Table Of Contents
Designing Service Networks
Designing Service Networks—Basic Workflow
Understanding Service Network Design
Understanding Service Network Design Elements
Changing Service Networks
Designing a Service Network—Scenario
Create the Service Network
Define Variable Values for the Layer 3 Switch and Its Port
Define Variable Values for the Layer 2 Switch and Its Ports
Define Variable Values for the Load Balancer and Its Ports
Define the Server Group
Verify Your Service Network Definitions
Working with Service Networks
Creating and Modifying Service Networks
Defining Network Variables
Defining Block Variable Values
Defining Port Variable Values
Assigning Resource Pools
Defining Server Groups
Saving Service Networks
Displaying Summary Information for Service Networks
Service Networks Reference
Network Variables Tab
Service Networks Tab
Block Variables Tab
Port Variables Tab
Pool Selection Tab
Server Group Definition Tab
Server Group Configuration Wizard
Golden Image Selection Dialog Box
Golden Image User Variables Dialog Box
Fabric and SAN Storage Selection Dialog Box
LUN Selection for SAN Storage Dialog Box
NAS Storage Selection Dialog Box
Additional Logical Server Routing Configuration Dialog Box
Interface Properties for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
Teaming Mode for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
Teaming Parameters for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
Sysprep File Selection Dialog Box
Sysprep Variables Dialog Box
Golden Image User Variables Dialog Box
Configuration Summary Dialog Box
Service Network Summary Dialog Box
Designing Service Networks
The following topics provide detailed information about service network design:
•
Designing Service Networks—Basic Workflow
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Designing a Service Network—Scenario
•Working with Service Networks
•Service Networks Reference
Designing Service Networks—Basic Workflow
Table 13-1 is an overview of the steps you take to design a service network in VFrame.
Understanding Service Network Design
You create service networks based on service network templates. The template identifies generic information, and the service network identifies the actual resources (resource pools, variable values, server configuration, and so on) that are required to start and operate your service network.
In some service network designs, there are special considerations pertaining to network virtualization.
The following topics help you understand key concepts to help you design your service network:
•Understanding Service Network Design Elements
•Changing Service Networks
Understanding Service Network Design Elements
Before designing your service network, it is helpful to understand these service network design elements:
•Block Variables—Most logical elements have system actions or macros associated with them, and these system actions or macros have variables. You must supply the values for these variables. The values are substituted for the variables in the system actions or macros at run time.
An example of a block variable is the VLAN variable required for defining a Layer 2 Switch in a service network.
•Pool Selection— All logical elements, except Layer 2 switches, require that you select the resource or resource pool to use when the service network is deployed. When you deploy your service network, resources are acquired based on the resource or resource pool you have selected. For more details about resource pools, see Resource Pool Overview, page 9-2.
•Server Group Definition—In order for VFrame to create and image the servers in your service network, you must define the server group parameter values, such as the storage type, location, and golden image. This information is used to create, image, and start your servers when you deploy your service network.
Changing Service Networks
After you define and deploy a service network, you can add and remove resources and resource pools. However, the change does not take effect until the next time the service network tries to acquire a resource from the assigned resources or resource pools.
You can change certain variable values in a service network while the network is running. The variable values you can change are those to which VFrame does not attach any specific meanings or relationships, for example, strings, numbers, or Boolean values. These are called primitive variables.
Another variable type, called resource variables, can also be changed; however, changes do not take effect until the next time the service network attempts to acquire resources. Resource variables are those that require a resource, such as an IP address, VLAN, or storage resource (LUN or Qtree).
Designing a Service Network—Scenario
This scenario builds upon the service network template you created in Chapter 11, "Designing Templates." The template is based on a sample network design in which you have a switch with a CSM connected in single subnet (bridge) mode to a group of servers, as shown in Figure 11-11.
This scenario assumes that the VFrame administrator has already completed all of the prerequisites for creating a service network template and created the CSM service network template. For details on these prerequisites, see Creating a Service Network Template—Scenario, page 11-42.
This scenario shows you how to:
•Create the Service Network
•Define Variable Values for the Layer 3 Switch and Its Port
•Define Variable Values for the Layer 2 Switch and Its Ports
•Define Variable Values for the Load Balancer and Its Ports
•Define the Server Group
•Verify Your Service Network Definitions
Create the Service Network
You create service networks based on service network templates. The template identifies generic information, and the service network identifies the actual resources (resource pools, variable values, server configuration, and so on) that are required to deploy your service network.
In this scenario, you create a service network called CSM-Network from the template called CSM-Template.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Networks.
Step 2 Select the template, CSM-Template, and click New. The Input dialog box opens.
Step 3 Enter the service network name in Network name field. In this case, enter CSM-Network.
The service network opens, and its name appears in the Service Networks selector, in the Opened Service Network selector (specified by the service network name), and in a tab above the work area.
