163. If the procedure is not followed,
continuous firmware crashes can occur on the VS6 directors.
3. Type the following command to connect to the VPlexcli:
vplexcli
Synchronize cluster time with NTP server

Procedure
1. VPlexcli Log-in to the VPlexcli with the service name and password.
2. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the following command, which synchronizes the time on
Cluster 1 with an external NTP server: configuration sync-time -f -i
IP_address_of_remote_NTP_server
Launch the EZ-Setup Wizard

This section describes how to launch the EZ-Setup wizard.
The EZ-Setup Wizard performs several tasks to set up a VPLEX implementation, including:
l Configuring call-home notifications
l Setting up SNMP for gathering performance statistics (optional)
l Configuring VPLEX for authentication directory service (LDAP/AD) (optional)
l Configuring VPLEX for a customized login banner using a .txt file provided by the user
(optional)
Note: To configure the banner, use CLI command security set-login-banner
detailed in the Dell Dell EMC CLI Reference Guide.
In the VPLEX CLI of cluster 1, type the following command, and follow the steps in the
automated interview:
configuration system-setup
Note: Admin and service passwords must be changed to perform this task. For guidelines
about password defaults, see the Dell EMC VPLEX Security Configuration Guide.
At any time during the interview part of the setup, you can exit EZ-Setup by typing the
command exit. To resume the setup, type the command configuration system-setup
again. EZ-Setup returns to the first step, and any values you already entered now appear as
the new default values.
Page 31 of 80
Expose back-end storage

To zone storage to VPLEX, determine the port WWNs of the back-end VPLEX ports (the ports
that connect to the storage arrays).
Procedure
1. You can determine the WWNs in either of two ways:
l Using the VPLEX Port WWN Calculator — If you have not already done this, download
the calculator referred to in the Verifying Operation section at the beginning of this
guide. Launch the calculator and follow the instructions.
l
Using the VPlexcli, type the following command to list all director port WWNs
(identified in the command output as addresses):
ll /engines/**/ports -p
where -p enables paging mode, which displays long output one “page” at a time.
a. The VPlexcli commands ll (two lowercase Ls) and ls support a paging option that
allows you to display long output one “page” at a time.
n To enable paging, include the option -p at the end of the command.
n To scroll from one page of the command output to the next, press the space bar.
n To exit paging mode while you are viewing paged output, press q.
(The remainder of the output appears in its entirety.)

As the ll command shows, if you want a single command to affect multiple entities
(for example, directors or ports), you sometimes can use an asterisk as a wildcard
(called command globbing). The VPLEX CLI Guide provides more detail.
2. Zone the storage to the VPLEX back-end ports, following the recommendations in the
Implementation and Planning Best Practices for Dell EMC VPLEX Technical Notes and in
particular "VPLEX SAN Connectivity: Implementation, Planning, and Best Practices".
Resume EZ-Setup
About this task
From the VPlexcli prompt, type the following command:
configuration continue-system-setup
This part of the EZ-Setup finishes by rediscovering the back-end arrays. Wait for the rediscovery
to complete before you proceed to the next task.
Note: If you need to reset the EZ-Setup, revert it by executing the configuration
system-reset command.
Page 32 of 80
Restart the web server if necessary

About this task
If you configured the cluster for authentication directory service (such as LDAP/AD),
type the following commands:
webserver stop
webserver start
Create a meta-volume
Procedure
1. Type the following command, which lists available storage volumes that meet the
requirements for a meta-volume (78 GB or larger, and unclaimed):
configuration show-meta-volume-candidates
From the output, identify four volumes to be used for the meta-volume, a mirror of the
meta-volume, and backups for both the meta-volume and the mirror. Unless only one back-
end array is visible, the meta-volume and mirror must be on separate arrays, and should be
in separate failure domains. This requirement also applies to the mirror volume and its
backup volume.
2. To create the meta-volume and a mirror, type the following command, where:
l meta-volume_name is a name you are assigning to the meta-volume.
l storage-volume_1_name is the VPD (Vital Product Data) name of the meta-volume.
l storage-volume_2_name is the VPD name of the mirror.
The mirror can consist of multiple storage volumes (RAID 1s), in which case you would
include each additional volume, separated by commas. For example: storage-
volume_1_name,storage-volume_2_name,storage-volume_3_name
Copy a storage volume name from the configuration show-meta-volume-
candidates output and paste it into the following command. Highlight the volume to
select it and then right-click at the point in the command where you want to paste the
volume.
Command syntax: meta-volume create -n meta-volume_name -d storage-
volume_1_name,storage-volume_2_name
3. To display the meta-volume status, type the following command:
ll /clusters/cluster-1/system-volumes/meta-volume_name
In the output, verify that the attribute active contains a value of true.
4. To display the cluster status, type the following command:
cluster status
Page 33 of 80
The meta-volume takes time to synchronize with the mirror. Wait until the output from
cluster status displays an operational-status of ok before proceeding. Also
verify that there are no health indications in the output.
Cluster cluster-n
operational-status: ok
transitioning-indications:
transitioning-progress:
health-state: ok
health-indications:
Set a Backup Schedule for Cluster 1

About this task
VPLEX creates two backup volumes, each named active_meta-volume_name_
backup_timestamp. Note that this process takes up to 10 minutes.
Procedure
1. To schedule regular meta-volume backups, type the following command:
configuration metadata-backup
2. Answer the prompts to set a day and time to back up the metadata.
Complete the EZ-Setup

VPlexcli From the VPlexcli prompt on Cluster 1, type the following command:
About this task
configuration complete-system-setup
The EZ-Setup Wizard Initializes perpetual monitors on local directors.

After the setup script completes you are returned to the VPlexcli prompt.
Register the cluster

About this task
You must register the cluster with Dell EMC in order to receive service. Type the
following command, and follow the instructions:
configuration register-product
CAUTION Registering this product is the only way to ensure that Dell EMC can provide quality
support. Be sure to complete the registration and email it to Dell EMC.
Page 34 of 80
Enable the front-end ports

About this task
Type the following command:
configuration enable-front-end-ports
Deploy the cluster on the ESRS

ESRS must be deployed by Dell EMC personnel. If ESRS will be used in the VPLEX
implementation, then Dell EMC personnel should follow the procedure described in the ESRS
documentation on the GTS website, in the Application Download area, under Dell EMC Secure
Remote Support Gateway > Implementation > Install Procedure.

Procedure
health-check
2. In the output, confirm the following:

l Operational Status and Health State are ok.
l Operational Status and Health State of the metadata volumes are ok.
l There are no unhealthy storage volumes.
l Each storage volume is visible from all directors and with at least two paths.
Expose storage to hosts

Use a VPlexcli session or the VPLEX Management Console GUI to perform this task.
About this task
Recommendations:
l If a storage volume is equal to or larger than the desired virtual volume capacity, create an
extent the size of the desired virtual volume.
l If a storage volume is smaller than the desired virtual volume capacity, create a single extent
per storage volume, and then use devices to concatenate or stripe these extents into a larger
device.
l Create one view for each set of hosts that require access to the same storage.
You can use the VPlexcli or the Management Console GUI to expose storage. The basic steps are
the same for either.
Page 35 of 80
If you are using the GUI

To use the GUI:
Procedure
1. Open a browser and type the following, where mgmt_server_address is the IP address of
the management server's public IP port:
https://mgmt_server_address
2. Log in with username service.

