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Getting Started 1-5
Figure 1-2. Back View of a PowerEdge 4200 Cluster Node
Setting Up the Cluster Hardware
The PowerEdge Cluster can be set up in either a free-
standing configuration or installed in a Dell
Rack-Mountable Solutions enclosure. Information on
Dell-supported rack configurations for the cluster is pro-
vided in Appendix B, “Stand-Alone and Rack
Configurations,” in this guide. Also included in Appen-
dix B are instructions for installing the network switch in
a rack. For instructions on installing all other PowerEdge
Cluster components (including the Apex Outlook Con-
centrator switch) in a Dell rack, refer to the Dell
PowerEdge Rack-Mountable Solutions Installation
Guide.
Cabling the Cluster Hardware
After the PowerEdge Cluster hardware is set up, the sys-
tem must be properly cabled for clustering. Chapter 2,
“Cabling the Cluster Hardware,” provides instructions
for cabling the cluster components.
Updating System BIOS/Firmware for
Clustering
NOTE: BIOS upgrades should be performed only when
instructed by a Dell support technician.
If you are upgrading existing hardware to a PowerEdge
Cluster, the BIOS firmware for the PowerEdge system(s)
and SDS 100 storage system(s) must be updated to sup-
port clustering. Appendix A, “Upgrading to a Cluster
Configuration,” provides instructions on performing all
necessary firmware updates.
LAN-connected NIC
node-to-node
interconnected NIC
standard RAID controller
(optional)
RJ45 Ethernet connector
RAID channel 0
RAID channel 1
cluster-specific RAID
controller (required)
second cluster-specific RAID
controller (not shown)