Friday, 11 December 2015

Operating an Internal Cloud Server


Huawei RH5885 V3 - Unboxing
Today will go down to earth, let's talk about Hardware and see what and how is arranged inside operating an internal cloud server Huawei Tecal RH5885H V3.
It is on this model, a cluster of server’s deployed virtualization IaaS-service. Recall that on the same servers we live hypervisor and distributed virtual storage VMware VSAN. Before we proceed directly to the unboxing, a few words on why chose this model. No, it's not an Asian import substitution.
1.     In its virtualization clusters, we use 4-a socket servers because they allow you to allocate more cores on one virtual machine. This server meets this parameter.
2.     The server was needed for a specific architecture with solutions VSAN. As we mentioned in the previous post, we have VMware Hardware Compatibility List, suitable for the construction of a virtual storage system. Among this sample we need 4 of socket server is not too much.
3.     This model, unlike analog, available on the market, operates on a series of processors Intel Xeon E 7.
4.     Cluster configuration implies the presence of 24 disks per server. This model allows you to create just three disk group, each of which is 7 hard drives and 1 SSD (in this case, take their place PCIe flash card).
5.     Finally, the price-quality ratio. It is clear that all 4 of socket servers - its enterprise-solutions that are good value for money. But even in this market segment have models reviewed above or below. The selected model just gives a lot of opportunities, but at a lower cost.
6.     And he with green accents (our corporate color), and here we could not resist :). Let's get started.

In the photo below we see a well-designed and carefully executed ventilation system with front access and filters.
Fans can be changed "on the hot." In order for the repair work the cold air is not "funneling" through an empty hole in each module is provided cap, which prevents parasitic air exchange.
Now's go inside. Thanks to its modular structure, the server can be separated without any tools. What is particularly pleased because it is very detailed and very visual circuit assembly \ dismantling server modules: everywhere there are explanations as for what to catch, marking the constituent elements of the server (disk modules, processors, and so forth), In general, do not get lost.
Right - the two expansion module to install a PCIe card.
This configuration uses a PCIe card 4 - 3 PCIe SSD ES3000 and 1 PCIe Ethernet Adapter. Interface Card CN21ITGAA000 made based on the Intel 82599 and has a 2 x 10G external network interface. Another 2 x 10G adapter is integrated on the motherboard.
Go ahead. In the middle - a compartment with 4 processors Intel Xeon E7-4830 v2. Left - a compartment with memory cards installed RDIMM.
We're going to install. At this stage, everything went without too much difficulty. The only thing that has raised questions to the server device is complete slide. You could do and more convenient.
To manage the server and its services available to the entire standard in today's technology - BMC, IPMI, SOL, KVM over IP and Virtual Media.
Access to the service processor is carried out, including through the touchpad. C it means you can set the appropriate settings of the service processor, check the status of all components of the server, and even play a game of Tetris.
View from the hot aisle include: meals from different beams connected to two PSU, which are reserved and allow replacing hot-swappable.
That's all. What we can say at the end of 6 months of operation: the servers are stable and do not cause any problems with the operation and maintenance. Is not this the most important thing in iron?