Overview; Array And Controller Configuration; Smart Storage Administrator - NEC Express 5800 Series User Manual

Overview

Array and controller configuration

You can configure arrays and controllers during the initial provisioning of the server or compute module and
at any time after the initial configuration. Configuration tasks can be initiated using Smart Storage
Administrator (accessible through EXPRESSBUILDER) or the System Utility.
During the initial provisioning of the server or compute module, an array is required to be configured before
the operating system can be installed. You can configure the array using either of the options below:

When you launch EXPRESSBUILDER, you can build an appropriate array for any drives using SSA.

You can use the System Utility. This utility create the primary array that is required.
SSA provides a full set of array configuration features while the System Utility provides a limited set of
features. However, users may prefer using the System Utility during the initial configuration of the server or
computer module since the System Utility loads faster than SSA during that step.
For more information, see User Guide for RAID Controller.
After the initial provisioning of the server or compute module, you can use either SSA or the System Utility to
configure the arrays and controllers.
IMPORTANT: N8103-197 SAS Controller supports only view status.

Smart Storage Administrator

SSA is the main tool for configuring arrays on RAID Controllers. It exists in three interface formats: the SSA
GUI, the SSA CLI, and SSA Scripting. All formats provide support for configuration tasks. Some of the
advanced tasks are available in only one format.
SSA is accessible both offline and online:

Accessing SSA in the offline environment: Using one of multiple methods, you can run SSA before
launching the host operating system. In offline mode, users can configure or maintain detected and
supported ProLiant devices, such as optional RAID Controllers and integrated RAID Controllers. Some
SSA features are only available in the offline environment, such as setting the boot controller and boot
volume.

Accessing SSA in the online environment: This method requires an administrator to download the SSA
executables and install them. You can run SSA online after launching the host operating system.
More Information
Accessing SSA in the offline environment
Accessing SSA in the online environment
Benefits of using SSA
Smart Storage Administrator is an advanced utility that enables you to perform many complex configuration
tasks.
Using SSA over other configuration utilities provides the following benefits:
Overview 5