View source for Supermicro Server Build Guidelines

<center><font size = "5">''' SuperMicro'''<br></font>

<font size = "5">'''Server Setup Guidelines'''</font></center>

----

= Application Purpose and Scope =

<font color="#292526">This document covers the setup of SuperMicro servers.</font>

= Firmware Setup =

== BIOS Setup ==

The BIOS settings are required to enable field service, in case of server issues.  We will want to set the BIOS Serial Console to use COM 1 and use 9600 baud.

In order to get into the BIOS setup, a keyboard and monitor must be connected.  The keyboard must be a USB style keyboard.  The monitor can be any VGA-style monitor.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_00.PNG|thumb|none|550px|SuperMicro Splash Screen]]

To get into the BIOS Setup, power on the server and press the "DEL" key on the keyboard when the option appears.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_01.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Advanced BIOS configuration]]

When the BIOS Setup utility comes up, navigate to the "Advanced" tab.

=== Boot Features ===

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_02.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Boot Feature Default Settings]]

In the "Boot Features" dialog, change the "Wait For F1 If Error" setting to "Disabled".

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_03.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Boot Features Desired Settings]]

Once all the settings match, you can press "ESC" to back out of the menu.

=== CPU Configuration ===

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_04.PNG|thumb|none|550px|CPU Configuration Default Settings]]

At this time, there appears that the default settings are sufficient, however ensure that all settings appear as shown below.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_05.PNG|thumb|none|550px|CPU Configuration Desired Settings]]

Once all the settings match, you can press "ESC" to back out of the menu.

=== Super IO (Serial Port) Configuration ===

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_06.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Super IP Configuration Menu]]

==== Serial Port 1 Configuration ====

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_07.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Serial Port 1 Default Settings]]

At this time, the default settings for Serial Port 1 seem to be sufficient.  Please ensure all settings match the below.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_08.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Serial Port 1 Desired Settings]]

Once all the settings match, you can press "ESC" to back out of the menu.

==== Serial Port 2 Configuration ====

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_09.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Serial Port 2 Default Settings]]

For Serial port 2, we want to disable the serial port.  This is important for the serial console to work correctly.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_10.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Serial Port 2 Desired Settings]]

Once all the settings match, you can press "ESC" to back out of the menu.

=== Serial Port Console Redirection ===

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_11.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Console Redirection Default Settings]]

Change the COM1 "Console Redirection" setting to "Enabled".
Change the "Windows Emergency Management Services (EMS) setting to "Disabled"

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_12.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Console Redirection Desired Settings]]

Select the COM1 "Console Redirection Settings" sub-menu.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_13.PNG|thumb|none|550px|COM1 Console Redirection Default Settings]]

Change the "Bits per second" setting to "9600".
Change the "Resolution 100X31" setting to "Disabled".
Ensure all other settings are as shown below.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_14.PNG|thumb|none|550px|COM1 Console Redirection Desired Settings]]

Once all the settings match, you can press "ESC" to back out of the menu.

== IPMI (iLOM) Setup ==

Navigate to the IPMI Menu.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_15.PNG|thumb|none|550px|IPMI Menu]]

Enter the "BMC network configuration" menu sub-menu.

Change "Update IPMI LAN configuration" setting to "Yes".
Change "Configuration Address source" setting to "Static".
Assign "Station IP Address", "Subnet Mask" and "Gateway IP Address" with correct values for the server.

The configuration should look similar to the below display, except with different IP/Subnet mask/Gateway information.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_16.PNG|thumb|none|550px|IPMI Desired Settings]]

Once all the settings match, you can press "ESC" to back out of the menu.

== Save & Exit BIOS Utility ==

When all settings have been made and verified, press "F4" to save the configuration and exit the utility.

= RAID Setup =

For the RAID setup, we want to use RAID 1 (Mirroring).

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_17.PNG|thumb|none|550px|LSI MegaRAID BIOS]]

To get into the RAID configuration utility, press <CTRL> and <H> when prompted.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_18.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Adapter Selection]]

In the example server, there is only one adapter.  You can just click on the "Start" button to continue.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_19.PNG|thumb|none|550px|MegaRADI BIOS Config Utility - Physical Configuration]]

In the "Physical Configuration" screen, select the "Configuration Wizard" link on from the left frame.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_20.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Configuration Wizard]]

Select the "New Configuration" radio button, and then click on the "Next" button to continue.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_21.PNG|thumb|none|550px|New Configuration Confirmation Page]]

Click on the "Yes" button to confirm that you want to replace the existing configuration with a new configuration.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_22.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Select Configuration Method]]

Select the "Manual Configuration" method, and click on the "Next" button to continue.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_23.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Drive Group Default]]

In this screen, you will select the drives to add to your drive group, and accept the defined drive group.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_24.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Drive Group - Select Drives]]

Select both drives, ensure that "Data Protection" is set to "Disabled" and click on the "Add To Array" button.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_25.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Drive Group - Accept DG]]

Select the Drive Group, "Drive Group0" and click on the "Accept DG" button.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_26.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Drive Group - Completed]]

Drive Group definition is now set.  Click on the "Next" button to continue.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_27.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Span Definition]]

Select the Drive Group that you just defined, and click on the "Add to SPAN" button.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_28.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Span Definition - Completed]]

When complete, click on the "Next" button to continue.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_29.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Virtual Drive Definition - Default]]

Click on the "Update Size" button.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_30.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Virtual Drive Definition - Accept]]

Set RAID Level to "RAID 1" and ensure all other selections are as shown below.
Click on the "Accept" button when complete.


