Dell R-Series
Contents
1 Introduction
The Kemp LoadMaster is a purpose-built, hardware load balancing and Application Delivery Controller (ADC).
The LoadMaster enables data center clusters which power Internet sites and large intranets to intelligently and efficiently distribute network traffic among web and application servers. A resource optimization layer in front of applications and infrastructure servers gives IT administrators greater control to adapt to network changes and enable the best network and infrastructure performance.
The LoadMaster delivers on these requirements through the inclusion of the latest advancements in Layer 4 and 7 load balancing, content switching, SSL acceleration, Layer 7 content switching, caching, compression, Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), IP and Layer 7 persistence. All Kemp load balancers are optimized for a broad range of IP applications including core Microsoft Enterprise workloads such as Exchange, Lync, SharePoint, RDS and Dynamics.
2 Connect the Dell R-Series
To connect the Dell R-Series, follow the steps below:
1. Install the Dell R-Series into a 19 inch rack or another safe location.
2. Connect Ethernet cables to the ports on the Dell R-Series. Please use the worksheet included in the pack to determine which ports to connect. For single-arm setups, the switch only needs to be connected to port 0 (or eth0). You can configure multiple arm setups using the console or Web User Interface (WUI) after the LoadMaster is licensed.
3. Connect the monitor and keyboard to the Dell R-Series (or just a serial cable).
4. Connect the power cable to the Dell R-Series.
5. Turn on power to the unit.
2.1 Install the LoadMaster
To install the LoadMaster, follow the steps below:
1. Prepare the CD/USB with the image you downloaded from the Kemp website.
2. Insert the CD into the CD-ROM drive.
PXE and USB booting options are also supported by the LoadMaster installation ISO file.
The ISO image can be downloaded from www.kemptechnologies.com/baremetal-trial.
3. Boot the server.
4. Once the server boots from the CD, the LoadMaster installation begins automatically with no parameters if no boot parameters are entered.
For further information on the different boot options that are available, refer to the Bare Metal Boot Options, Technical Note.
The serial number should be automatically pulled from the LoadMaster. If it is not, please enter it when prompted. The serial number should be provided in the licensing email you received from Kemp. If you do not have this, you can log in to the Kemp website using your Kemp ID and the serial number should be available in your inventory. The Kemp ID you log in with must be associated with the Purchase Order or the person who received the licensing email.
5. Select disk/partition and press OK.
6. Select the target disk for installation and press OK.
7. Select delete existing partition(s) and press OK.
8. Select start installation and press OK.
9. Press OK. The installation should complete successfully.
2.2 Boot the Installed LoadMaster
The server is now ready to be rebooted with the LoadMaster software installed on the local disk. Within the console, select the Ctrl-Alt-Del option from the Macros drop-down menu.
The server should now begin to boot from the local disk.
Occasionally, call trace code may appear while the LoadMaster is booting up. This can be ignored.
On initial deployment, DHCPv4 and DHCPv6 both run to attempt to obtain an IP address. If the LoadMaster obtains an IP address using DHCP, take note of it because this is how you will access the LoadMaster.
If the LoadMaster does not obtain an IP address using DHCP the static IP address of 192.168.1.101 is assigned and the LoadMaster must be manually configured using the console.
Please refer to the Configuring the LoadMaster Using the Console section for further information regarding manually configuring the LoadMaster.
2.3 License and Configure the LoadMaster
The LoadMaster must now be configured to operate within the network configuration.
1. In an internet browser, enter the IP address that was previously noted.
Ensure to enter https:// before the IP address.
2. A warning may appear regarding website security certificates. Please click the continue/ignore option.
3. The LoadMaster End User License Agreement screen appears.
Please read the license agreement and, if you are willing to accept the conditions therein, click on the Agree button to proceed.
4. If using the Online licensing method, fill out the fields and click License Now.
If you are starting with a trial license, there is no need to enter an Order ID. If you are starting with a permanent license, enter the Kemp Order ID# if this was provided to you.
If using the Offline Licensing method, select Offline Licensing, obtain the license text, paste it into the License field and click Apply License.
