IBM xSeries Rack Configurator Version 2.14a CONTENTS -------- 1.0 Important Information about using the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator 2.0 Change History 3.0 Minimum System Requirements 4.0 Installation and Setup Instructions 5.0 Tips for using the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator 6.0 Getting started with the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator 7.0 Trademarks and Notices 1.0 Important Information about using the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator ----------------------------------------------------------------------- NetBAY Standard Rack Cabinet: If you see a stability problem message in you Validation Report for a lightly loaded rack configuration (load less than 90kg/200lb), this message indicates that the configuration did not pass the '20% push test' defined in IEC 950 section 4.1. Stability can be improved by adding more weight at the bottom of the cabinet, installing the stabilizer plates that come with the cabinet, and bolting the cabinet to the floor. If you need more information, send a note with your Topology File (.top) to the e-mail address below. Known Problems: When doing power connections to UPS's, the Rack Configurator does not verify the number of server communication ports required. The APC 1400 is limited to one. The APC 3000 and 5000 support three. Topology files created by versions older than 2.6d are not supported by this release. Users on Microsoft Windows NT platforms with authorities lower than Administra- tor or Power user (standard user) can not launch a .top file directly. Open the file from the application. AutoConnect: The AutoConnect function attempts to, under user control, connect power, console, and remote input/output (RIO) cables for all components in the suite. AutoConnect will make connections to components using existing power and console devices. Optionally, AutoConnect can be set to add power distribution devices and console devices. Power distribution includes the Rack PDU, Single-phase Front-end PDUs, and UPSs. The Server Dual-cord PDU and the Three- phase Front-end PDU are not yet supported. The new connection logic provided by AutoConnect is also used by the Build function. There is no 'undo' function. So, you should save the topology file before running AutoConnect in case you want to return to the original configuration layout. Advanced Connectivity Technology Products: The new NetBAY Advanced Connectivity Technology (ACT) family of console switching products are now supported in the Component Catalog for adding to configurations and in the Component Connections window for making connections. They are not yet supported by Build or AutoConnect. Keep in mind, while very large configurations are possible, the number of servers managed by a single console should be kept to a reasonable number. Also, while KVM Console Switches with C2T chains attached may be connected to an LCM or RCM, management of C2T chains will be easier if the KVM Console Switch is removed and the C2T chain is connected directly to the LCM or RCM. High Voltage Single-phase Front-end PDU (p/n 37L6884): The internal design of this PDU was change to increase its load capacity. The old version had a limit of 20 amps. The new version limit is 24 amps (80% of 30 amp service). This engineering change was implemented without changing the part number. If you have a new version of this PDU that the Rack Configurator is treating like the old version, you can delete the PDU from the configuration topology, re-select the PDU from the Component Catalog, and add it to the configuration. It will now use the new limit value. 2.0 Change History -------------------- As updates and improvements are made to the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator, updated versions of the program will be available on the World Wide Web. To obtain the latest version, visit our Web site at the appropriate address below: -- Americas: http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/products/server/download.html -- Europe/Middle East/Africa: http://www.pc.ibm.com/europe/configurators -- Asia Pacific: http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/products/server/download.html If you need product support, please send e-mail to the appropriate address below: -- Americas: ibm_netfinity_rack_configurator@vnet.ibm.com -- Europe/Middle East/Africa: psg_configure@uk.ibm.com -- Asia Pacific: ibm_netfinity_rack_configurator@vnet.ibm.com If you send e-mail, please include: - Your name - Your e-mail address - Description of problem - Output file, Topology file, or any other pertinent files Version 2.14a ------------- Fixed problem with non-US console switch data. Version 2.14 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - xSeries 345 - xSeries 440 - new models - NetBAY ACT console switching products - FAStT EXP700 Fibre Channel Storage Expansion Unit - Updated FE-PDU support Version 2.13 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - xSeries 235 - xSeries 255 - xSeries 360 - new models Version 2.12a ------------- Added support for the following new product: - 2U Flat Panel Monitor Console Kit Improved Connection Window Improved AutoConnect Version 2.12 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - xSeries 360 - new model - xSeries 440 - NetBAY11 Rack Cabinet Added AutoConnect function Version 2.11 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - xSeries 200 - new models - xSeries 220 - new models - xSeries 232 - new models - xSeries 300 - new models - xSeries 330 - new models - xSeries 342 - new models Added new console switch placement rules. Enabled BUILD to function with x330 and UPS's. Updated to allow up to 8 Rack PDUs in a rack. Version 2.10a ------------- Fixed problem with C2T