Configuring a new Unix box

[rana786]

Hi there,

I need to configure a cluster (HP-UX) with two (2Xrp3440) UNIX boxes and HP StorageWorks DS2300. I am going to do that within a few days. Please help me with answering the followings:

1. I think, rp3440 comes with the preloaded Operating System. Shall I have to reinstall it or I can start with the preloaded Operating systems.
2. The system has a video display monitor connected to the serial port. Can I able to see the display in the monitor automatically? If not what should I do then? I do not have any ASCII terminal.
3. Is it possible to assign system’s LAN IP (10/100/1000) connecting to the MP LAN (10/100)?

I know, you know all about my questions. Please help.

Best regards,
Mostafa

[Mel Burslan · Accepted solution]

First off, you have asked 3 questions before and got 16 answers and did not assign any points to people who helped you. Please show some respect and assign points to those who helped you in the past.

Coming to your questions,

1. If you have ordered the hpux preinstalled on these systems, for an additional fee (in USA it is about $150-200) it comes preloaded with OS but first thing I do is to blow it away and build my own system, but if you wish and are willing to live with the default configuration, you can use the server like that, but eventually you will need to tweak it for your specific purposes.

2. I am not sure what type of monitor you are talking about but if it came with the servers you most probably use it. On the other hand, you do not need to have ascii terminal, all you need is a null-modem type serial cable to connect your laptop's serial port to the serial console port of the pigtail like contraption which is dangling on the back end and use hyperterminal which comes with windows by default. You can use this as a console if needed.

3. yes and no. You first need to configure the IP address of the MP LAN and to do this you will need some sort of console, either ascii or graphical. Once you are at the console, you configure lan in command mode (CM from main menu) theb lan config (LC). Once you set this IP address and default gateways and all that good stuff, you can use MP LAN port as your lan console. But again I always prefer a serial console as there are certain things that you can only do from serial port but not from MP LAN. Once you connect to either ascii/graphical or MP/LAN console and reboot your system (if you will use the preinstalled hpux) it will start with the configuration screens asking you IP address, timezone, dns server, domain name etc. You just ned to enter the right values and let the server reboot one more time and you are good to go.

If somebody tried to configure the server and you can not see the configuration screens when you reboot, then log in as root, and run the command:

set_parms

This should get you going.

Hope this helps

[rana786]

Hi,
It seems, if I somehow connect to any LAN port (MP LAN or Core LAN) or Serial console port I can able to configure the systems.

But the Problem is I don't have serial cable to connect my Laptop to serial port. I only have (straight-through network cable) patch cords, Laptop and normal SUMSUNG (SyncMaster)Monitor.

So how can I get the console? Connecting only to the MP port by network cable, is it possible to get console?

Regards,
Mostafa

[Kurt Beyers.]

Mostafa,

The IP address of the MP card is changed/fixed as follows:



To configure the MP LAN static IP address, perform the following steps:

Determine the Media Access Control (MAC) address of the MP LAN interface by viewing the label located at the rear of the server.

Connect a LAN cable on your local subnet to the core I/O LAN port.

Add an Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) table entry to another host located on your local subnet. This ARP table entry maps the MAC address of the core I/O LAN interface to the IP address chosen for that interface.

Note: Adding an entry to the ARP table is typically done using the ARP command with the appropriate option. For example, arp -s is used with Windows. Consult your operating system documentation for more information.

Use the ping command from the host that has the new ARP table entry. The destination address is the IP address that is mapped to the MAC address of the MP. The MP LAN port should now be configured with the appropriate IP address.

Use the telnet command to connect to the MP from a host on the local subnet



I always do this with a cross-over cable connected to my laptop but it should work from your LAN as well.

best regards,
Kurt

[rana786]

Hi Kurt,

Thanks for your reply. Could you please confirm me -

1. what do you mean by core I/O LAN port?

2. Is the MAC Address of the MP LAN interface and the MAC address of the I/O LAN interface different?

3. I will add IP using a PC (arp -s) for which interface and connecting where? ( This is related to previous question)

4. According to your reply its easy to connect to MP LAN interface. But I want to connect to real LAN interface. How is it possible?

Silly questions but please let me clear on it.

Best regards,
Mostafa

[Mel Burslan]

1. what do you mean by core I/O LAN port?

Core IO is the one that is built in to the frame but labeled as lan0 or at least it does not have MP LAN label.
it is the one in the lower side of the server if you are looking from the back of the server.
Their functions are different. MP LAN can only be used as a lan console, not as a system communication interface

2. Is the MAC Address of the MP LAN interface and the MAC address of the I/O LAN interface different?

Yes they are different as they have different hardware inside.


3. I will add IP using a PC (arp -s) for which interface and connecting where? ( This is related to previous question)

You need to configure the MP LAN interface first so that you can have a console. Without console you can not do much as far as configuring your system go. My advice (strong advice) is BUY A NULL-MODEM CABLE and use your PC/Laptop as a serial terminal. Makes life much much easier. If you have access to a 2 pieces D9 female connector, a few feet of cable (regular cat 5 cable is fine) and a soldering iron, you can manufacture one yourself. Just google the term "null modem cable pinouts diagram" you can find it easily.

4. According to your reply its easy to connect to MP LAN interface. But I want to connect to real LAN interface. How is it possible?

To connect the real lan which is your ultimate purpose, you first need to configure its address. And to be able to do that, you will need the console, hence my advice above. Serial console makes life much easier.


Please do not get this as a put-down, but from these questions, I understand your hpux knowledge is almost non-existent. Have you had any unix server build experience and if yes, what was it on ? Maybe people can give you pointers making similar points between hpux and your previous experience.

[Mahesh Kumar Malik]

Hi Mostafa

1. rp3440 comes with preloaded operating system, but you need MCServiceGuard License on each box to setup the cluster

2. You may connect Laptop with serial cable and use any Terminal Emulator to get display of system messages

3. Avoid using MPLAN for cluster. You may use serial ports for heart beat monitoring

Regards
Mahesh

[rana786]

It's great. Thanks everyone.