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Management-only network topology (CentOS, Citrix, Docker, Red Hat KVM, Rocky, Ubuntu, VMware ESXi, or Windows Hyper-V)

In this topology, Lenovo XClarity Administrator has only the management network. It does not have the data network.

Before you begin

Ensure that all appropriate ports are enabled, including:
  • Ports that XClarity Administrator requires (see Port availability)
  • External ports to the network
  • Internal ports to the CMM

Ensure that the minimum required firmware is installed on each device that you intend to manage using XClarity Administrator. You can find minimum required firmware levels from the XClarity Administrator Support – Compatibility webpage by clicking the Compatibility tab and then clicking the link for the appropriate device types..

Important
Configure the devices and components in ways that minimize IP address changes. Consider using static IP addresses instead of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). If DHCP is used, ensure that IP address changes are minimized.

About this task

The following figure illustrates one way to set up your environment if Lenovo XClarity Administrator has only the management network (and not the data network). The numbers in the figure correspond to the numbered steps in the following sections.

Note
This figure does not depict all cabling options that might be required for your environment. Instead, this figure shows only the cabling-option requirements for the Flex switches, CMMs, and rack servers as they relate to setting up a management-only network.
Figure 1. Sample management-only network topology for a virtual appliance
Illustrates a managament-only in an ESXi, Hyper-V, KVM, or Citrix environment.
Figure 2. Sample management-only network topology for containers
Illustrates a managament-only in an container environment.

If you intend to install XClarity Administrator to manage existing chassis and rack servers that have already been configured, proceed to Step 5: Install and configure the host.

For additional information about planning for this topology, including information about network settings and Eth1 and Eth0 configuration, see Management-only network.

  1. Step 1: Cable the chassis, rack servers, and Lenovo XClarity Administrator host to the top-of-rack switches
    Cable the chassis, rack servers, and XClarity Administrator host to the top-of-rack switches to enable communications between the devices and your network.
  2. Step 2: Configure top-of-rack switches
    Configure the top-of-rack switches.
  3. Step 3: Configure Chassis Management Modules (CMMs)
    Configure the primary Chassis Management Module (CMM) in your chassis to manage all devices in the chassis.
  4. Step 4: Configure Flex switches
    Configure the Flex switches in each chassis.
  5. Step 5: Install and configure the host
    Lenovo XClarity Administrator supports the following hosts: Docker, Citrix, Red Hat KVM, VMware ESXi, or Windows Hyper-V.
  6. Step 6. Install and configure the Lenovo XClarity Administrator virtual appliance
    Install and configure the XClarity Administrator on the host that was just installed.