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Setting up and troubleshooting the RAID Array on the DataPower Appliances

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Abstract

This technote lists the recommended steps for setting up the RAID disk array

Content

Important: Read all notes

  • Make sure the device has no other activity during this process
  • The directory name MUST NOT be the same as any domain name ensure the name chosen will never be used as a domain name.
  • When initialized the raid directory will be accessible from the "local" and "logstore" directories.
    Example: To identify the location for a file type logging target to use the raid directory use the format:
    logstore:///<raid dir name>/<file name for log target>
     

Use these steps for initializing the RAID array.
The easiest and most reliable way to initialize is to use the "startup wizard"

To launch the startup wizard and initialize the raid array from the CLI logged in as admin and enter:

config  (to enter configuration mode)
startup  (launches the startup wizard)

The Installation Wizard helps to perform the following tasks:
   (1) Configure network interfaces
   (2) Configure network services (such as DNS)
   (3) Configure a unique system identifier
   (4) Configure remote management access
   (5) Configure a user account that can reset passwords
   (6) Configure the RAID volume
   (7) Review and save the configuration
Step 1 - Do you want to configure network interfaces? [y]:n
Step 2 -  Do you want to configure network services? [y]:n
Step 3 -  Do you want to define a unique system identifier for the appliance? [y]:n
Skipping the configuration of a unique system identifier.
Step 4 - Do you want to configure remote management access? [y]:n

Attention: If the password for the admin account is lost or forgotten, security best practice dictates that you return the appliance to IBM Support to reset the password. However, if another user account can log in and if that account has the appropriate access permission, that user can reset the password for the admin account.
Note: If you specify an existing user account, you will change the password for this account.
Step 5 - Do you want to configure a user account that can reset passwords? [y]: n
Skipping the configuration of a user account that can reset passwords.
Step 6 - Do you want to configure the RAID array? [y]:y
This configuration requires the name of the file system to mount. Data in this file system will be available in the local: directory.
Attention: This action destroys all data on the array volume.
Do you want to continue? [y]:y
Enter name for the file system [ondisk]: ondisk (you may choose any name that does not match a current or future domain name)
Modify RAID Array configuration
Array volume successfully initialized.
Do you want to enable B2B storage? [n]: n (this would be "y" if the B2B module is going to be installed)
File system successfully initialized.
Modify RAID Array configuration
(Note at this point it will take a few minutes to complete.)
File system successfully mounted.
Step 7 - Do you want to review the current configuration? [y]:n
Do you want to save the current configuration? [y]:y
Overwrite previously saved configuration? Yes/No [y/n]: y
Configuration saved successfully.
You have completed the Installation Wizard.
idg(config)# exit


Troubleshooting the RAID array

Note: For some of the CLI commands to display correctly, set your console display to be 120 columns wide.


To check the free space:
From the WebGUI select: Status -> RAID Partition Status
From the CLI enter: "show raid-partitions"

If you see the LED's on for the HDD's or the raid is not working correctly, check the status:



From the WebGUI select: Status -> RAID Volumes
From the CLI enter: "show raid-volumes"

Verify that "Enabled" is "True" and check if the "State" is "Degraded" if so check if "Resync in Progress" is "True"

If a Resync is in progress the amber (!) LED on the front and the HDD LED on the rear of the appliance may be on. This is normal and they will go out when the resync is complete which normally takes approximately one hour to complete.
Note: If the raid array is being used during a resync, it will impact performance of the writing to the raid as well as prolonging the resync.
You can use the "raid volumes" status provider to monitor the "Resync Percentage"

If "Enabled" is false or there is no resync in progress and the LED's are on check the "Physical disk" status.

From the WebGUI select: Status -> RAID Physical Disks
From the CLI enter: "show raid-phys-disks"

Check the "online" status of the disks. If one is "offline", Contact DataPower Support.


 

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Document Information

Modified date:
08 June 2021

UID

swg21358544