Note: If the security message screen was enabled during system setup, a security
message appears. Read the message, and then click Continue.
3. Click System Status to view the status of the system, clusters, and directors. Confirm that
the health state and operational status are ok.
The following example shows the Unisphere for VPLEX provisioning screen with all status
OK.
Figure 13 Provisioning Storage (status OK)
4. To begin provisioning and exporting storage, click Provision Storage on the main screen of
the Unisphere for VPLEX Online Help screen (shown in the following figure).
Note: To display online help and product information, click the question mark at the
upper right corner of the screen. To display documentation and additional resources for
the current VPLEX release, click Support on the navigation bar.
Page 36 of 80
If you are using the VPLEX CLI

About this task
Refer to the Dell EMC VPLEX CLI Reference Guide for details about using VPLEX CLI commands.
To claim and name a storage volume:
Procedure
1. To display a list of available storage volumes, type the following commands:
cd /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/storage-elements/storage-volumes
ls
2. To claim and name a storage volume, type the following command, where:
l storage_volume_name is an unique name you are assigning to the volume.
l storage_volume_ID is the ID (for example,
VPD43T4:710601808cc0250018f264971e83de10).
storage-volume claim -n storage_volume_name -d storage_volume_ID
Note: To claim multiple storage volumes, separate the volume IDs with commas or
use the command storage-volume claimingwizard, as described in the Dell
EMC VPLEX CLI Reference Guide.
3. To create the extent, type the following command:
extent create -d storage_volume_name
In you do not include any arguments, this command creates an extent the size of the
storage volume. However, you can create multiple smaller extents (up to 128 per storage
volume).
Note: Extents are named and claimed automatically.
4. To verify that the extent was created, type the following command:
ls /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/storage-elements/extents
Output example (partial):
/clusters/cluster-1/storage-elements/extents:
extent_Symm1707_1000_1 extent_Symm1707_1001_1 extent_Symm1707_1002_1
extent_Symm1707_1003_1
extent_Symm1707_1008_1 extent_Symm1707_1009_1 extent_Symm1707_100A_1
extent_Symm1707_100B_1
extent_Symm1707_100C_1 extent_Symm1707_100D_1 extent_Symm1707_100E_1
extent_Symm1707_100F_1
Page 37 of 80
5. To create the RAID device, type the following commands:
cd /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/devices
local-device create device_name -g[raid-0|raid-1|raid-c] -e
extent,extent
6. To create the virtual volume, type the following commands:
cd /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/virtual-volumes
create -r device_name
7. To list the initiator ports, type the following command:
ll /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/exports/initiator-ports
8. To register each initiator port, type the following commands, where:

l initiator_port is the human readable name of the initiator port.
l type is the initiator type: hpux, sun-vcs, aix, or default.
cd /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/exports/initiator-ports
export initiator-port register -i initiator_port -p portWWN|nodeWWN -
t type
Page 38 of 80
9. To create and export the storage view, type the following commands:
cd /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/exports
storage-view create -c /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/ -n
storage_view_name -p VPLEX_port,VPLEX_port
10. To add each initiator port to the storage view, type the following commands:
storage-view addinitiatorport -v storage_view_name -i
initiator_port,initiator_port
11. To add the virtual volumes to the storage view, type the following commands:
storage-view addvirtualvolume -v storage_view_name -o virtual-
volume_name
12. To verify the status of the storage view, type the following commands:
cd /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/exports/storage-views
export storage-view summary
View health summary(cluster-1):
view name health-state exported volumes ports registered
initiators
----------- ------------ ---------------- ----- ----------
VMware_view healthy 2 4 4
view1 healthy 1311 4 480
Total 5 views, 0 unhealthy.
Log out of the SSH sessions

About this task
Type the following command at the VPlexcli prompt, and again at the shell
prompt:
exit
Perform a rescan
About this task
Perform a rescan from the host, and verify that the exported virtual volumes are visible.
Install license
For VPLEX GeoSynchrony release 6.1 and above, install an appropriate license for your
configuration. Refer to the VPLEX Administration Guide for more information.
Page 39 of 80
Register SRSv3
For VPLEX GeoSynchrony release 6.1.1 and later, to register SRSv3, use VPLexcli command esrs
register. For more information, see VPLEX Admin guide.
Note: SRSv3 is required for transferring license usage data to Dell EMC.
Note: SRSv3 is not a replacement for legacy SRS and it is limited to IPv4.
Reverting the setup

