Expand existing MSA2040 with HPE Modular Smart Array 2050 SFF Disk Enclosure - Q1J07A

[mbwmn]

I am about to try to add SAN storage to our existing VMWare 6.5 SAN (MSA2040) by adding an additional drive housing Q1J07A (MSA2050).
1) Are these 'hot-pluggable' using supplied SAS cables? That is, my my existing MSA2040 unit connects to switches/servers via fiber.  Can i simply plug the SAS cable in and power up the new Q1J07A (MSA2050) unit while the old is being utilized, or do both boxes need to be powered down, then connected, then powered up?
2) How do I configure the new drives?  Do I use the MSA2040 GUI (or CLI) for the Q1J07A (MSA2050)? Does it show up simply as another row of drives, and I start from there?

[Shawn_K · Accepted solution]

Hello,

Yes, the MSA2050 JBOD enclosure is hot pluggable. Be sure you follow all the recommended guides on racking and power. Once the enclosure is properly installed you can simple insert the SAS cables, allow the MSA2040 time to scan the backend and add the new drives.

Once the new drives have been discovered you can use the MSA2040 SMU or the MSA2040 CLI. You cannot connect to the  MSA2050 JBOD enclosure and configure the new drives.

Good luck!

Cheers,
Shawn

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