With EMC® Isilon® scale-out storage, it’s easy to add performance and capacity to your cluster simply by adding new nodes. For example, after you acquire a new node, a certified technician locates an open space in a rack (either 2U or 4U, depending on the node size), installs rails, installs the node into the rack, connects the network and InfiniBand cables, and then joins the node to the cluster. After joining the node, you’ll have more space and performance capacity right away.
The node installation process is simple and fast; but be sure to take the time to check that the nodes are safely secured to the rails and rack to minimize the risk of personal injury and damage to equipment.
Check out the following videos, which show the proper procedures for racking EMC Isilon 2U and 4U nodes, including both node installation and node removal from a rack.
Installing a node into a rack
Isilon nodes mount in a standard 19-inch wide rack and use a sliding rail system. Watch the following videos to learn how to install 2U and 4U nodes into a standard rack with 3/8-inch square holes.
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For written descriptions of these procedures, see the EMC Isilon 2U rail kit installation guide and 4U rail kit installation guide, which are available on the EMC Online Support site (login is required).
Removing a node from a rack
If you need to remove nodes from the rack to service them or because you’re relocating your cluster, it’s important to be sure that you always shut down nodes as described in the knowledge base article, How to safely shut down an Isilon cluster prior to a schedule power outage (16529). If you don’t shut down a node properly, you increase the risk of data loss.
After the node is shut down, you can remove a 2U node and a 4U node from a rack. Watch the following videos to learn the safest way to remove these nodes from a rack.
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For written descriptions of these procedures, see the node removal guides on the EMC Online Support site.
Start a conversation about Isilon content
Have a question or feedback about Isilon content? Visit the online EMC Isilon Community to start a discussion. If you have questions or feedback about this blog, contact us at isi.knowledge@emc.com. To provide documentation feedback or request new content, contact isicontent@emc.com.