Define Variable Values for the Layer 3 Switch and Its Port
Whenever you include a logical element in your service network template, default macros, called system actions, are included as well. These system actions have their own set of default variables. For a complete list of system actions and default variables by logical element, see "System Actions, Default Variables, and Resource Attribute Variables."
In addition to these, there might be additional variables that have been included in the user macros added to the template.
In either case, you need to assign values to these variables so that when you start your network, VFrame can acquire the resources and values you need.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Networks.
Step 2 Open the network you just created if it is not already open.
Step 3 Select the Layer 3 switch. The Pool Selection tab opens.
Step 4 Select the check box next to the Layer 3 switch or range of Layer 3 switches you need. In this case, select AdminContext: All Cisco Catalyst 6500(Layer 3 Enabled). (This is a resource pool of Layer 3 switches. VFrame automatically picks from the list of available and unused Layer 3 switches.)
Step 5 Select the To_LoadBalancer port from the Open Service Networks selector. The Port Variables tab opens containing a list of variables required for the port. Enter values in the following fields:
•SviVlanGroup > Vlan—No entry is required because this variable is aliased to the LoadBalancer > CSM_container_dflt_grp > ClientVlanID variable.
•SviIpAddressGroup > IPAddress—No entry is required because this variable is aliased to the LoadBalancer > ClientVlanGtw > IPAddress variable.
•HelperAddressGroup > HelperAddr—10.11.2.10.
Step 6 Click Save.
Define Variable Values for the Layer 2 Switch and Its Ports
Similar to Layer 3 switches, when you include Layer 2 switches in your network design, system actions and default variables are included as well. For a complete list of system actions and default variables by logical element, see "System Actions, Default Variables, and Resource Attribute Variables."
In addition to these, there might be additional variables that have been included in the user macros added to the template.
In either case, you need to assign values to these variables so that when you start your network, VFrame can acquire the resources and values you need.
In this scenario, the only variable value required is VLAN and this variable is aliased to another variable. When you enter the value for that variable, the value for the Layer 2 VLAN variable will automatically be entered.
Define Variable Values for the Load Balancer and Its Ports
You need to provide values for variables and assign resource pools to the load balancer. The values for the load balancer ports connected to the Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches are derived from variable aliases, so you do not need to enter values for these.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Networks.
Step 2 Open the network you just created if it is not already open.
Step 3 Select the load balancer. The Block Variables tab opens containing a list of variables required for the load balancer. Enter values in the following fields:
•ClientVlanIP > IPAddress (Primary)—10.100.11.2
•ClientVlanGtw > IPAddress (Primary)—10.100.11.1
•ServerVlanIP > IPAddress—No entry required, because this variable is aliased to the LoadBalancer > ClientVlanIP > IPAddress variable.
•RealServerIP > IPAddress (Primary)—10.100.11.1-10.100.11.254 (resource pool)
•VServerIP > IPAddress—10.100.11.3
•CSM_container_dflt_grp
–ClientVlanID (Primary)—AdminContext: All VLAN (VFrame Created) (This is a resource pool of VLANs. VFrame automatically picks from the list of available and unused VLANs.)
–ServerVlanID (Primary)—AdminContext: All VLAN (VFrame Created) (This is a resource pool of VLANs. VFrame automatically picks from the list of available and unused VLANs.)
–ClientVlanType (Primary)—client
–ServerVlanType (Primary)—server
–VServerName—VS1
–ServerFarmName—SF1
–RealServerWeight—8
Step 4 Click the Pool Selection tab and select the check box next to the load balancer or pool of load balancers you need. In this case, select AdminContext: All Content Service Module. (This is a resource pool of load balancers. VFrame automatically picks from the list of available and unused load balancers.)
Step 5 Click Save.
Define the Server Group
Similar to Layer 3 and Layer 2 switches, when you include server groups in your network design, system actions and default variables are included as well. For a complete list of system actions and default variables by logical element, see "System Actions, Default Variables, and Resource Attribute Variables."
In addition to these, there might be additional variables that have been included in the user macros added to the template.
In either case, you need to assign values to these variables so that when you start your network, VFrame can acquire the resources and values you need.
You need to assign variables and resource pools to the server group and values to the server group port connected to the Layer 2 switch. In addition, you need to configure the server group definition, which configures server group properties, such as the golden image name, network interface (DHCP or Teaming), storage (NAS or SAN), sysprep, and swap size.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Networks.
Step 2 Open the network you just created if it is not already open.
Step 3 Select the server group. The Block Variables tab opens containing fields for the variables needed for this logical element.
Step 4 Enter the appropriate values for these variables, as follows:
•HostName > HostName—test
•DefaultGateway
–GatewayIPAddress—No entry is required because this variable is aliased to the LoadBalancer > ClientVlanGtw > IPAddress variable.
–GatewayMetric—10
Step 5 Click the Pool Selection tab.
Step 6 Select the check box next to the server group or pool of server groups you need. For example, select AdminContext: All Server.
