Detailed Configuration Instructions for the HC3 Core Switch

Configuring the HC3 Core Switch involves preparing the network, assigning NICs, bonding interfaces, provisioning public and private networks, and initializing the system according to Scale Computing guidelines.1. Pre-Installation and Hardware PreparationBefore configuring the HC3 Core Switch, ensure the following:Rack and Power Setup: Verify rack space, power availability, and proper earthing for all nodes and switches. Use the recommended rack rails and power cables for your HC3 series (HC1100, HC2100, HC4100, HC5100) ( ).Node Hardware Check: Confirm CPU, RAM, and NIC specifications for each node. For example, HC2100 nodes support Intel E5-2603v4 or E5-2620v4 CPUs, 64GB or 128GB DDR4 RAM, and 4x1GbE or 4x10GbE NICs ( ).Environment: Maintain operating temperatures between 5°C and 40°C, and adjust for altitudes above 950m ( ).2. Network Interface Layout and NIC BondingPublic and Private Networks: Assign NICs for public and private networks. Typically, 2 NICs are bonded for public traffic and 2 for private traffic in active/passive mode ( ).Switch Port Requirements: Ensure the core switch has sufficient ports to accommodate bonded NICs from all nodes. Use 1GbE or 10GbE ports according to node specifications ( ).Redundancy: Configure switch and node redundancy to prevent single points of failure. Bonded NICs should be connected to separate switch modules if available ( ).3. Node ConfigurationConfiguration Checklist: Use the HC3 configuration checklist to verify node readiness, including IP addressing, hostname assignment, and network connectivity ( ).Common Configuration Steps:Connect nodes to the core switch using the designated NICs.Assign static IP addresses for management and cluster communication.Configure NIC bonding (active/passive) for both public and private networks.Verify connectivity between nodes and the switch.4. System InitializationInitialization Checklist: Follow the HC3 system initialization steps:Power on all nodes and verify POST completion.Access the HC3 management interface via the assigned IP.Initialize the cluster, creating the first HC3 VM.Confirm that all nodes are recognized and network connectivity is stable ( ).Troubleshooting: Check link lights, NIC bonding status, and switch port configurations if nodes fail to communicate.5. Post-ConfigurationPublic Network Provisioning: Assign VLANs and IP ranges for external access.Private Network Provisioning: Configure internal cluster communication and storage traffic.Monitoring: Use the HC3 management interface to monitor node health, network performance, and redundancy status ( ). Following these steps ensures a stable, redundant, and fully operational HC3 Core Switch configuration, ready to support virtualized workloads and Scale Computing cluster operations.