connection. Version 2.10 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - xSeries 232 - new models - xSeries 360 - RXE-100 Remote Expansion Enclosures - FAStT700 Storage Server - E54 Color Monitor Version 2.9c ------------ Added support for the following new products: - NetBAY 1U Flat Panel Monitor Console Kit - NetBAY 1U Flat Panel Monitor Console Kit w/o keyboard - APC 2U Smart-UPS 1400 Format of the location information has been improved. Program renamed to show emphasis on xSeries products; however, Netfinity products are still supported. Version 2.9b ------------ Added support for the following new products: - xSeries 200VL - xSeries 300 DC Power Model - xSeries 330 DC Power Model Fix for print properties not being able to be changed from within the Rack Configurator. Version 2.9a ------------ Added support for the following new products: - IBM 3600 Series LTO Tape Library - xSeries 200 - new models - xSeries 220 - new models - xSeries 232 - new models - xSeries 330 - new models - xSeries 342 - new models Fix for x330 console inlet and outlet not being displayed correctly. Fix for miscellaneus print problems, including A4 paper printing. Version 2.9 ----------- Added support for the following new products: - xSeries 130/135 - new models - xSeries 232 - xSeries 330 - new models - xSeries 342 - NetBAY42 Standard Rack - primary and expansion - NetBAY25 Standard Rack - standalone Improved placement rules for PDUs. Version 2.8b ------------ Added support for the following new products: - T540 Flat Panel Monitor - E74 Color Monitor - New models for the xSeries 200 - xSeries 300 - xSeries Internet Caching Appliance (ICA) family Version 2.8a ------------ - Fix for Front-end PDU positions and cable length. - Fix for cable length for x330 server. - New Connection Window labels. - Side Wall Compartments redefinition. - Customer Comment Section on print report. Version 2.8 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - xSeries 130/135 - xSeries 250 - xSeries 350 - xSeries 370 - NetBAY42 Enterprise Rack family Updated Fibre Channel Switch support. Version 2.7d ------------ Fix for xSeries 330 cable connection to console switches. Version 2.7c ------------ Added support for the following new products: - xSeries 330 - FastT200 Storage Server Version 2.7a ------------ -Update to component database -New perforated door Version 2.7 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - xSeries 200 - xSeries 220 - New HV and LV PDU's - Added support for new console switches Version 2.6d ------------ Added component support to the following configurator items - Flat panel monitor T54A - Reduced window resource usage - Updated power values Version 2.6c ------------ Added component support to the following configurator items - Changed the maximum number of 1400 and 3000 UPS's allowed in a rack from two to three - BTU's - Redefined calculation of power and current values - Increased functionality to window settings Version 2.6 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - Netfinity 6000R - 5000 UPS - Netfinity 7600 - Netfinity 7100 Version 2.4 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - Netfinity 5100 - Netfinity 4500R - Netfinity EXP300 - 8 Port Fibre Channel Switch - 16 Port Fibre Channel Switch Version 2.3 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - Netfinity 4000R - Netfinity FAStT EXP500 Storage Expansion Unit - Netfinity FAStT500 RAID Controller - Netfinity 8500 - Netfinity 5500 Version 2.2 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - Netfinity 4000R - Netfinity 5000 7RY,8RY - Netfinity 5500 6SU - Netfinity 5000 7RY,8RY - Netfinity 7000 M10 11Y,21Y - Netfinity 5000 7RY,8RY - Increased functionality to window settings - Fix part numbers for European countries Version 2.1 ------------ Added support for the following new products: - Netfinity 5000 - Netfinity 5500 M20 - Netfinity 5600 - Netfinity 7000 M10 - Netfinity 8600R - Netfinity EXP200 - 3502 R14 Tape Autoloader - Netfinity SP Switch Version 2.0 ------------ Redesigned user interface for the product. This version cannot be installed on OS/2. It can only be installed on Windows operating systems. 3.0 Minimum System Requirements --------------------------------- Pentium class processor 64MB of memory 60MB of disk storage Op Sys: Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT, Windows 2000 4.0 Installation and Setup Instructions ----------------------------------------- To install the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator on Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT or Windows 2000: 1. Copy the file rackcfg.exe to a temporary directory on your hard drive. 2. Exit all other Windows applications before continuing. 3. In Windows 95 or Windows NT, click the Start icon, and then click Run. 4. In the Run dialog box type ?:\XXX\rackcfg.exe where "?" is the drive letter and "XXX" is the name of the directory where you copied rackcfg.exe. Click OK. 5. The installation process will begin. The Setup program will display information screens and option prompts as the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator program is installed. Follow the installation instructions displayed on the screen. 6. When the installation is complete, you may delete the file rackcnfg.exe. You should be aware of these important considerations when installing the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator: 1. The graphics used by the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator are located in the BITMAPS subdirectory. The program will not run correctly if the bitmap files are erased or modified in any way. The subdirectory name MUST be named BITMAPS. 2. If you have installed the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator and decide to reinstall it, or install a later version, uninstall it first. Otherwise, a later uninstallation might not remove all files. 