Step 7 Click the Server Group Definition tab.
Step 8 Click Configure... to open the Server Group Configuration Wizard.
Step 9 Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 10 In the Golden Image Selection dialog box (see Golden Image Selection Dialog Box), do the following:
a. Select the golden image to be used to image servers. For example, webserver_nas.
b. Indicate the boot image type: NAS or SAN. Boot image is based on whether the golden image is block based or file based. File-based boot images are typically NAS, and block-based boot images are typically SAN. For this scenario, select NAS.
c. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 11 In the Fabric and SAN Storage Selection dialog box (see Fabric and SAN Storage Selection Dialog Box), do the following:
a. Specify the type of fabric connectivity used. Valid values are No Fabric, Single Fabric, and Dual Fabric. Fabric mode is optional for NAS networks. For this scenario, select No Fabric.
b. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 12 In the NAS Storage Selection dialog box (see NAS Storage Selection Dialog Box), do the following:
a. Specify the root NFS storage pool where server images will be stored. If necessary, you can create additional storage partitions by clicking the Add button and specifying the partition name, size, and NFS volume. For this scenario, select AdminContext: All Server.
b. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 13 In the Additional Logical Server Routing Configuration dialog box (see Additional Logical Server Routing Configuration Dialog Box), do the following:
a. If the default route specified under the Block Variables tab is sufficient, click Next and go to Step 14. Otherwise, configure additional routes for the server group by clicking Add and specifying the network address, netmask, gateway, and metric. In this case, the default route is sufficient.
b. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 14 In the Interface Properties for Link To_Layer2Switch dialog box (see Interface Properties for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box), do the following:
a. Select the number and speed of Ethernet links. For example, select One as the number of Ethernet links and Speed100Mbps as the interface speed.
b. If there are multiple interfaces, one interface must be marked as the VFrame communication interface by selecting the PXE Boot Interface check box. For this scenario, select the check box to designate this interface as the VFrame communication interface.
c. Select the Requires Port Fast on Switch Port check box if spanning tree PortFast should be configured on the switch ports attached to the deployed servers. If you select this check box, the following two commands are applied to the access switch ports:
spanning-tree portfast
spanning-tree bpduguard enable
For this scenario, select this check box.
d. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 15 Review the information in the Configuration Summary dialog box, and click Finish.
Step 16 Click Save.
Verify Your Service Network Definitions
After you have defined all of the variables values, resource pools, and server group information for your service network, you need to verify that your selections are correct.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Networks.
Step 2 Open the network that you just created if it is not already open.
Step 3 Click Summary. The Service Network Summary dialog box opens.
Step 4 Verify that the variable values you selected are correct.
Step 5 Click OK.
Step 6 To continue to design your service network, see Operating a Service Network—Scenario, page 14-17.
Working with Service Networks
The following topics help you work with and design service network templates:
•Creating and Modifying Service Networks
–Defining Block Variable Values
–Defining Port Variable Values
–Assigning Resource Pools
–Defining Server Groups
•Saving Service Networks
•Displaying Summary Information for Service Networks
Creating and Modifying Service Networks
You can create service networks based on the published templates, and when necessary, you can modify them.
Before You Begin
•Determine which template best fits your service network design. If necessary, create a template that meets your needs. For more information, see Creating and Modifying Service Network Templates, page 11-63.
•Determine the variable values you will need to supply.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Networks.
Step 2 From the Service Networks tab, do one of the following:
•To create a new service network, select the template that you want to use as a base and click New. The Input dialog box opens. Enter the service network name in Network name field. The service network opens, and its name appears in the Service Networks selection tree, in the service network elements selection tree (specified by the service network name), and in a tab above the work area.
•To modify an existing service network, double-click the desired service network from the Network List selector. The service network opens and its definitions are displayed in the right panes.
Step 3 Depending on your service network design, define network variables by selecting the service network from the service network elements selection tree. The Network Variables tab opens. For details, see Defining Network Variables.
Step 4 Depending on your service network design, define element and end-point parameters by selecting elements or endpoints from the Elements selector or on the service network map and doing any of the following:
Note Tabs that are displayed depend on what is selected.
•Click the Block Variables tab to define the variable values for logical elements within your service network. For details, see Defining Block Variable Values.
•Click the Port Variables tab to define the variable values of endpoints within your service network. For detailed reference information, see Defining Port Variable Values.
•Click the Pool Selection tab to select resources to be available to your service network when you deploy it. For details, see Assigning Resource Pools.
•Click the Server Group Definition tab to define server group parameter values, such as the storage type, location, and golden image that the servers will use. For details, see Defining Server Groups.
Note Red X icons appear next to each required tab and parameter. As you define these required parameters, these icons disappear. When all red icons are gone, your service network template is ready to be deployed.
Step 5 After you finish defining or modifying your service network, click Save. The service network is saved to the database.
Related Topics
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Service Networks Tab
Defining Network Variables
You can define values for network variables according to your service network design.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Network.