For detailed instructions on how to register for a Kemp ID and license the LoadMaster, refer to the Licensing, Feature Description on the Kemp Documentation Page.
5. If you entered an Order ID, a screen appears that provides a list of available licenses for that order ID, in addition to any licenses registered for the Kemp ID based on the LoadMaster platform type. Select the license type you want to apply to this LoadMaster.
If the license type you want is not displayed, please contact your Kemp representative.
6. Click Continue.
7. The login screen appears, enter the bal user name and the password.
8. In the screen informing you that the password has changed, press the Continue button.
9. If your machine has shipped with a temporary license you should get a warning informing you that a temporary license has been installed on your machine and for how long the license is valid.
10. Click OK .
11. You should now connect to the Home screen of the LoadMaster.
12. Go to System Configuration > Network Setup in the main menu.
13. Click the eth0 menu option within the Interfaces section.
14. In the Network Interface 0 screen, enter the IP address of the eth0 interface, the network facing interface of the LoadMaster, in the Interface Address input field.
15. Click the Set Address button.
16. Click the eth1 menu option within the Interfaces section.
17. In the Network Interface 1 screen, enter the IP address of the eth1 interface, the farm-side interface of the LoadMaster, in the Interface Address input field.
18. Click on the Set Address button.
This interface is optional, depending on the network configuration.
19. Click on the Local DNS Configuration > Hostname Configuration menu option.
20. In the Hostname configuration screen, enter the hostname into the Current Hostname input field.
21. Click the Set Hostname button.
22. Click the Local DNS Configuration > DNS Configuration menu option.
23. In the DNS configuration screen, enter the IP address(es) of the DNS Server(s) which is used to resolve names locally on the LoadMaster into the DNS NameServer input field.
24. Click the Add button.
25. Enter the domain name that is to be prepended to requests to the DNS nameserver into the DNS NameServer input field.
26. Click the Add button.
27. Click the System Configuration > Network Setup > Default Gateway menu option.
28. In the DNS configuration screen, enter the IP address of the default gateway into the IPv4 Default Gateway Address input field.
If you have an IPv6 Default Gateway, please enter the value in the IPv6 Default Gateway Address input field.
29. Click the Set IPv4 Default Gateway button.
The LoadMaster is now fully installed and ready to be used. For further information on how to configure and implement the Virtual LoadMaster, please refer to the LoadMaster documentation which can be downloaded from the http://kemptechnologies.com/documentation page.
2.4 Update from Temporary to Permanent License
Depending on the terms and conditions of purchase, the LoadMaster will be entitled to either a temporary or permanent license. If the LoadMaster has a temporary license, a permanent license will be automatically issued by email upon receipt of payment.
To upgrade the license from temporary to permanent please complete the following steps:
1. Select the System Configuration menu option.
2. Select the System Administration > License Management menu option.
3. The License Management screen appears.
4. If using the Online Licensing method, fill in the fields and click Update License/Owner.
Do not click Kill License unless instructed to by Kemp Support.
5. If using the Offline Licensing method, select Offline Licensing, copy the license text, paste it into the License field and click Update License/Owner.
6. Kemp recommends rebooting after updating the license.
7. The license should now be updated.
The LoadMaster is now fully installed, fully licensed and ready to be used. For further information on how to configure and implement the LoadMaster, please refer to the LoadMaster documentation which can be downloaded from the http://kemptechnologies.com/documentation page.
3 Configuring the LoadMaster Using the Console
If the LoadMaster does not automatically obtain an IP address using DHCP, or if you would prefer to configure the LoadMaster using the console, then the following configuration steps must be completed before starting the LoadMaster.
1. Login into the LoadMaster using the console with the following settings:
- lb100 login: bal
- Password: 1fourall
2. Enter the IP address of the eth0 interface, the network facing interface of the LoadMaster, in the input field within the Network Side Interface Address dialog box.
3. Press OK.
4. Enter the IP address of the default gateway in the input field of the Default Gateway dialog box.
5. Press OK.
6. Once these are set, a prompt will appear asking to connect to the web interface at the newly configured IP address. In an internet browser enter the IP address of the eth0 entered in Step 2.