5.0 Tips for using the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1. To change the position of a rack in a rack suite within the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator, you must drag the rack beyond the center of the racks on either side. 2. It is not necessary add monitor compartments and keyboard trays manually, because they are added automatically when a monitor or keyboard is added. 3. The rack configurator does not check compatibility for clustering, external storage, networking hardware and communication devices. For information about these features, please review the ServerProven data base at http://www.ibm.com/pc/us/compat 6.0 Getting started with the IBM xSeries Rack Configurator -------------------------------------------------------------------- There are 5 basic steps to creating a configuration and producing a report. 1. Add components to racks. 2. Cable components. 3. Validate your configuration to identify any problems with it and then make corrections, as necessary. 4. Save your configuration. 5. Print your configuration report. Before beginning to create a configuration, it is suggested that you perform the following actions: a) Choose your preference for Auto Arrange (ON or OFF). By default, it is turned ON. You can change this setting by choosing Auto-Arrange under the Configuration menu. b) Select your preferences when doing an auto-build by choosing the Build Preference choice under the Configuration menu. c) You may choose to attach customer information to your configuration by selecting the Configuration Information choice from the Configuration menu. 1. Adding Components to Racks a. To begin a rack configuration, add a rack by either dragging and dropping a rack from the component tree or double-clicking on the desired rack. All components in the tree can be added to a rack by either of these 2 methods. Components can also be added to the window beneath the racks (the floor space) by dragging and dropping components to this window. b. Add the desired components to the rack and/or floor space. c. When components have been placed in a rack, placing the cursor on a component and clicking the right mouse button will display a pop-up menu. This menu allows you to change the components status (New, Existing, or Installed), delete the component, display the Component Connections window to do cabling connections, or delete a connection, if that component has already been connected to another. 2. Cable Components a. To perform cabling connections between components, select the Connections option under the Component menu bar choice. This displays the Configuration Explorer window. Move the Configuration Explorer window so that you can see the window with the rack(s). The Explorer window allows you to do cabling connections. b. Select a component from the tree to be connected by single- clicking on it. This component will appear in the top pane to the right of the tree. c. Select the type of connection, such as Power or Storage, by clicking on the desired connection type button on the configuration Explorer toolbar. Clicking the Power Connection button, for example, will display a list of the Power Devices you have added to your configuration in the lower pane to the right of the tree. d. Single-click on the device in the lower pane that you wish to connect to the device selected in the tree. e. Select the desired cable from the cable drop-down menu. f. Click the Connect button on the toolbar to make the connection. The cable you selected will then appear in the tree in the Cables section and a check mark will be placed to the left of the component you connected in the lower pane. Disconnections are done by selecting a connected component in the lower pane and clicking the Disconnect button. Connections and Disconnections can also be done by double- clicking on the component in the lower pane, rather than by using the Connect and Disconnect toolbar buttons. If the component you selected in the tree and the type of connection you selected via one of the Connection Type buttons does not result in a possible connection, a message will be displayed in the lower pane indicating this, such as 'No matches' or 'No available connector'. 3. Validate Your Configuration a. To validate your report (check it for errors or warning messages), choose the Validate choice under the Configuration menu item. This will describe any problems with your configuration and offer recommendations in the Validate Report window. You can make changes to your configuration while you keep this window displayed. b. You can also choose to print the Validate Report window to use the hardcopy as a reference when making changes to your configuration. To print the report, choose Print... under the File menu. Click the Selection button and then click the Validation Report check box. Clicking OK will then print the Validation Report. 4. Save Your Configuration a. To save your configuration, choose Save As... from the File menu. Type the name of your configuration and choose the desired location for this topology file. 5. Print Your Configuration Report a. To print your configuration report, choose Print... from the File menu. Choose the sections of the report you wish to print. There is also a Print Preview function, available under the File menu. This allows you to view your report online. b. There are several sections of the report. You can choose to print all the sections or a subset of them. 7.0 Trademarks and Notices ---------------------------- The following terms are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States, or other countries, or both: IBM xSeries, Netfinity Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.