If at any point you need to cancel all the EZ-Setup steps you performed, you can revert to the pre-
setup state.
To revert the setup, type the following command from the VPlexcli prompt:
configuration system-reset. This operation works only if no meta-volume exists and no
storage is exposed to hosts.
The operation returns your system to a pre-configured state, including:
l Logically disconnecting the directors from the MMCS
l Disabling call-home notifications if they are enabled
l Disabling the front-end ports
Note: After EZ-Setup completes on cluster 2, the VPN gateway on cluster 1 may appear to be
unreachable, as indicated by the message:
VPlexcli:/> vpn status Verifying the VPN status between the management servers...
IPSEC is UP Remote Management Server at IP Address 10.7.42.27 is reachable
Remote Internal Gateway addresses are not reachable
If you see this message, contact EMC customer support for assistance.
Page 40 of 80
Page 41 of 80
CHAPTER 3
Configuring a VPLEX Metro implementation
Perform these tasks to configure a VPLEX Metro system.
l Overview............................................................................................................................... 38
l Set the public IP address.......................................................................................................38
l Establish Call-Home connectivity to Dell EMC...................................................................... 40
l Connecting to the MMCS...................................................................................................... 41
l Configuring PuTTY................................................................................................................ 43
l Log in to the VPlexcli.............................................................................................................45
l Verify the product version..................................................................................................... 46
l Verify the cluster health on cluster 1......................................................................................47
l Synchronize cluster time with NTP server............................................................................ 48
l Launch the EZ-Setup Wizard................................................................................................ 48
l Expose Cluster 1 back-end storage........................................................................................49
l Resume EZ-Setup................................................................................................................. 49
l Create a meta-volume...........................................................................................................50
l Set a Backup Schedule for Cluster 1...................................................................................... 51
l Register the cluster............................................................................................................... 51
l Enable the front-end ports.....................................................................................................51
l Connect to Cluster 2..............................................................................................................51
l Verify the product version for Cluster 2................................................................................ 52
l Verify the cluster health on cluster 2.....................................................................................52
l Synchronize the time on the clusters.................................................................................... 53
l Launch the EZ-Setup Wizard on Cluster 2............................................................................ 53
l Expose Cluster 2 back-end storage....................................................................................... 54
l Resume EZ-Setup on Cluster 2............................................................................................. 54
l Restart the web server if necessary...................................................................................... 54
l Create a meta-volume on Cluster 2....................................................................................... 54
l Set a backup schedule for Cluster 2...................................................................................... 56
l Register Cluster 2..................................................................................................................57
l Deploy each cluster on the ESRS.......................................................................................... 57
l Complete the EZ-Setup on Cluster 1..................................................................................... 58
l Synchronize the time on the clusters.................................................................................... 58
l Restart the web server on Cluster 1 if necessary...................................................................58
l Complete the EZ-Setup on Cluster 2.....................................................................................58
l Configure the WAN interfaces.............................................................................................. 59
l Verify cluster connectivity.................................................................................................... 60
l Join the clusters....................................................................................................................60
l Create logging volumes......................................................................................................... 60
l Check the cluster health....................................................................................................... 62
l Expose storage to hosts........................................................................................................ 62
l Perform a rescan...................................................................................................................66
l Install license.........................................................................................................................66
l Register SRSv3..................................................................................................................... 66
l (Optional) Perform Cluster Witness setup............................................................................ 66
l Reverting the setup...............................................................................................................66
Page 42 of 80
Overview
The following lists preliminary information pertaining to VPLEX Metro configuration tasks.
Note: If any command or step in this procedure does not give you the expected result and you
cannot resolve the issue, contact the Dell EMC Online Support. Warnings such as Failed to
unconfigure RabbitMQ and Failed to configure RabbitMQ while disconnecting
and connecting local directors to VPLEXcli as part of the EZ-setup can be ignored while
executing the EZ-setup. These warnings are seen only while disconnecting/connecting
directors and also when the VPlexcli is restarted. They do not impact the operation of VPLEX.
Note: You must set up both VPLEX clusters as described in this chapter. You cannot set each
cluster up individually and then join them later.
Identifying where you are
During the procedure, you type some commands in a shell session, and some commands in a
VPlexcli session. To facilitate identification of the applicable session, many steps in this section
include one or two of the following icons. This is especially useful in tasks where you have multiple
SSH sessions opened:
Linux shell prompt on Cluster 1:

Linux shell prompt on Cluster 2:
VPlexcli prompt:
Note: The icon representing the cluster-nonspecific VPlexcli prompt indicates that you
perform the associated step on either cluster.
Set the public IP address

Before you can log in to an MMCS over the customer network, you must connect to the MMCS
and set the public IP address.
Connecting to the service port

Procedure
1. Connect your laptop to the service port on MMCS-A.
2. Open a command window and ping the 128.221.252.2 IP address to verify it is available.
3. Launch PuTTY to connect to IP address 128.221.252.2.
4. Log in to the MMCS A with username service and service account password.
5. From the shell prompt, type the following command, where hostname is a name that
replaces the default name (ManagementServer) in the shell prompt in subsequent logins to
the MMCS:
Page 43 of 80
Do not use the Linux OS hostname command to make this change.
sudo /opt/emc/VPlex/tools/ipconfig/
changehostname.py -n hostname
6. Type the vplexcli command, which connects you to the VPlexcli.

7. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the following command to configure the IP
address of the MMCS’s public Ethernet port:
To configure IPv4 or IPv6 address, enter the management-server set-ip -i
IP_address/netmask -g gateway eth3 command.

-g gateway eth3
8. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the following command to configure the IP address of the
public Ethernet port on MMCS-B (using the --peer option):

-g gateway eth3 --peer
9. After confirming that the public IP addresses are set, connect customer network Ethernet
cables to the black MRJ21 connector on both MMCS-A and MMCS-B.
10. Type the following command, and confirm that the output shows the correct
information:
VPlexcli:/> ll
/management-server/ports/eth3
Name Value
-------- -------------
address 10.243.48.65
gateway 10.243.48.1
net-mask 255.255.255.0
Note: Management Admin password may be needed for this task. For guidelines on
password defaults, see the EMC Security Configuration Guide.
Page 44 of 80
Establish Call-Home connectivity to Dell EMC

Before you begin
Perform this task only if you want early call-home connectivity to the VPLEX cluster box and you
know that there is a delay in fully configuring the cluster. If you are running EZ-Setup in the near
future, then this task is not necessary since EZ-Setup configures call-home.
To perform this procedure, the following preconditions must be met:
l Cluster has been certified as ready for use by Dell EMC service personnel.
l Power is available and supplied to all components.
l Public IP address is configured.
Procedure
1. Type the following command, which connects you to the VPlexcli:
vplexcli
2. Configure the cluster by executing the configuration connect-local-directors

command.
VPlexcli:/>configuration connect-local-directors
3. Configure the cluster to dial home and/or send system reports by executing the
configuration event-notices-reports-config command .
VPlexcli:/>configuration event-notices-reports-config
4. Complete the product registration by executing the configuration register-

product command.
VPlexcli:/>configuration register-product
5. VPlexcli At the VPlexcli prompt, type the following to enable Call Home:
cd /notifications/call-home
set enabled true
6. Verify Call Home has been enabled by entering the ls command.

If Call Home is enabled, the following output should appear.
Attributes:
Name Value
---- -----
Enabled true
Page 45 of 80
7. Test and Validate that Call Home connectivity has been established by entering the
following commands within the call-home context.
a. Issue the test command to test Call Home functionality.
VPlexcli:/notifications/call-home> test
call-home test was successful.
b. Issue the syrcollect command to validate Call Home data.
VPlexcli:/notifications/call-home> syrcollect
SyrCollect running on the system. This may take a while...
Complete SYRCollect successfully
If either of these commands fail, contact Customer Service to resolve the problem.
Connecting to the MMCS

About this task
For the remaining setup tasks, you can leave your laptop connected directly to the MMCS or you
can reconnect to the MMCS over the customer network.
Note: This task only applies if you want to move your laptop another location and then
reconnect to your network to configure a cluster. If this is not applicable, then skip this task.
Procedure
1. Ensure that the following cables are connected on MMCS-A when working with a laptop.
Figure 15 Service port on MMCS-A {back view)
Engine 1
3x
0
0
0
1
DC DC
1
1
1
P
IB
AC AC
2
2
2
2
3
3
3


3
3
3
2
2
2
2
AC AC
IB
P
1
1
1
DC DC
0
1
0
x 3
Service port
VPLX-000643b
You can also connect a keyboard and mouse directly.
Page 46 of 80
Figure 16 Micro-USB/DisplayPort connections on MMCS-A (back view)

Engine 1
3x
0
0
0
1
DC DC
1
1
1
P
IB
AC AC
2
2
2
2
3
3
3

3
3
2
2
2
2
AC AC
IB
P
1
1
1
DC DC
0
0
0
1
x3
USB port USB port DisplayPort
VPLX-000643d
The VS6 engine is supplied with the following cables.