Step 2 Open a service network, and then select it in the service network elements selector. The Network Variables tab opens. For details, see Network Variables Tab.
Step 3 Click the Network Variables tab.
Step 4 Click the Enable Root Bridge Setting check box to enable the root bridge setting, if desired. Otherwise, leave it blank.
Step 5 Click Save.
Related Topics
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Creating and Modifying Service Networks
•Service Networks Tab
Defining Block Variable Values
When the template associated to your service network was created, variables were created for the service network. You can define the actual values for these variables according to your service network design.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Network.
Step 2 Open a service network and select an element. If applicable, the Block Variables tab opens.
Step 3 Click the Block Variables tab. For each variable, the following information is displayed:
•Variable Group Name
•Variable Name
•Variable Value
•Description
Step 4 For each variable, enter the appropriate value in the variable value field that corresponds to your service network design.
Step 5 Click Save.
Related Topics
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Creating and Modifying Service Networks
•Block Variables Tab
Defining Port Variable Values
When the template associated to your service network was created, variables were defined for the endpoints. You can define the actual values for these endpoints according to your service network design.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Networks.
Step 2 Open a service network and select an endpoint. If applicable, the Port Variables tab opens.
Step 3 Click the Port Variables tab. For each variable, the following information is displayed:
•Variable Group Name
•Variable Name
•Variable Value
•Description
Step 4 For each variable, enter the appropriate value into the variable value field that corresponds to your service network design.
Step 5 Click Save.
Related Topics
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Creating and Modifying Service Networks
•Port Variables Tab
Assigning Resource Pools
You can select resources or resource pools that will be available to your service network when it is deployed.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Networks.
Step 2 Open a service network and select an element. If applicable, the Pool Selection tab opens.
Step 3 Click the Pool Selection tab and expand the selection tree to display all of the available resources.
Tip Select a resource to display additional information about it.
Step 4 Select the check box next to the desired resource pool or resource. Selecting a resource pool (a group of servers or devices) selects all devices within the pool.
Step 5 Click Save.
Related Topics
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Creating and Modifying Service Networks
•Pool Selection Tab
Defining Server Groups
To define server groups, you must configure server group properties, such as the golden image, network interface (DHCP or Teaming mode), storage (NAS or SAN), sysprep, and swap size.
This procedure steps you through the process of defining server groups using the Server Group Configuration wizard.
Before You Begin
If you are using SAN management in fabric mode, make sure that your server is configured to boot from a Fibre Channel and LUN. Also, make a note of the LUN number because you will need to specify this number when you configure the server group. For details about configuring servers, Setting Up Application Servers, page 3-20.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Networks.
Step 2 Open a service network and select a server group. The Server Group Definition tab opens.
Step 3 Click Configure... to open the Server Group Configuration wizard (see Server Group Configuration Wizard).
Step 4 Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 5 In the Golden Image Selection dialog box (see Golden Image Selection Dialog Box), do the following:
a. Select the golden image to be used to image servers.
b. Indicate the boot image type: NAS or SAN. Boot image is based on whether the golden image is block based or file based. File-based boot images are typically NAS, and block-based boot images are typically SAN.
c. If the boot image is file based, enter the minimum swap and memory size. When your service network is deployed, VFrame does not create the swap space you specify. It instead acquires servers with enough swap space already configured to accommodate your specification.
d. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 6 If you have not defined variables for your golden image, proceed to Step 7. If you have defined variables for your golden image, the Golden Image User Variables dialog box opens (see Golden Image User Variables Dialog Box).
In this dialog box, do the following:
a. View or edit values for the golden image variables.
b. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 7 In the Fabric and SAN Storage Selection dialog box (see Fabric and SAN Storage Selection Dialog Box), do the following:
a. Specify the type of fabric connectivity used. Valid values are No Fabric, Single Fabric, and Dual Fabric. Fabric mode is optional for NAS networks.
b. If single fabric is used, assign a VSAN to Fabric 1. If dual fabric is used assign VSANs to both Fabric 1 and Fabric 2.
c. Indicate the number of ports per fabric (1 through 8).
d. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 8 If you selected SAN for the boot image type (Step 5), go to Step 9. If you selected NAS for the boot image type (Step 5), the NAS Storage Selection dialog box opens (see NAS Storage Selection Dialog Box).
In this dialog box, do the following:
a. Specify the NFS storage pool where server images will be stored. If necessary, you can create additional storage partitions by clicking the Add button and specifying the partition name, size, and NFS volume.
b. If your network is UNIX based, select the appropriate Qtree. If your network is Windows based, select the appropriate CIFS volume.
c. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 9 In the LUN Selection for SAN Storage dialog box (see LUN Selection for SAN Storage Dialog Box), do the following:
a. If you selected single or dual fabric mode for NFS, one additional LUN must be created. Click Add, enter the name of the LUN, and select the storage pool from the available list.
b. If you selected single or dual fabric mode for SAN, one root LUN is already configured. Select that LUN in the table, click Edit and choose the storage pool for the root LUN.
