Configure the Head Node for iSCSI Deployment

 

Applies To: Microsoft HPC Pack 2008 R2, Microsoft HPC Pack 2012, Microsoft HPC Pack 2012 R2

The first step in the deployment process of iSCSI boot nodes is to configure your head node for iSCSI deployment.

You start the configuration process by installing on the head node the provider for your iSCSI storage arrays. After the iSCSI provider for your storage arrays is installed, the Required iSCSI Deployment Tasks list is available in Configuration, under iSCSI Deployment. This list guides you through the rest of the process of deploying iSCSI boot nodes.

Depending on the requirements of your iSCSI storage arrays, the next step in the configuration process of your head node is to configure the iSCSI provider for your specific deployment. For example, you might need to specify the size of the logical unit numbers (LUN) that will be created for the iSCSI boot nodes in your storage arrays, or specify the credentials that will be used to connect to your storage arrays.

To complete the configuration of your head node, you start following the steps in the Required iSCSI Deployment Tasks list, and add the iSCSI storage arrays that you want to use for iSCSI deployment.

To configure the head node for iSCSI deployment

1. On the head node of your HPC cluster, exit HPC Cluster Manager if it is currently open.

2. Insert the installation media for the iSCSI provider, or copy the installation files to the head node.

3. Install the iSCSI provider by running the Windows Installer file that is included with the installation files (.msi file name extension), or by following the instructions provided in the documentation that accompanies the installation files.

4. After the iSCSI provider is installed, open HPC Cluster Manager.

5. To verify that the iSCSI provider installed properly, in Configuration, in the Navigation pane, click iSCSI Deployment. The Required iSCSI Deployment Tasks list is displayed, and information about the iSCSI provider that you installed is listed under Head node configuration.

6. If necessary, configure the iSCSI provider for your deployment:

   1. On the head node of your HPC cluster, exit HPC Cluster Manager if it is currently open.

   2. Follow the documentation that is provided with the installation files for the iSCSI provider to configure it for deployment.

7. If you made any changes to the iSCSI storage provider, restart the HPC Management Service on the head node:

   For HPC Pack 2008 R2 and earlier versions:

   1. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Services. (Or you can type Services in the Search programs and files box, and then click Services in the list of results for programs.)

   2. In the list of services, right-click HPC Management Service, and then click Restart.

   For HPC Pack 2012:

   1. On the Start screen, type Administrative Tools, and in the Search bar, click Settings. (Or you can open Control Panel, click System and Security, and then click Administrative Tools.)

   2. In the list of services, right-click HPC Management Service, and then click Restart.

8. To add the iSCSI storage arrays that you want to use for iSCSI deployment:

   1. In HPC Cluster Manager, in Configuration, in the Navigation pane, click iSCSI Deployment.

   2. In the Required iSCSI Deployment Tasks list, under Head node configuration, click Add iSCSI storage arrays. The iSCSI Storage Array Editor appears.

   3. In the iSCSI Storage Array Editor, click Add iSCSI Storage Array.

   4. Type a name for the new storage array, type its management IP address, and optionally type a description for the storage array.

   5. To verify that the head node can connect to the storage array, click Validate iSCSI Storage Array.

      Important

      If validation fails:

      • The head node computer might not have the necessary rights and permissions to communicate with and make changes on the storage arrays. You must provide the necessary rights and permissions to the head node computer so that the HPC services running on the head node can perform iSCSI configuration tasks on the storage arrays.

      • Review the IP address that you typed, ensure that the storage arrays is properly configured, and then try again to validate it.

   6. To save the iSCSI storage array that you added, click Save.

   7. To add more storage arrays, repeat the previous steps.

Additional considerations

• For more information, see Overview of HPC Cluster Manager.

Additional references

• Understanding iSCSI Deployment

• iSCSI Deployment