How To Install HCI

Newbie643386 Lv1Posted 11 Jul 2024 23:07

How to Install HCI Software (Step By Step) , Two Physical Server With Fiber channel Shared Storage (SAN) also Witness server in the VMware Virtual Machine

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Hi, i can suggest you to search in the knowledge.sangfor.com the associate hci documentation. Here there's all the information you need.
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Enrico Vanzetto Lv4Posted 17 Jul 2024 16:46
  
Hi, i can suggest you to search in the knowledge.sangfor.com the associate hci documentation. Here there's all the information you need.
jerome_itable Lv3Posted 17 Jul 2024 17:30
  
Here's a step-by-step guide on installing Sangfor HCI software with two physical servers,

a Fibre Channel SAN (Storage Area Network), and a witness server in a VMware virtual machine:

Preparation:

    Hardware Requirements: Ensure your physical servers meet the minimum hardware requirements for Sangfor HCI. Check the Sangfor documentation for your specific software version. Key requirements include:
        CPU: Intel or AMD processor with virtualization support (VT-x/AMD-V)
        Memory: Minimum 16GB RAM per server
        Storage: Adequate disk space for the Sangfor HCI software installation and sufficient SAN connectivity for data storage.
        Network: Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet NICs for communication between servers and storage.

    Fibre Channel SAN Configuration: Configure your Fibre Channel SAN according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure proper zoning and LUN (Logical Unit Number) masking for the Sangfor HCI cluster.

    Witness Server Setup:
        Install a supported version of VMware on a separate physical server or virtual machine to host the witness server.
        The witness server doesn't need high processing power or storage capacity.
        Ensure the witness server can communicate with both physical servers in the Sangfor HCI cluster.

    Download Sangfor HCI Software: Download the latest version of the Sangfor HCI software compatible with your hardware from the Sangfor website or a trusted source.

Installation:

    Physical Server Preparation:
        Back up any existing data on the server storage. The installation process will erase existing data.
        Boot the physical servers into a bootable state that can recognize your installation media (e.g., USB drive with Sangfor HCI ISO image). This often involves changing boot order settings in the server BIOS.

    Install Sangfor HCI on Physical Servers:
        On each physical server:
            Insert the bootable USB drive containing the Sangfor HCI ISO image.
            Boot the server from the USB drive.
            Follow the on-screen instructions during the Sangfor HCI installation process.
            Select the installation location on the local storage (usually a dedicated disk) for the Sangfor HCI software.
            Provide network configuration details for cluster communication.
            During installation, you'll be prompted to add the physical server to a new cluster. Configure a cluster name and password for secure communication.

3. Witness Server Configuration:

* After successfully installing Sangfor HCI software on both physical servers:
    * Access the Sangfor HCI management console using the web interface or dedicated management software.
    * Navigate to the cluster configuration section.
    * Locate the witness server configuration options.
    * Provide the IP address or hostname of your pre-configured VMware virtual machine hosting the witness server.
    * Follow the Sangfor HCI management console instructions to complete witness server integration with the cluster.

    SAN Storage Configuration:
        Once the witness server is integrated, configure the SAN storage for use within the Sangfor HCI cluster.
        Refer to the Sangfor HCI documentation and your SAN management software for specific instructions on presenting SAN LUNs to the Sangfor HCI cluster.
        The Sangfor HCI management console should provide options for adding and managing storage resources.

5. Virtualization Environment Setup:

* Within the Sangfor HCI management console, configure the virtualization environment.
* Choose between KVM or ESXi virtualization options (depending on your Sangfor HCI software version).
* Allocate storage resources from the SAN to create virtual machine storage pools.
* You can then start creating and deploying virtual machines within the Sangfor HCI cluster.

Additional Notes:

    Always consult the official Sangfor HCI documentation for your specific software version for detailed installation and configuration instructions.
    These instructions are a general guide, and specific steps might vary depending on your hardware and software configurations.
Zonger Lv5Posted 17 Jul 2024 19:39
  
Installing HCI (Hyper-Converged Infrastructure) software on two physical servers with Fiber Channel shared storage (SAN), along with a Witness server in a VMware virtual machine, typically involves several steps:

1. Prepare the Environment: Ensure the physical servers meet the hardware requirements for the HCI software. Install and configure the Fiber Channel SAN storage, ensuring it's properly connected and accessible from both servers. Set up the VMware environment where the Witness server will reside, ensuring it has adequate resources and connectivity to monitor the HCI cluster.