Note Additional LUNs cannot be created for SAN root.
c. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 10 In the Additional Logical Server Routing Configuration dialog box (see Additional Logical Server Routing Configuration Dialog Box), do the following:
a. If the default route specified under the Block Variables tab is sufficient, click Next and go to Step 11. Otherwise, configure additional routes for the server group by clicking Add and specifying the network address, netmask, gateway, and metric.
b. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 11 In the Interface Properties for Link To_Layer2Switch dialog box (see Interface Properties for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box), do the following:
a. Select the number and speed of Ethernet links.
b. If there are multiple interfaces, one interface must be marked as the VFrame communication interface by selecting the PXE Boot Interface check box.
c. If spanning tree PortFast should be configured on the switch ports attached to the deployed servers, select this check box. If selected, the following two commands are applied to the access switch ports:
spanning-tree portfast
spanning-tree bpduguard enable
d. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 12 If you did not select the PXE Boot Interface check box, go to Step 13. If you selected the PXE Boot Interface check box (Step 11), the DHCP Options for Link To_Layer2Switch dialog box opens (see Teaming Mode for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box).
In this dialog box, do the following:
a. Click Add and define a DHCP entry.
b. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 13 If you selected only one Ethernet link, go to Step 18. If you selected two or more Ethernet links (Step 11), the Teaming Mode for Link To_Layer2Switch dialog box opens (see Teaming Mode for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box).
In this dialog box, do the following:
a. Select the mode used for teaming. Valid values are active backup or balance TLB.
b. Select the Enable NIC HA check box to require NIC interfaces on different physical cards for this team.
c. Select the Switch HA check box to require NIC interfaces connected to different physical Ethernet switches for this team.
d. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 14 In the Teaming Parameters for Link To_Layer2Swtich dialog box (see Teaming Parameters for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box), do the following:
a. Click Edit to change the existing parameter name or values to meet your needs, or click Add to create new parameters.
b. Click Next to open the next dialog box.
Step 15 If the golden image you selected is not a Windows image, go to Step 17. If the golden image you selected is a Windows image, the Sysprep File Selection dialog box opens (see Sysprep File Selection Dialog Box).
In the Sysprep field, select the Sysprep file used to configure all the servers for the selected server group.
Step 16 If the golden image you selected is a Windows image, the Sysprep Variables dialog box opens (see Sysprep Variables Dialog Box). If you defined variables for the Sysprep file, enter values for those variables in the fields provided and click Next.
Step 17 If you defined variables for the golden image using the Server Images tab (see "Managing Server Images"), the Golden Image User Variables dialog box opens (see Golden Image Selection Dialog Box). Enter values for those variables in the fields provided and click Next.
Step 18 Review the information in the Configuration Summary dialog box, and click Finish if you are satisfied with your selections.
Related Topics
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Creating and Modifying Service Networks
•Server Group Configuration Wizard
Saving Service Networks
You can save your service network template when you are done making changes, and open it again later to make additional changes.
Before You Begin
•Provide values and definitions for the required fields. Red X icons appear next to each required tab and parameter. As you define these required parameters, these icons disappear. When all red icons have disappeared, your service network is ready to be deployed.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Networks.
Step 2 From the Service Networks tab, create a new or open an existing service network (see Creating and Modifying Service Networks).
Step 3 Click Save.
Related Topics
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Service Networks Tab
Displaying Summary Information for Service Networks
You can display a summary of the network elements and their current configuration settings.
Procedure
Step 1 Select Design > Service Networks.
Step 2 From the Service Networks tab, create a new or open an existing service network (see Creating and Modifying Service Networks).
Step 3 Click Summary. For detailed reference information, see Service Network Summary Dialog Box.
Related Topics
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Service Networks Tab
Service Networks Reference
The following topics provide reference information for these tabs and dialog boxes:
•Service Networks Tab
•Block Variables Tab
•Pool Selection Tab
•Server Group Configuration Wizard
Network Variables Tab
Use the Network Variables tab to enable or disable the root bridge setting on your service network.
How to Get to This Tab
Select Design > Service Networks, create a new service network or open an existing service network, and then click on the service network in the pane below the Service Networks selector.
Related Topics
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Working with Service Networks
Field Reference
Table 13-2 Network Variables Tab
Element
|
Description
|
Enable root bridge setting
|
Click this check box for VFrame to configure the Root Bridge Setting for all Layer 2 switches in your service network. If the check box is checked, VFrame configures a switch to become the root for the specified VLAN, based on a VFrame internal algorithm.
|
Service Networks Tab
Use the Service Networks tab to create service networks.
How to Get to This Tab
Select Design > Service Networks to open the Service Networks tab.