l Red ethernet cable for attachment to Service Port
l MRJ21 cable assembly for connection to Management Port
For complete installation instructions, refer to the EMC VPLEX Hardware Installation Guide.
A summary of the connections follows.
a. Connect the red ethernet cable (RJ-45) to the Service Port.
Note: The red ethernet cable is only connected on MMCS-A.
b. Connect the MRJ21 cable assembly to the connector. The management network cables
connect to the lime and violet connectors on the MRJ21 cable assembly. The customer
network connects to the black connector.
2. Prepare for connection to the customer network:

l If you want to connect to the network from your laptop, set the laptop to an IP address
on the network.
l If you want to connect to the network from a different PC (or similar device):
a. Restore your laptop to the settings it had before you began this procedure (including re-
enabling any network cards).
b. Verify that PuTTY is installed on the device, and install it if necessary.
c. Set the device to an IP address on the customer network.
Page 47 of 80
Configuring PuTTY
Configure PuTTY to connect to the MMCS.
Procedure
1. Launch PuTTY.exe.
MMCS in the first cluster you are configuring.
Cluster 1.

f. Click Save.
3. Select SSH in the Category list. Verify that Preferred SSH protocol version is set to 2.
Page 48 of 80
Figure 19 PuTTY SSH protocol version 2
Page 49 of 80
MMCS in the second cluster you are configuring.
Cluster 2.

f. Click Save.
Log in to the VPlexcli

Procedure
1. Select the VPLEX Cluster 1 session and click Load.
2. Click Open, and log in to the MMCS with username service and password.
3. Shell At the shell prompt, type the following command to connect to the VPlexcli:
vplexcli
Page 50 of 80
Verify the product version

Procedure
1. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the following command to connect to all local
directors:
2. Type the following command to ensure that all local directors are connected:
ll /engines/*/directors
Name Director Cluster Commissioned Operational
Communication
-------------- ID ID ------------ Status Status
-------------- --------- -------- ------------ -----------
---------------
director-1-1-A -1 -1 false ok ok
director-1-1-B -1 -1 false ok ok
Name Director ID Cluster Commissioned Operational
Communication
-------------- ------------------ ID ------------ Status
Status
-------------- ------------------ ------- ------------ -----------
-------------
director-2-1-A 0x0000000043e001ab 2 true ok
ok
director-2-1-B 0x0000000043f001ab 2 true ok
ok
3. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the version -a command:

This example represents output from a metro quad-engine system.
VPlexcli:/> version -a
What Version Info
-------------------------------------------- --------------
------------------------------------------------
Product Version 6.0.0.00.00.13 -
SMSv2 D40.0.0.395.0 -
Mgmt Server Base D40.0.0.165 -
Mgmt Server Software D40.0.0.428 -
Page 51 of 80
system, refer to "Upgrading an Unconfigured System" in the full version of the EMC VPLEX
VS6 Configuration Guide or the document for configuring unconfigured systems, both
Verify the cluster health on cluster 1

Procedure
exit

In the output, confirm the following values:
System Information Correct cluster size: single-engine, dual-engine, or quad-engine

Management Server IP All OK
Connectivity Check
Local-com FC not connected to peer director's loc com
Connectivity Check
Management Server
Process Check : ERROR
System Check Process ipsec: Checking for service
strongSwan IPsec ..unused
Check Partitions : OK
CPU Check : OK
Baseboard Management Control Check : OK
If the system is a small system, values in this category stays

same as before
Director Health Check For each director, all values OK
Page 52 of 80
Platform Health Check

Platform Health Check Found xx errors
/var/log/VPlex/cli/connections file exists, but
not all directors are commissioned.
Delete connections file and try again.
Note: Note: XX is a numeric value and would depend on the

configuration of the unit.

vplexcli
Synchronize cluster time with NTP server

Procedure
1. VPlexcli Log-in to the VPlexcli with the service name and password.
2. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the following command, which synchronizes the time on
Cluster 1 with an external NTP server: configuration sync-time -f -i
IP_address_of_remote_NTP_server
Launch the EZ-Setup Wizard

This section describes how to launch the EZ-Setup wizard.
The EZ-Setup Wizard performs several tasks to set up a VPLEX implementation, including:
l Configuring call-home notifications
l Setting up SNMP for gathering performance statistics (optional)
l Configuring VPLEX for authentication directory service (LDAP/AD) (optional)
l Configuring VPLEX for a customized login banner using a .txt file provided by the user
(optional)
Note: To configure the banner, use CLI command security set-login-banner
detailed in the Dell Dell EMC CLI Reference Guide.
In the VPLEX CLI of cluster 1, type the following command, and follow the steps in the
automated interview:
Note: Admin and service passwords must be changed to perform this task. For guidelines
about password defaults, see the Dell EMC VPLEX Security Configuration Guide.
At any time during the interview part of the setup, you can exit EZ-Setup by typing the
command exit. To resume the setup, type the command configuration system-setup
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again. EZ-Setup returns to the first step, and any values you already entered now appear as
the new default values.
Expose Cluster 1 back-end storage

To zone storage to VPLEX on cluster 1, you need to know the port WWNs of the back-end VPLEX
ports (the ports that connect to the storage arrays).
Procedure
1. You can determine the WWNs in either of two ways:
l Using the VPLEX Port WWN Calculator — If you have not already done this, download
the calculator referred to in the Verifying Operation section at the beginning of this
guide. Launch the calculator and follow the instructions.
l
Using the VPlexcli, type the following command to list all director port WWNs
(identified in the command output as addresses):
where -p enables paging mode, which displays long output one “page” at a time.
a. The VPlexcli commands ll (two lowercase Ls) and ls support a paging option that
allows you to display long output one “page” at a time.
n To enable paging, include the option -p at the end of the command.
n To scroll from one page of the command output to the next, press the space bar.
n To exit paging mode while you are viewing paged output, press q.
(The remainder of the output appears in its entirety.)

