This section explains how to prepare HPE Apollo 4200 Gen9 nodes for creating a Qumulo cluster. This guide is for system administrators, professional service providers, and colleagues in your organization who are responsible for installing and configuring server hardware.

Prerequisites

Qumulo Core USB Drive Installer

Step 1: Verify Your Node

  1. Shut down your node and connect a display, a keyboard, and a mouse to it.

  2. Plug the Qumulo Core USB Drive Installer into an available USB port on the node and then press the power button.

    Front Diagram of the HPE Apollo 4200 Gen9 Node

  3. On the HPE ProLiant boot screen, do one of the following:

  4. On the System Utilities page, click System Configuration > BIOS/Platform Configuration (RBSU) > Boot Options.

  5. On the Boot Options page, set Boot Mode to Legacy BIOS Mode and then press F10.

  6. Press Esc until you return to the main page.

  7. Click Reboot the System.

Step 2: Boot by Using the Qumulo Core USB Drive Installer

  1. On the HPE ProLiant boot screen, press F11.

  2. On the Boot Menu page, to boot into the Legacy BIOS One-Time Boot Menu, press Enter.

  3. In the Select ENTER to enter the Legacy BIOS One-Time Boot Menu or Esc to cancel. dialog box, press Enter.

  4. From the Default Boot Override Options menu, select 2) One Time Boot to USB DriveKey.

    Wait for Qumulo Installer to load.

  5. Select [1] Factory reset (DESTROYS ALL DATA) and when prompted type DESTROY ALL DATA.

    The platform name and SmartArray mode appear.

  6. Configure the encryption on your node.

    • If the SmartArray mode is Secure, RAID, or Encrypted, select 2) no, continue install in Non-Secure mode.

    • If the SmartArray mode is Not Secure, HBA, or Unencrypted, do the following:

      1. Select 1) SET ENCRYPTION, set SmartArrays in RAID mode, destroy all data, reboot node.

      2. After the node reboots, select 1) CONFIGURE ENCRYPTION, Set up encryption, input new keys.

        The rules for the cryptographic login password and master key appear.

Step 3: Run the Field Verification Tool (FVT)

  1. Select 1) FVT, Enter FVT sub menu.

  2. To update the node components to required versions, choose 1) FLASH, Flash components to required versions.

  3. Do one of the following:

    • If the FVT verification passes, select 2) no, return to menu, run FVT to continue install.

    • If the FVT flashes firmware, select 1) REBOOT, reboot node in 5 seconds and the continue from step 2.

Step 4: Install Qumulo Core by Using the USB Drive Installer

Perform the following steps on every node in your cluster.

  1. In the FVT, select 2) no, continue install.

    When the installation is complete, the node shuts down automatically.

  2. Remove the USB drive and power on the node.

Step 5: Create and Configure Your Cluster

  1. Review the End User Agreement, click I agree to the End User Agreement, and then click Submit.

  2. Name your cluster.

  3. On the 1. Set up cluster page, select the nodes to add to your cluster.

    As you select nodes, the installer updates the total capacity of your cluster at the bottom of the page.

  4. Confirm that the individual nodes have the expected capacity.

  5. On the 2. Confirm cluster protection level page, Qumulo Core selects the recommended 2, 3, or 4-drive protection level based on your cluster size and node type.

  6. If the Customize Protection Level option appears, you can increase your system resilience by selecting 3- or 4-drive protection.

  7. Enter a password for the administrative account and click Create Cluster.

  8. To access the Qumulo Core Web UI, connect to any node by entering its IP address into a browser.