Related Topics
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Working with Service Networks
Field Reference
Table 13-3 Service Networks Tab
Element
|
Description
|
Buttons
|
New button
|
Click this button to create a new service network. The Input dialog box opens so that you can define the name of the service network.
|
Save button
|
Click this button to save changes made to the selected service network.
|
Delete button
|
Click this button to delete the selected service network.
|
Import button
|
Click this button to import a service network that has already been created.
|
Export button
|
Click this button to export a saved service network so that it can be imported into another virtual context or VFrame data center.
|
Summary button
|
Click this button to list the service network elements and their configuration settings.
|
Selector Lists
|
Network List selector
|
Lists the service network templates and service networks that have been created. Double-click the name of a service network to open the definition pane for that service network.
|
Elements selector
|
Lists elements, such as Firewall Services Modules, switches, load balancers, and links, that have been assigned to the selected service network.
|
Service Networks Work Area—Displays the service network map.
|
Tools
|
Click these buttons to perform the desired action:
•Pan button—Moves the viewable area of the service network map. Click the Pan button, and then click and hold the left mouse button and drag the image to the desired position.
•Select button—Selects the service network or an item (element or link) within the service network.
Click the Select button, and then right-click the work area to select the template or the desired item. To select multiple items within a template, right-click the item, and then hold down the Shift key while right-clicking additional items.
Selecting the template or an element within the template displays its corresponding information in the tabs below. Selecting multiple elements displays corresponding information for the last element selected. No information is provided for links.
•Zoom in rect button—Select and zoom in on a selected area.
Click the Zoom in rect button, and then click and hold the left mouse button and drag it. A rectangle forms. Select the items you want to zoom in on. Then, release the left mouse button. The view zooms into the area contained by the rectangle.
•Zoom in button—Increases the size of the items displayed.
•Zoom out button—Decreases the size of the items displayed.
•Fit to view button—Resizes all items and displays them within the viewable work area.
|
Parameters— Define parameters for the service network or selected element.
|
Element
|
Select a service network or from the Elements selector, and then click the desired tab to open and define parameters:
Note You cannot select endpoints from the work area. Attempting to select the endpoints in the work area selects the link and displays template information, not link or end-point information.
•Block Variables tab—Enables you to define the variable values of devices within your service network. For detailed reference information, see Block Variables Tab.
•Port Variables tab—Enables you to define the variable values of endpoints within your service network. For detailed reference information, see Port Variables Tab.
•Pool Selection tab—Enables you to select resources that will be available to your service network when it is deployed. For detailed reference information, see Pool Selection Tab.
•Server Group Definition tab—Enables you to define server parameters, such as the storage type, location, and golden image. For detailed reference information, see Server Group Configuration Wizard.
|
Block Variables Tab
Certain logical elements have system actions (default macros) associated with them. These system actions might include default variables. In addition, the template designer might have included additional user macros with their own set of variables.
Use this tab to define the values for these variables as they pertain to the devices within your service network.
How to Get to This Tab
From the Service Networks tab, open a service network and select a logical element. If applicable, the Block Variables tab opens. Click the Block Variables tab.
Related Topics
•Service Networks Tab
•Understanding Service Network Design
Field Reference
For each variable, the following information is displayed:
•Variable Group Name
•Variable Name
•Variable Value
•Description
The variable value is a blank field. For each variable, enter the appropriate value into the variable value field that corresponds to your service network design.
For details about the default variables associated with each logical element, see "System Actions, Default Variables, and Resource Attribute Variables."
Port Variables Tab
Certain logical elements have default system actions (system-defined macros) associated with them. These system actions might include default variables. In addition, the template designer might have included additional user macros with their own set of variables.
Use this tab to define the values for these variables as they pertain to endpoints within your service network.
How to Get to This Tab
From the Service Networks tab, open a service network and select an endpoint. If applicable, the Port Variables tab opens. Click the Port Variables tab.
Related Topics
•Service Networks Tab
•Understanding Service Network Design
Field Reference
For each variable, the following information is displayed:
•Variable Group Name
•Variable Name
•Variable Value
•Description
The variable value is a blank field. For each variable, enter the appropriate value into the variable value field that corresponds to your service network design.
For details about the default variables associated with each logical element, see "System Actions, Default Variables, and Resource Attribute Variables."
Pool Selection Tab
Use this tab to select resources to be available to your service network when it is deployed.
How to Get to This Tab
From the Service Networks tab, open a service network and select a logical element. If applicable, the Pool Selection tab opens. Click the Pool Selection tab.
Related Topics
•Service Networks Tab
•Understanding Service Network Design
Field Reference
Table 13-4 Pool Selection Tab
Element
|
Description
|
Server group and server check boxes
|
Select the check box next to the desired server group or server. Selecting a server group selects all servers within the group.
Select a server to display additional information about it.
|
Server Information
|
Select a server to display information about it.
|
Server Group Definition Tab
Use this tab to view and configure storage group, golden image, storage, and interface properties.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Service Networks Tab, open a service network and select a storage group. Click the Server Group Definition tab.