As the ll command shows, if you want a single command to affect multiple entities
(for example, directors or ports), you sometimes can use an asterisk as a wildcard
(called command globbing). The VPLEX CLI Guide provides more detail.
Implementation and Planning Best Practices for Dell EMC VPLEX Technical Notes and in
particular "VPLEX SAN Connectivity: Implementation, Planning, and Best Practices".
Resume EZ-Setup
About this task
This part of the EZ-Setup finishes by rediscovering the back-end arrays. Wait for the rediscovery
to complete before you proceed to the next task.
Note: If you need to reset the EZ-Setup, revert it by executing the configuration
system-reset command.
Page 54 of 80
Create a meta-volume
Procedure
1. Type the following command, which lists available storage volumes that meet the
requirements for a meta-volume (78 GB or larger, and unclaimed):
backup volume.
2. To create the meta-volume and a mirror, type the following command, where:
l meta-volume_name is a name you are assigning to the meta-volume.
l storage-volume_1_name is the VPD (Vital Product Data) name of the meta-volume.
l storage-volume_2_name is the VPD name of the mirror.
The mirror can consist of multiple storage volumes (RAID 1s), in which case you would
include each additional volume, separated by commas. For example: storage-
volume_1_name,storage-volume_2_name,storage-volume_3_name
Copy a storage volume name from the configuration show-meta-volume-
candidates output and paste it into the following command. Highlight the volume to
select it and then right-click at the point in the command where you want to paste the
volume.
Command syntax: meta-volume create -n meta-volume_name -d storage-
3. To display the meta-volume status, type the following command:
4. To display the cluster status, type the following command:
cluster status
Cluster cluster-n
health-state: ok
health-indications:
Page 55 of 80
Set a Backup Schedule for Cluster 1

About this task
VPLEX creates two backup volumes, each named active_meta-volume_name_
backup_timestamp. Note that this process takes up to 10 minutes.
Procedure
1. To schedule regular meta-volume backups, type the following command:
configuration metadata-backup
2. Answer the prompts to set a day and time to back up the metadata.
Register the cluster

About this task
You must register the cluster with Dell EMC in order to receive service. Type the
following command, and follow the instructions:
Enable the front-end ports

About this task
Type the following command:
configuration enable-front-end-ports
Connect to Cluster 2
About this task
Did you set the IP address on both MMCS-A modules on the two clusters?
Procedure
l If yes:
a. From the shell prompt, type the following command to connect to the VPlexcli:
vplexcli
b. Establish a PuTTY session to the MMCS in Cluster 2.
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l If no:
Repeat Connecting to the MMCS for Cluster 2.
Verify the product version for Cluster 2

Procedure
1. From the VPlexcli prompt on Cluster 2, type the following command to connect to
all local directors:
Note: This command uses the directors’ default name, for example, director-1-1-A.
2. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the version -a command.

The next step depends on the Product Version:
l If the Product Version is lower than the required GeoSynchrony version in the Dell EMC
VPLEX Release Notes, upgrade the software on the cluster.
l If the Product Version matches the required GeoSynchrony version in the Dell EMC
VPLEX Release Notes and proceed with the configuration.
system, refer to "Upgrading an Unconfigured System" in the full version of the Dell EMC
VPLEX VS6 Configuration Guide or the document for configuring unconfigured systems, both
Verify the cluster health on cluster 2

Procedure
exit
Page 57 of 80
In the output, confirm that operational status and health state are ok.
vplexcli
Synchronize the time on the clusters

From the VPlexcli prompt on Cluster 2, type the following command, which synchronizes
the time on Cluster 2 with the time on Cluster 1.
About this task
configuration sync-time
Note: You will be prompted to enter the external IP address for MMCS-A because the internal
network is not yet up. The synchronization might cause your VPlexcli or shell session to end. If
this happens, log in again.
Launch the EZ-Setup Wizard on Cluster 2

About this task
Procedure
l VPlexcli In the VPLEX CLI of cluster 2, type the following command, and follow the steps in
the automated interview:
NOTICE If you see a message stating that the management server is not reachable, you
can ignore that message.
Note: At any time during the interview part of the setup, you can exit EZ-Setup by typing
the command exit. To resume the setup, type the command configuration system-
setup again. EZ-Setup returns to the first step, and any values you already entered now
appear as the new default values.
If you are prompted to enter the IB switch password, use the default password listed in the Dell
EMC VPLEX Security Configuration Guide.
Page 58 of 80
Expose Cluster 2 back-end storage

Procedure
1. Use either the VPLEX Port WWN Calculator or the VPlexcli to determine the VPLEX back-
end ports that you will zone to the storage ports:
l Using the Port WWN Calculator — If you have not already done this, download the
calculator referred to in the Verifying Operation section at the beginning of this guide.
Launch the calculator and follow the instructions.
l VPlexcli Using the VPlexcli on Cluster 2, type the following command to list all director
port WWNs (identified in the command output as addresses):
Implementation and Planning Best Practices for Dell EMC VPLEX Technical Notes, available on
Dell EMC Online Support.
Resume EZ-Setup on Cluster 2

VPlexcli From the VPlexcli prompt on Cluster 2, type the following command:
About this task
Wait several minutes for array rediscovery to complete before you proceed to the next task.
Note: If at any point you need to cancel all the EZ-Setup steps you have performed, you can
revert the setup.
Restart the web server if necessary

About this task
If you configured the cluster for authentication directory service (such as LDAP/AD),
type the following commands:
webserver stop
webserver start
Create a meta-volume on Cluster 2

Procedure
1. Type the following command on Cluster 2, which lists available storage volumes
that meet the requirements for a meta-volume (78 GB or larger, and unclaimed):
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backup volume.
2. To create the meta-volume and a mirror, type the following command on Cluster
2: meta-volume create --name meta-volume_name -d storage-
l where:
meta-volume_name is the name of the new meta-volume.
l storage-volume_1_name is the name (beginning with VPD83T3:) of the first storage-
volume identified.
l storage-volume_2_name is the name of the second storage-volume identified.
Copy storage volume names from the output of configuration show-meta-
volume-candidates and paste it into the meta-volume create command.
3. To display the meta-volume status, type the following command on Cluster 2:
4. To display the cluster status, type the following command on Cluster 2:
cluster status
Cluster cluster-n
Page 60 of 80
health-state: ok
health-indications:
Set a backup schedule for Cluster 2

Select the same time for backups that you selected for Cluster 1.
About this task
VPLEX creates two backup volumes, each namedactive_meta-volume_name_ backup_timestamp.
Note that this process takes up to 10 minutes.
Procedure
1. To configure meta-data backups, select two unclaimed volumes (78G or greater), preferably
on two different arrays. Backups will occur automatically each day at a time you specify.
Note: All times are UTC and are not based on the local time.
2. Run configuration metadata-backup. Respond to the prompts. An example session

follows:
Available Volumes for Meta-data Backup
Name Capacity Vendor IO

Type Array Name
---------------------------------------- -------- ------ Status
----------- ---------------------------
---------------------------------------- -------- ------ ------
----------- ---------------------------
VPD83T3:60000970000197200574533030393346 100G EMC alive
traditional EMC-SYMMETRIX-197200574
VPD83T3:60000970000197200574533030393430 100G EMC alive
traditional EMC-SYMMETRIX-197200574
VPD83T3:600601601a3035002834d84975cee411 100G DGC alive
traditional EMC-CLARiiON-APM00140215986
VPD83T3:600601601a3035003f437d6e75cee411 100G DGC alive
VPD83T3:600601601a30350056ac7593e2c8e411 80G DGC alive
VPD83T3:600601601a3035005ff1498575cee411 100G DGC alive
VPD83T3:600601601a303500bb164c40e3c8e411 80G DGC alive
VPD83T3:600601601a303500d89ed37ee2c8e411 80G DGC alive
VPD83T3:600601601a303500dce1d2bbe2c8e411 80G DGC alive
VPD83T3:600601601a303500e571355c75cee411 100G DGC alive
VPD83T3:600601601a303500e6545366e2c8e411 80G DGC alive
VPD83T3:600601601a303500ff5f463975cee411 100G DGC alive
Please select volumes for meta-data backup, preferably from two