[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_31.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Virtual Drive Confirmation]]

Click on the "Yes" button to confirm the new virtual drive definition.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_32.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Virtual Drive Definition - Complete]]

Click on the "Next" button to continue.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_33.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Configuration Wizard Preview]]

Click on the "Accept" button if the preview looks correct.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_34.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Configuration Wizard Confirmation]]

Click on the "Yes" button to confirm the configuration.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_35.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Initialize Confirmation]]

Click on the "Yes" button to confirm the initialization of the new virtual drive.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_36.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Virtual Drives]]

The new Virtual Drive has been saves and initialize.  You can do further initialization if desired.

Click "Back" or the "Home" icon to return to the main menu.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_37.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Main Menu - new configuration displayed]]

On the Main Menu screen, you can now see the new virtual drive definition and status.
Click the "Exit" 

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_38.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Exit Confirmation]]

Click on "Yes" to exit the application.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_39.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Configuration Completed - Need to reboot]]

After the configuration is completed, you will beed to reboot your system.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_68.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Completed Virtual Drive Setup]]

When the RAID configuration is successful, you will see the Virtual Drive in the devices list.

= Server Software Installation =

== OS Installation ==

To install the OS on the server, you must have the server connected to the network, and have the routers and switches configured for network connectivity.  The Boot CD contains just enough of the installation process to boot the server, configure the network interface on the server, and start a network installation.

You can download the correct ISO file from the kickstart distribution.

http://kikyo.home.labrats.us/pub/ISO/

=== Setup Virtual Media ===

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_40.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Virtual Media Menu]]

In the iKVM console, click on the "Virtual Media" menu, and then the "Virtual Storage" menu item.  This brings up the the virtual storage dialog.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_41.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Virtual Storage Dialog]]

Click on the "CDROM & ISO" tab.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_42.PNG|thumb|none|550px|CDROM & ISO]]

Select "ISO File" in the "Logical Drive Type" drop down field.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_43.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Open ISO File Dialog]]

Click on the "Open I[SO]" button to open the selection dialog.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_44.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Select ISO File]]

Select the ISO file on your local system, and click the "Open" button.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_45.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Plug In Media]]

Click on the "Plug In" button to make the virtual CDROM available to the remote server.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_46.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Virtual Media Active]]

Virtual media is now active.  You can click on the "OK" button to close the dialog.

=== Specify Boot Option ===

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_00.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Press "F11" for Boot Menu]]

At the Supermicro Splash Screen, press the "F11" keyboard key to trigger the boot menu option.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_47.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Boot Menu]]

Specify the "IPMI Virtual CDROM" option.

=== Anaconda Installation ===

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_48.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Cobbler Menu]]

The Cobbler menu will appear after the computer boots from the CDROM.  Select the appropriate menu option.  In this case, select the IPMI option.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_49.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Loading storage drivers]]

Anaconda will start loading the installation program, and loading appropriate drivers.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_50.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Kickstart file error]]

Anaconda may complain about not being able to load the kickstart file from CDROM.  This appears to only happen while loading from the IPMI virtual media.  You should select "OK" to continue.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_51.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Specify kickstart file location]]

The kickstart file is on the CDROM.  Give the system a few seconds to get everything sorted out, and press "OK" without changing anything.  It will normally continue with the installation.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_52.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Stage 2]]

Installation will continue, and you will see it enter stage 2 installation.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_53.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Retrieving installation information]]
[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_54.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Checking dependencies]]

Continuing to collect installation information.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_55.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Formatting partitions]]

Once the installation program starts formatting the partitions, the program should be able to complete.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_56.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Starting package installation]]

The install program has a number of packages that it needs to install before it actually starts to display the package installation.  This screen will stay this way for several minutes.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_57.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Installing package 1]]

Once the package installation starts to show progress, you will see the packages start counting down, and the estimated time to completion will show.


[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_58.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Installing last package]]

Eventually, the last package will be installed.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_59.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Post-install scripts]]

After all the packages have been installed, you will see the post-install scripts start running.  This will take a couple minutes.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_60.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Installation complete]]

After the post-install scripts have completed, the install program will shut down and the server will reboot.

=== Remove Virtual Media ===

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_61.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Plug Out]]

Enter the virtual media dialog, as detailed above, and click on the "Plug Out" button to disconnect the virtual CDROM.

== OS/IP Configuration ==

=== Booting the Server ===

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_62.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Grub Stage 2]]

If you need to change the boot options, press space at this time.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_63.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Grub Menu]]

If you need to change the boot options, here is where you change it.  You can select Serial or Monitor console, but it will default to serial.  Both will be given a login prompt after the server start up.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_64.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Server Login Prompt]]

The server has completed it's boot process.

=== Log into Server ===

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_65.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Enter Username]]

Enter the username "server-setup" to enter the server setup account.

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_66.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Enter Password]]

Enter the password that has been provided for the account.

=== Enter Server Configuration Information ===

[[Image:SUPERMICRO_SERVER_BIOS_67.PNG|thumb|none|550px|Enter Server Hostname/IP information]]

Enter the Server Hostname (FQDN), IP, Netmask, Gateway, and Ethernet interface.

Server will configure the information, and tell you that you can reboot the server when finished.  It will also log out the "server-setup" account.

= Post Install Steps =

== Validate Interfaces ==

The interfaces will often come up scrambled.  You will need to re-order the interfaces so they appear correct in the OS.

== Add to ZenOSS ==

Ensure that server is monitored in ZenOSS.