Related Topics
•Server Group Configuration Wizard
Field Reference
Table 13-5 Server Group Definition Tab
Element
|
Description
|
Name
|
Name of the property. Click the plus sign (+) to expand or hide information.
|
Value
|
Value assigned to the property. This information is not present until you have configured the server group.
|
Configure button
|
Click this button to define property values for the server group. For details, see Server Group Configuration Wizard.
|
Server Group Configuration Wizard
Use this wizard to define server group properties, such as the golden image, network interface (DHCP or Teaming), storage (NAS or SAN), sysprep, and swap size.
Access the Server Group Configuration wizard by clicking Configure from the Server Group Definition Tab.
The following topics describe the pages in the wizard:
•Golden Image Selection Dialog Box
•Golden Image User Variables Dialog Box
•Fabric and SAN Storage Selection Dialog Box
•LUN Selection for SAN Storage Dialog Box
•NAS Storage Selection Dialog Box
•Additional Logical Server Routing Configuration Dialog Box
•Interface Properties for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
•Teaming Mode for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
•Teaming Parameters for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
•Sysprep File Selection Dialog Box
•Sysprep Variables Dialog Box
•Golden Image User Variables Dialog Box
•Configuration Summary Dialog Box
Golden Image Selection Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to define information about the golden image to be used.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Creating a Golden Image
•Importing a Golden Image
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-6 Golden Image Selection Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
Golden Image
|
List box containing golden images that were imported or saved from a snapshot.
|
Boot Image Type
|
Boot image is based on whether the golden image is block based or file based. Valid values are NAS (file-based) or SAN (block-based). Choose the value based on the type of image you have.
|
Minimum Swap Size (mb)
|
If the image is file based, enter the number of megabytes to use as the minimum swap space.
When your service network is deployed, VFrame does not create the swap space you specify. It instead acquires servers with enough swap space already configured to accommodate your specification.
|
Minimum Memory Size (mb)
|
If the image is file based, enter the number of megabytes to use as the minimum memory space.
|
Golden Image User Variables Dialog Box
If you are using customization scripts on the golden image, you need to define the variables and values for the parameters used in the customization script. Use this dialog box to view and edit values for the golden image variables.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next until you reach this dialog box. This dialog box only appears if you have defined variables for the golden image you are using. Variables are created in the Server Images tab. For more information, see Working with Golden Image Parameters.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
For each variable, the following information is displayed:
•Variable Group Name
•Variable Name
•Variable Value
•Description
The variable fields contain the default values entered when the variables were created. You can keep these values or change them in this dialog box. For variables that have multiple values, you can add additional values or delete values that are no longer needed.
Fabric and SAN Storage Selection Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to define fabric connectivity.
Note This information is optional if you are using NAS and required if you are using SAN.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-7 Fabric and SAN Storage Selection Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
Fabric Connectivity
|
Type of fabric connectivity used. Valid values are No Fabric, Single Fabric, and Dual Fabric.
|
Fabric 1
|
List box containing VSANs that were discovered and managed.
|
Fabric 2
|
List box containing VSANs that were discovered and managed.
|
Server Ports (per fabric)
|
List box containing the number of server ports allocated per fabric. Valid values are 1 through 8.
|
LUN Selection for SAN Storage Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to define storage LUNs for SAN networks.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next. In the Golden Image Selection Dialog Box, select SAN as the boot image type, and then click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-8 LUN Selection for SAN Storage Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
LUN Name
|
Name of the LUN.
If you selected SAN (block-based image) as the boot image type, a root LUN named "root" is defined by default.
|
Selected Resource
|
Resource or resource pool containing the desired LUN.
|
Add button
|
Click this button to add additional LUNs. Enter a name and select the resource or resource pool containing the desired LUN.
|
Remove button
|
Select a LUN and click this button to delete a LUN.
|
Edit button
|
Select a LUN and click this button to change the LUN and pool selected.
|
NAS Storage Selection Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to define storage for NAS networks.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next. In the Golden Image Selection Dialog Box, select NAS as the boot image type, and then click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-9 NAS Storage Selection Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
NFS Root Storage
|
List box containing available NFS volumes.
|
Additional NFS Storage
|
Lists the partition name, size, and volume of additional NFS storage.
|
Add button
|
Click this button to add additional NFS storage.
|
Remove button
|
Select desired NFS partition and click this button to delete a partition.
|
Edit button
|
Select desired LUN and click this button to change the LUN and pool selected.
|
Shared Storage (Qtree/CIFS Share Selection)
|
List box containing available Qtree and CIFS share volumes.
|
Additional Logical Server Routing Configuration Dialog Box
The default gateway specified for the server group (under the Block Variables tab) is typically sufficient for most networks. However, if you have a more complex network configuration, you can use this dialog box to configure additional routes for the server group.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-10 IPv4 Router Configuration Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
Network Address
|
IP address of the router.
|
Netmask
|
Netmask of the router
|
Gateway
|
Gateway IP address.