different arrays
(volume1,volume2):VPD83T3:60000970000197200574533030393430,VPD83T3:6006016
01a3035002834d84975cee411
What hour of the day (UTC) should the meta-data be backed up? (0..23):
2
What minute of the hour should the meta-data be backed up? (0..59): 15
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VPLEX is configured to back up meta-data every day at 02:15 (UTC).
Would you like to change the time the meta-data is backed up? [no]:
You have chosen to configure the backup of the meta-data. Please note:
All times are
UTC and are not based on the local time.
Review and Finish
Review the configuration information below. If the values are correct,

enter
yes (or simply accept the default and press Enter) to start the
setup process. If the values are not correct, enter no to go back and
make
changes or to exit the setup.
Meta-data Backups
Meta-data will be backed up every day at 02:15.
The following volumes will be used for the backup
:VPD83T3:60000970000197200574533030393430,VPD83T3:600601601a30350028
34d84975cee411
Would you like to run the setup process now? [yes]: yes
Scheduling the backup of metadata...
Performing metadata backup (This will take a few minutes)
Successfully performed the initial backing up of metadata
Successfully scheduled the backing up of metadata
Successfully scheduled the metadata backup
The metadata backup has been successfully scheduled.

--------------------
Register Cluster 2
You must register the cluster with Dell EMC in order to receive service.
About this task
Type the following command, and follow the instructions:
Deploy each cluster on the ESRS

ESRS must be deployed by Dell EMC personnel. If ESRS will be used in the VPLEX
implementation, Dell EMC personnel should follow the procedure described in the ESRS
documentation on the GTS website, in the Application Download area, under Dell EMC Secure
Remote Support Gateway > Implementation > Install Procedure.
About this task
Note: The next two tasks are performed on Cluster 1.
Page 62 of 80
Complete the EZ-Setup on Cluster 1

From the VPlexcli prompt on Cluster 1, type the following command:
About this task
The EZ-Setup Wizard performs the following steps on the cluster:

l Configures VPN for inter-cluster communication
l Establishes a secure connection between the clusters
l Enables the WAN COM ports
l Connects to Cluster 2’s directors
After the setup script completes, the VPlexcli prompt appears.
Synchronize the time on the clusters

From the VPlexcli prompt on Cluster 2, type the following command, which synchronizes
the time on Cluster 2 with the time on Cluster 1:
About this task
configuration sync-time -f -i 128.221.252.33
Note: The synchronization might cause your VPlexcli or shell session to end. If this happens,
log in again.
Restart the web server on Cluster 1 if necessary

If you configured the cluster for authentication directory service (LDAP/AD), type the
following commands:
About this task
webserver stop
webserver start
Complete the EZ-Setup on Cluster 2

From the VPlexcli prompt on the MMCS for Cluster 2, type the following command:
About this task
The EZ-Setup Wizard performs the following steps on the cluster:

l Enables the WAN COM ports
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l Connects to Cluster 1’s directors

After the setup script completes, the VPlexcli prompt appears.
Note: Syncing time on the management server may cause VPN to require a restart. Please
confirm by entering yes when prompted.
Configure the WAN interfaces

Procedure
l Configure the FC WAN interfaces.
1. VPlexcli Using the VPlexcli, type ll /engines/**/ports -p to list all director ports.
2. Follow the recommendations in the Implementation and Planning Best Practices for EMC
VPLEX Technical Notes to zone the WAN COM ports. The tool to calculate WWN is available
at https://gscloud.psapps.emc.com/wwn/.
3. Ensure that the SLIC 2 on all directors denotes A2-FC0* or B2-FC0* for FC connectivity.
n Director A FC WAN Interface should display
Cluster-1
A2-FC00 0xc001448781261000 wan-com up
A2-FC01 0xc001448781261100 wan-com up
Cluster-2
A2-FC00 0xc001448781e91000 wan-com up
A2-FC01 0xc001448781e91100 wan-com up
n Director B FC WAN Interface should display:
Cluster-1
B2-FC00 0xc001448781269000 wan-com up
B2-FC01 0xc001448781269100 wan-com up
Cluster-2
B2-FC00 0xc001448781e91000 wan-com up
B2-FC01 0xc001448781e91100 wan-com up
4. For IP connectivity, do the following:

a. Locate and download the VPLEX IP COM Configuration Worksheet on EMC Online
Support: EMC Online Support > Support by Product > Search Support VPLEX >
Tools > IPComConfigWorksheet_v.x.x.zip
b. Follow the instructions in the worksheet, and enter the required input.
c. Click Generate Command Script.
This generates a script file named IPWANSetupCmd.py on the PC from which you
opened the worksheet.
d. Use SCP to copy IPWANSetupCmd.py to the directory /var/log/VPlex/cli on the
MMCS on which you will perform IP WAN COM configuration.
e. From the VPlexcli prompt on the MMCS, type the following command:
script -i IPWANSetupCmd
f. After the script imported completes, type the following command:
configuration ip-wan-setup
Page 64 of 80
Note: Follow the recommendations in Implementation and Planning Best Practices in EMC
VPLEX Technical Notes and the Configuration Worksheet to configure Metro IP
connectivity.
Verify cluster connectivity

About this task
connectivity validate-wan-com
In the output, confirm that all local and remote directors are reachable.
Output example:
Determining expected connectivity...

Determining actual connectivity...
Comparing expected and actual connectivity...
All expected connectivity is present.
Join the clusters

From the VPlexcli prompt on MMCS-A, type the following command on VPlexcli Cluster
2.
About this task
Run the configuration join-clusters command to verify connectivity between Cluster 1’s
directors and Cluster 2’s directors, joining the directors into a unified configuration.
Create logging volumes

VPLEX uses logging volumes to track changes during a loss of connectivity or loss of a volume that
is a mirror in a distributed device. You must create a logging volume on each cluster. Each logging
volume must be large enough to contain one bit for every page of distributed storage space
(approximately 10 GB of logging volume space for every 160 TB of distributed devices).
About this task
The logging volumes experience much I/O during and after link outages. The recommended best
practice is to stripe each logging volume across many disks for speed, and also to have a mirror (on
another fast disk), because this is important data.
CAUTION If a logging volume does not exist, every link failure could cause a full
synchronization of every distributed device in the system.
Volumes you designate for logging volumes must be clean (have zeros written) before they can be
used.
An example of how to clean all data from the given disk follows. Perform all steps on both clusters.
WARNING This command will erase all data on the disk.
Procedure
1. Find unused storage-volumes of sufficient size. Storage-volumes marked as unclaimed or
claimed are acceptable.
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2. On MMCS-A, type the following command to list the storage volumes:
VPlexcli:/> ll /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/storage-elements/storage-
volumes
3. Type the following command on Cluster 2 to claim the storage volumes to use for
the logging volume:
storage-volume claim -n storage_volume_name storage_volume_ID
where:
l storage_volume_name is a unique name you are assigning to the volume.