Ensure to enter https:// before the IP address.
7. A warning may appear regarding website security certificates. Please click the continue/ignore option.
8. The LoadMaster End User License Agreement screen appears.
9. Please read the license agreement and, if willing to accept the conditions therein, click on the Agree button to proceed.
10. If the machine has shipped with a temporary license, a warning will appear informing that a temporary license has been installed on the machine and for how long the license is valid.
11. Click OK.
12. The home screen of the LoadMaster should appear.
The LoadMaster is now fully installed and ready to be used. For further information on how to configure and implement the Virtual LoadMaster, please refer to the LoadMaster documentation which can be found here: https://kemptechnologies.com/documentation.
4 The iDRAC Module
iDRAC Enterprise may not be installed on your Dell Server Platform. Please confirm with your Dell Support Team.
The iDRAC module gives network administrators a dedicated management channel for device maintenance. The iDRAC functionality can be accessed by using a Command Line Interface (CLI) or a supported web browser. The iDRAC has its own network connection, memory, processor and access to the system bus. Key features of the iDRAC include remote console capabilities, power management and virtual media access.
4.1 Configure the iDRAC Module
To configure the iDRAC module, follow the steps below.
1. Connect and boot the iDRAC.
2. At boot prompt, press F10 on the keyboard to enter the Lifecycle controller.
3. In the main menu, select Home.
4. Click Configure server for remote access (iDRAC).
5. Click Network.
6. Select Enabled for the Enable IPv4 option.
7. Set the Static IP Address.
8. Set the Static Gateway.
9. Set the Static Subnet Mask.
10. Click Back.
11. Click User Configuration.
12. Set the values as required.
13. Click the Back button.
14. Click Exit.
15. Now, log in to the iDRAC module from a web browser by entering the IP address previously configured.
Ensure to enter https:// before the IP address.
4.2 Restore Functionality Using the iDRAC Module
The iDRAC module is an effective way of restoring functionality to units when the Solid State Drive (SSD) needs to be replaced. The server is able to boot from an ISO uploaded to the vFlash SD card and reinstall the firmware.
Follow the steps below to restore using the iDRAC:
1. First, create a vFlash image.
2. Then, log in to the iDRAC Web User Interface (WUI) by navigating to the IP address in a web browser.
Ensure to enter https:// before the IP address.
3. Navigate to vFlash and select Create from Image.
4. Select 1 as the Index value.
5. Enter a Label.
6. Select CD as the Emulation Type.
7. Click Choose File and navigate to the relevant .iso file.
64-bit firmware must be used for Dell PERC controllers to be supported. 32-bit firmware gives an error saying the hard drive cannot be found.
8. Wait for the vFlash partition to be created successfully.
9. Navigate to vFlash > Manage.
10. Select the Attached checkbox.
11. Click Apply.
12. Navigate to Overview > Server > Setup.
13. Select the relevant First Boot Device.
14. Click Apply.
15. Reboot the LoadMaster and observe the installation.
16. Enter the service tag as the serial number and press OK.
17. A message will be displayed informing that the installation was successful.
18. Enter the IP address and press OK.
19. When the quick-start setup is finished, the LoadMaster will reboot.
20. Move the network cable to the general NIC (use the left-most interface riser card above the iDRAC.
21. Connect to the LoadMaster WUI by entering the IP address of the LoadMaster in a web browser. Ensure to enter https:// before the IP address.
22. Accept the license agreement.
23. License the LoadMaster. For further information, refer to the LoadMaster Licensing Feature Description.
If you are unable to complete licensing, contact Kemp.
24. Set the password and log in.
After logging in successfully the LoadMaster Home screen should appear. Verify that the installation has completed successfully.
References
Unless otherwise specified, the following documents can be found at http://kemptechnologies.com/documentation.
WUI, Configuration Guide
Licensing, Feature Description
Kemp LoadMaster, Product Overview
Bare Metal Boot Options, Technical Note
Last Updated Date
This document was last updated on 11 March 2022.