2. Install VMware ESXi: Install VMware ESXi hypervisor on both physical servers. This involves booting from the ESXi installation media, following the prompts to configure networking, storage, and other settings necessary for ESXi operation.

3. Configure Fiber Channel SAN: Configure the Fiber Channel SAN storage to present LUNs (Logical Unit Numbers) to both ESXi hosts. Ensure proper zoning and masking on the SAN to restrict access to authorized hosts.

4. Deploy Witness Server: Create a new virtual machine on the VMware environment designated as the Witness server. Install the operating system and configure networking to ensure it can communicate with the HCI cluster nodes.

5. HCI Software Installation: Install the HCI software on each ESXi host. This typically involves deploying a virtual appliance or OVF template provided by the HCI vendor onto each host. Configure networking, storage, and other settings as per the HCI software requirements.

6. Cluster Configuration: Use the HCI management interface or command-line tools to configure the HCI cluster. This includes adding both ESXi hosts to the cluster and integrating the Fiber Channel SAN storage as shared storage accessible to both hosts.

7. Configure High Availability: Enable High Availability (HA) and Fault Tolerance (FT) features within the HCI software configuration. Ensure that the Witness server is properly configured and recognized by the HCI cluster for quorum and failover decisions.

8. Testing and Validation: Perform thorough testing of the HCI cluster configuration. Verify failover capabilities by simulating host failures or storage path failures to ensure that virtual machines (VMs) can migrate and continue running without interruption.

9. Monitoring and Management: Set up monitoring tools and configure alerts to monitor the HCI cluster's health, performance, and capacity utilization. Ensure that all components, including the Witness server, are monitored effectively.

10. Documentation and Backup: Document the HCI configuration, including network settings, storage configurations, and cluster settings. Implement regular backups of critical configuration data, VMs, and the Witness server to ensure resilience against data loss.
Newbie290036 Lv3Posted 17 Jul 2024 23:11
  
To install HCI software on two physical servers with fiber channel shared storage (SAN) and witness server in a VMware virtual machine, follow these steps: First, create a VMware virtual machine for the witness server on one of the physical servers. Install the HCI software on the other physical server and configure it as the primary node. Connect to the witness server VM and install the HCI software. Configure the SAN storage by creating a new data store in VMware and attaching it to both physical servers. Configure the fiber channel connections between the physical servers and the SAN storage. Install the HCI software on the second physical server and configure it as a secondary node. Register the secondary node with the primary node and complete the HCI setup. Finally, configure the witness server VM as a witness node and complete the HCI cluster configuration.
Farina Ahmed Lv5Posted 18 Jul 2024 18:01
  
Start by connecting your physical servers to the SAN via fiber channel. Next, install the hypervisor (e.g., VMware ESXi) on both servers in order to install HCI software on two physical servers with fiber channel shared storage (SAN) and a witness server in a VMware virtual machine. After that, configure the SAN to ensure both servers have access to the shared storage. After that deploy the HCI management software (such as Sangfor HCI) on both servers, following the specific installation instructions provided by the HCI vendor. Configure the cluster settings and add the servers to the HCI cluster. Finally, set up a witness server on a VMware virtual machine to act as a tie-breaker in case of a split-brain scenario, ensuring it is properly configured and integrated into the HCI cluster for high availability and disaster recovery.
Tayyab0101 Lv2Posted 18 Jul 2024 18:15
  
its not that easy process which can be described in a comment.
i would like to suggest to follow official guide for this to achive Enterprise level installations.
you can get a pdf guide from sangfor portal.
Imran Tahir Lv4Posted 19 Jul 2024 19:54
  
The following procedures should be followed in order to install HCI software on two physical servers with fiber channel shared storage (SAN) and witness server in a VMware virtual machine: On one of the physical servers, first build a VMware virtual machine for the witness server. On the other physical server, install the HCI software and set it up as the main node. Install the HCI software after logging into the witness server virtual machine. Create a new data store in VMware and connect it to both of the physical servers to configure the SAN storage. Set up the fiber channel connections that connect the SAN storage to the actual servers. On the second physical server, install the HCI software and set it up as a secondary node. Link the secondary node to the main node for registration
mdamores Lv3Posted 19 Jul 2024 22:36
  
Hi,

Would suggest to refer to Sangfor's official documentation for detailed instructions and best practices and if you encounter any issues, you may contact Sanngfor support for immediate  assistance

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