Caution Make sure to enter the correct gateway IP address. When you try to start a service network with an incorrect gateway, deployment fails, and you need to delete the servers and recreate them with the correct gateway before redeploying your service network.
|
Metric
|
Number of hops to reach the gateway router.
|
Add button
|
Click this button to add additional routers.
|
Remove button
|
Select desired router and click this button to delete the router.
|
Edit button
|
Select desired routers and click this button to change router parameters.
|
Interface Properties for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to define interface properties for all interfaces available to this server group.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-11 Interface Properties for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
Ethernet Links
|
Number of Ethernet links (1-4) from the server group to the switch. If you select more than one link, you are prompted to define teaming mode later in the wizard.
|
Interface Speed
|
Speed of the Ethernet links. Valid values are 100 Mbps, 10 GB, and 100 GB.
|
PXE Boot Interface
|
Select this check box if the interface is linked to the VFrame Data Center server. You must have at least one interface linked to the VFrame Data Center server.
|
Requires Port Fast on Switch Port
|
Select this check box if spanning tree PortFast should be configured on the switch ports attached to the deployed servers. If you select this check box, the following two commands are applied to the access switch ports:
•spanning-tree portfast
•spanning-tree bpduguard enable
|
Teaming Mode for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to define teaming mode for this interface.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next until you reach the Interface Properties for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box, select two or more Ethernet links, and then click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-12 Teaming Mode for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
Teaming Mode
|
Mode used for teaming. Valid values are active backup or balance TLB.
|
Enable NIC HA
|
Click this check box to require NIC interfaces on different physical cards for this team.
|
Switch HA
|
Click this check box to require NIC interfaces connected to different physical Ethernet switches for this team.
|
Teaming Parameters for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to define teaming parameters for the selected teaming mode.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next until you reach the Interface Properties for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box, select two or more Ethernet links, and then click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-13 Teaming Parameters for Link To_Layer2Switch Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
Parameter Name
|
Name of the teaming parameter.
|
Value
|
Value of the teaming parameter.
|
Add button
|
Click this button to add additional teaming parameters.
|
Remove button
|
Select the desired teaming parameter and click this button to delete the selected teaming parameter. Only user-created parameters can be deleted. Default parameters cannot be deleted.
|
Edit button
|
Select the desired teaming parameter and click this button to change the selected teaming parameter.
|
Sysprep File Selection Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to define the sysprep file for the golden image. A sysprep file stores configuration data specific to the golden image that is selected. A golden image may contain more than one sysprep file; however, you need to select which of these sysprep files will be used to configure all the servers for that server group.
This wizard page is applicable and visible only if the selected golden image is a Windows image.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-14 Sysprep File Selection Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
Sysprep File
|
Sysprep file used to configure all the servers for the selected server group.
|
Sysprep Variables Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to enter or change the variable values associated with the selected sysprep file.
You can specify default values for these variables when you create the variables using the Server Images tab (see Working with Server Images). However, you can always override these default values by specifying new values in this dialog box.
Note Variable values can only be modified and added; new variables cannot be created using this dialog box.
This wizard page is applicable and visible only if the selected golden image is a Windows image.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-15 Sysprep Variables Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
Variables
|
The variables defined in the sysprep are displayed. Enter values that are appropriate to your server configuration.
|
Golden Image User Variables Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to define golden image user variable values. Variables parsed from the selected golden image file are displayed.
You can specify default values for these variables when you create the variables using the Server Images tab (see "Managing Server Images"). However, you can always override these default values by specifying new values in this dialog box.
Note Variable values can only be modified and added; new variables cannot be created using this dialog box.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-16 Golden Image User Variables Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
Variables
|
The variables defined in the Server Images tab are displayed. Keep the default values, if available, or enter new values that are appropriate to your network configuration.
|
Configuration Summary Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to review the settings defined in the wizard.
How to Get to This Dialog Box
From the Server Group Configuration Wizard, click Next until you reach this dialog box.
Related Topics
•Defining Server Groups
•Server Group Definition Tab
Field Reference
Service Network Summary Dialog Box
Use this dialog box to view a summary of the network elements and their configuration settings.
How to Get to This Tab
From the Service Networks tab, select a service network and click Details.
Related Topics
•Understanding Service Network Design
•Working with Service Networks
•Service Networks Tab
Field Reference
Table 13-18 Service Network Summary Dialog Box
Element
|
Description
|
Categorized button
|
Click this button to display the list by category.
|
Alphabetic button
|
Click this button to display the list in alphabetical order.
|
Show/Hide Description Area button
|
Click this button to control the display of the description information.
|
Expand button
|
Click this button to display all entries and subentries.
|
Collapse button
|
Click this button to display only the primary entry and hides all subentries.
|
Template
|
Name of the service network template.
|
Network and Logical Element Variables
|
Network and logical element variables.
|
Network and Logical Element Variable Values
|
Values assigned to the variables.
|