VPD43T4:710601808cc0250018f264971e83de10) in the output from step 1.
use the command storage-volume claimingwizard, as described in the EMC
VPLEX CLI Guide.
4. Type the following command to create the logging volume:
VPlexcli:/> extent create storage_volume_name,storage_volume_name,...
A separate extent is created for each storage volume specified. Extents are named
extent_storage_volume_name_001.
5. Type the following command to create the logging volume.
VPlexcli:/> logging-volume create -d stripe_depth name raid_geometry

extent_1,extent_2 [,...,extent_n]
where:
l name is the name of the logging volume.

l raid_geometry is the RAID type: raid-0 or raid-1.
l extent names the extents that make up the logging volume.
l -d stripe_depth is required only if geometry is raid-0. The stripe depth must be:
n Greater than zero, but no greater than the number of blocks of the smallest element
of the RAID 0 device being created.
Note: A depth of 32 means that 128 K (32 x 4 K) is written to the first disk, the
next 128 K is written to the next disk, and so on. For example, on Cluster 2, you
enter the following command:
VPlexcli:/> logging-volume create –d 32 cluster_2_log raid-0 ext1,ext2
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Check the cluster health

Procedure
1. Type the following command on VPlexcli Cluster 1:
health-check

3. On VPlexcli Cluster 2, repeat the health-check command, and confirm the
output as described in the previous step.
Expose storage to hosts

Use a VPlexcli session or the VPLEX Management Console GUI to perform this task.
Recommendations:
l If a storage volume is equal to or larger than the desired virtual volume capacity, create an
extent the size of the desired virtual volume.
l If a storage volume is smaller than the desired virtual volume capacity, create a single extent
per storage volume, and then use devices to concatenate or stripe these extents into a larger
device.
l Create one view for each set of hosts that require access to the same storage.
You can use the VPlexcli or the Management Console GUI to expose storage. The basic steps are
the same for either. Refer to the Dell EMC VPLEX Administrator's Guide for specific tasks to
perform when exposing storage to hosts.
If you are using the GUI

To use the GUI:
Procedure
1. Open a browser and type the following, where mgmt_server_address is the IP address of
the management server's public IP port:
https://mgmt_server_address
2. Log in with username service.

Note: If the security message screen was enabled during system setup, a security
message appears. Read the message, and then click Continue.
3. Click System Status to view the status of the system, clusters, and directors. Confirm that
the health state and operational status are ok.
The following example shows the Unisphere for VPLEX provisioning screen with all status
OK.
Page 67 of 80
Figure 21 Provisioning Storage (status OK)
4. To begin provisioning and exporting storage, click Provision Storage on the main screen of
the Unisphere for VPLEX Online Help screen (shown in the following figure).
Note: To display online help and product information, click the question mark at the
upper right corner of the screen. To display documentation and additional resources for
the current VPLEX release, click Support on the navigation bar.
If you are using the VPLEX CLI

About this task
Refer to the Dell EMC VPLEX CLI Reference Guide for details about using VPLEX CLI commands.
To claim and name a storage volume:
Procedure
1. To display a list of available storage volumes, type the following commands:
cd /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/storage-elements/storage-volumes
ls
2. To claim and name a storage volume, type the following command, where:
l storage_volume_name is an unique name you are assigning to the volume.
VPD43T4:710601808cc0250018f264971e83de10).
storage-volume claim -n storage_volume_name -d storage_volume_ID
Page 68 of 80
use the command storage-volume claimingwizard, as described in the Dell
EMC VPLEX CLI Reference Guide.
3. To create the extent, type the following command:
extent create -d storage_volume_name
In you do not include any arguments, this command creates an extent the size of the
storage volume. However, you can create multiple smaller extents (up to 128 per storage
volume).
Note: Extents are named and claimed automatically.
4. To verify that the extent was created, type the following command:
ls /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/storage-elements/extents
/clusters/cluster-1/storage-elements/extents:
5. To create the RAID device, type the following commands:
cd /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/devices
local-device create device_name -g[raid-0|raid-1|raid-c] -e
extent,extent
Page 69 of 80
6. To create the virtual volume, type the following commands:
cd /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/virtual-volumes
create -r device_name
7. To list the initiator ports, type the following command:
ll /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/exports/initiator-ports
8. To register each initiator port, type the following commands, where:

l initiator_port is the human readable name of the initiator port.
l type is the initiator type: hpux, sun-vcs, aix, or default.
cd /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/exports/initiator-ports
export initiator-port register -i initiator_port -p portWWN|nodeWWN -
t type
9. To create and export the storage view, type the following commands:
storage-view create -c /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/ -n
storage_view_name -p VPLEX_port,VPLEX_port
10. To add each initiator port to the storage view, type the following commands:
storage-view addinitiatorport -v storage_view_name -i
initiator_port,initiator_port
11. To add the virtual volumes to the storage view, type the following commands:
storage-view addvirtualvolume -v storage_view_name -o virtual-
volume_name
12. To verify the status of the storage view, type the following commands:
cd /clusters/cluster-Cluster_ID/exports/storage-views
export storage-view summary
Page 70 of 80
View health summary(cluster-1):

view name health-state exported volumes ports registered
initiators
----------- ------------ ---------------- ----- ----------
VMware_view healthy 2 4 4
Total 5 views, 0 unhealthy.
Perform a rescan
After provisioning and exporting storage, perform a rescan from the host to verify that the
exported virtual volume is visible.
Install license
For VPLEX GeoSynchrony release 6.1 and above, install an appropriate license for your
configuration. Refer to the VPLEX Administration Guide for more information.
Register SRSv3
For VPLEX GeoSynchrony release 6.1.1 and later, to register SRSv3, use VPLexcli command esrs
register. For more information, see VPLEX Admin guide.
Note: SRSv3 is required for transferring license usage data to Dell EMC.
Note: SRSv3 is not a replacement for legacy SRS and it is limited to IPv4.
(Optional) Perform Cluster Witness setup

About this task
Note: Cluster Witness is the method used to implement the VPLEX Witness feature.
If you plan to deploy the VPLEX Witness function, follow the steps in the Cluster Witness
deployment procedure, available through the SolVe Desktop, which you can download from Dell
EMC Online Support.
Reverting the setup

If at any point you need to cancel all the EZ-Setup steps you performed, you can revert to the pre-
setup state.
To revert the setup, type the following command from the VPlexcli prompt:
configuration system-reset. This operation works only if no meta-volume exists and no
storage is exposed to hosts.
The operation returns your system to a pre-configured state, including:
l Logically disconnecting the directors from the MMCS
l Disabling call-home notifications if they are enabled
l Disabling the front-end ports
Page 71 of 80
Note: After EZ-Setup completes on cluster 2, the VPN gateway on cluster 1 may appear to be
unreachable, as indicated by the message:
VPlexcli:/> vpn status Verifying the VPN status between the management servers...
IPSEC is UP Remote Management Server at IP Address 10.7.42.27 is reachable
Remote Internal Gateway addresses are not reachable
If you see this message, contact EMC customer support for assistance.
Page 72 of 80
Page 73 of 80
CHAPTER 4
Upgrading an Unconfigured System
Note: This procedure applies only to a new installation. If you need to upgrade an existing
VPLEX implementation, then launch the generator and follow the directions for the upgrade
procedure.
l Before you begin................................................................................................................... 70

l Upgrade the Management Server (without OS upgrade) ..................................................... 70
l Verify the cluster health.........................................................................................................71
Page 74 of 80
Before you begin

Download the following files from the software download area on EMC Support Online to your
laptop:
For VPLEX Metro, you must perform this procedure on each cluster’s management server. The
steps assume you are upgrading Cluster 1 first. To upgrade without OS upgrade, download the
following .tar files.
l VPlex-version-management-server-package.tar
l VPlex-version-director-firmware-package.tar
Upgrade the Management Server (without OS upgrade)

Procedure
1. Ensure that all the local directors are connected before proceeding with the upgrade. If
directors are not connected to VPlexcli, follow the steps below to connect them:
a. If you are not logged into VPLEX CLI:
a. From the shell prompt, type the following command to connect to the
VPlexcli:
vplexcli
b. Log in with username service.
b. From the VPlexcli prompt, type the following command to connect to all local directors:
Note: This command uses the directors’ default name, for example, director-1-1-A. If
you are unable to connect to the directors through the VPLEX CLI (but, you can ping
the directors from the MMCS successfully), follow the procedure described in the
2. Log out from the VPlexcli prompt on the management server, if you are logged into it. Type
the following command, to do so:
exit
3. Copy the following files from your laptop to the directory /tmp on the management server
in cluster 1.
l VPlex-version-management-server-package.tar
l VPlex-version-director-firmware-package.tar
4. From the shell prompt, type the following command:
VPlex-MS-installer /tmp/VPlex-version-management-server-package.tar
Page 75 of 80
The install script will determine if a reboot is necessary. If a reboot is necessary the script
itself will initiate the reboot. You would see the following output before the reboot:
...
Broadcast message from root (pts/1) (Mon Jun 9 16:56:36 2014):
System packages have been updated.
The system is going DOWN for reboot in 2 minutes!
The system is going DOWN for reboot in 1 minute!
The system is going down for reboot NOW!
5. If the management server did not reboot, proceed to the next step, else wait for the
management server to come back up, establish an SSH session to the management server,
and log in with username service.
ndu pre-config-upgrade -u
/tmp/VPlex-version-director-firmware-package.tar
Messages track the status of the upgrade and notify you when it is complete.
version -a
In the output, confirm the following:

l The Product Version is what you expect to see.
l All directors in the cluster are running the same version as each other.
8. VPLEX Metro only - Repeat the previous steps for Cluster 2 on the Cluster 2 management
server and VPlexcli.
Note: Because this is a new installation, the director addresses are the system defaults,
which match those on Cluster 1. The EZ-Setup procedure resets the addresses for
Cluster 2.

Procedure
health-check

Page 76 of 80
Page 77 of 80
INDEX
A
audience 5
C
checklist 10
cluster health 25, 47, 52
Cluster Witness;VPLEX Witness 66
comments 5
conventions for publication 5
E
expose storage 62
EZ-setup 53
EZ-Setup 26, 48
F
files 70
I
IP address 16, 38
L
LEDs:IB switch 12
LEDs:MMCSr 12
LEDs:UPS 12
P
preface 5
PuTTY 20, 43
R
related documentation 5
Reverting setup 35, 66
S
support information 5
U
unconfigured upgrade 70
upgrade 70
W
web server, restarting 28, 54
Page 78 of 80
Index
Page 79 of 80
Page 80 of 80

VPLEX - VPLEX Installation and Upgrade Procedures-Install VPLEX Cluster

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VPLEX SolVe Generator

Solution for Validating your engagement

Generated: July 24, 2022 12:35 PM GMT

Publication Date: July, 2022

Dell Technologies Confidential Information version: 2.9.0.91

Full VS6 Configuration Guide..................................................................................................5

Dell Technologies Confidential Information version: 2.9.0.91

Read, understand, and perform these tasks

335501: To provide feedback on the content of generated procedures

VPLEX Top Service Topics

Dell Technologies Confidential Information version: 2.9.0.91

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VS6 Configuration Guide

2 Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide

Chapter 1 Verifying Operations 9

Chapter 2 Configuring a VPLEX Local implementation 15

Chapter 3 Configuring a VPLEX Metro implementation 37

Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide 3

Launch the EZ-Setup Wizard............................................................................ 48

Chapter 4 Upgrading an Unconfigured System 69

4 Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide

Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide 5

Note: Presents information that is important, but not hazard-related.

Table 1 Typographical conventions

Bold Used for names of interface elements, such as names of windows,

italic Used for full titles of publications referenced in text

Monospace italic Used for variables

[] Square brackets enclose optional values

| Vertical bar indicates alternate selections - the bar means “or”

{} Braces enclose content that the user must specify, such as x or y or

... Ellipses indicate nonessential information omitted from the example

Where to get help

6 Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide

Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide 7

8 Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide

Perform these checks and tasks to ensure successful configuration.

l Perform preliminary tasks...................................................................................................... 10

Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide 9

Perform preliminary tasks

Table 2 Preliminary checklist

Download and complete the Dell EMC VPLEX Configuration Worksheet,

If you need to upgrade to the latest version of Geosynchrony before

See the VPLEX Configuration Worksheet to verify MMCS passwords.

Provide a maximum average response time of 10 ms (for random 4K reads).

1. Expose disks used for metadata to the Linux host.

dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sdbg conv=notrunc

10 Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide

Table 2 Preliminary checklist (continued)

unavailability if a single VPLEX component fails. Refer to the VPLEX SAN

– Internet Explorer 11 and later

Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide 11

Table 2 Preliminary checklist (continued)

download it from https://gscloud.psapps.emc.com/wwn/ and use it at any

Install and launch the SolVeDesktop as directed on Dell EMC Online

Chassis Marker LED Chassis Power LED

12 Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide

Figure 2 IB Switch LEDs

LEDs are as follows, top to bottom:

Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide 13

Figure 5 UPS (front-view)

On battery Replace battery

14 Dell EMC VPLEX™ GeoSynchrony VS6 Configuration Guide

Perform these tasks to configure a VPLEX Local system.