17. Hardware Setup¶
The TrueNAS® Z series (Z30 and Z35) consists of one or two main Unified Storage Array units. Optional E16, E24, or ES60 Expansion Shelves can be added to expand storage capacity.
The TrueNAS® X series (X10 and X20) consists of one or two 2U units. Optional ES12 Expansion Shelves can be added to expand storage capacity.
Specifications and data sheets for the Z series, X series, and expansion shelves are available at https://www.ixsystems.com/truenas/.
Racking and connection information is described below.
Note
Always perform the initial TrueNAS® setup in consultation with an iXsystems Support Representative.
17.1. Contacting iXsystems¶
For assistance, please contact iX Support:
| Contact Method | Contact Options |
|---|---|
| Web | https://support.ixsystems.com |
support@iXsystems.com |
|
| Telephone | Monday - Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM Pacific Standard Time:
|
| Telephone | After Hours (24x7 Gold Level Support only):
|
17.2. Z Series Unified Storage Array¶
The TrueNAS® Unified Storage Array is an enterprise-grade 3U, 16-bay hybrid NAS control system that can be used alone, paired with a second Unified Storage Array to provide High Availability, or augmented with optional Expansion Shelves for additional storage.
Note
TrueNAS® units are carefully packed and shipped with
trusted carriers to arrive in perfect condition. If there is any
shipping damage or any parts are missing, please take photos and
contact iXsystems support immediately at
support@iXsystems.com or 1-855-GREP4-iX
(1-855-473-7449) or 1-408-943-4100.
Please locate and record the hardware serial numbers on the back or side of each chassis for easy reference.
17.2.1. Check the Contents of the Box¶
The TrueNAS® Storage Array shipment comes with these components:
| Quantity | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TrueNAS® Unified Storage Array | 
|
| up to 16 | Populated 3.5” drive trays | 
|
| 1 pair | Outer rails, left and right | 
|
| 8 | #32 Thumbscrews | 
|
| 2 | Short screws | 
|
| 2 | Long screws | 
|
| 2 | Power cables | 
|
| 1 | Serial to 3.5mm cable | 
|
| 1 | Faceplate | 
|
| 1 | Printed setup guide | 
|
Note
Network cables are highly configuration-dependent. Please contact your iXsystems Sales Representative for any questions about the included cables.
17.2.2. Become Familiar with the System¶
Fig. 17.2.1 Front View
Fig. 17.2.2 Front Panel Buttons and Indicators
Fig. 17.2.3 Rear View
Fig. 17.2.4 Drive Tray
17.2.3. Mounting in an EIA Rack or Cabinet¶
EIA racks and cabinets have either round or square holes on the mounting frame.
Fig. 17.2.5 Racks with Square or Round Holes
Match the rail mounting bracket to the rack or cabinet holes. The outer rails shipped with a TrueNAS® Array are configured for a rack or cabinet with square holes by default.
Fig. 17.2.6 Outer Rail Configured for Square Holes (Default)
Fig. 17.2.7 Outer Rail Configured for Round Holes
Caution
The outer rails have a specific rear and front end and must be installed in the correct orientation. The front of the outer rail has a black plastic rail guide to assist guiding the chassis inner rail into it. If the outer rails are not attached to the rack in the correct orientation, the TrueNAS® Array cannot be mounted to them.
Press the button and rotate the bracket on the outer rail to match the type of holes in the rack or cabinet as shown:
Fig. 17.2.8 Rotate Rackmount Bracket
Make sure the rails are long enough for the rack or cabinet being used. Double-check the outer rail orientation, making sure the front of the outer rail is matched with the front of the rack or cabinet.
Fig. 17.2.9 Outer Rail Front
Fig. 17.2.10 Outer Rail Rear
For racks with square holes, snap the mounting brackets in the outer rail into the front and back of the rack frame. The brackets use a spring-loaded locking mechanism and do not require mounting screws. holes at either end of the rail into the mouting holes.
Fig. 17.2.11 Installing Rails in Racks with Square Holes
For racks with round holes, position the rails at the desired location in the rack and secure them with 8 #32 thumbscrews.
Fig. 17.2.12 Installing Rails in Racks with Round Holes
The TrueNAS® Storage Array can now be installed into the rack.
Caution
Two people are required to safely install or remove the TrueNAS® Storage Array in a rack or cabinet.
Carefully align the TrueNAS® Array inner rails with the guides in the outer rails attached to the rack. When aligned, slide the TrueNAS® Array into the rack until it locks. Press the lock releases, then push the unit the rest of the way in until the front is flush with the rack or cabinet. Finally, secure the system to the rack with 8 #32 screws. It might be necessary to adjust the position of the TrueNAS® Array to align the screw holes for securing the unit.
Fig. 17.2.13 Push Array into Rack and Release Pin-lock Latches
Install all of the populated drive trays into the front of the array. Refer to Figure 17.2.14 for a detailed view.
Note
To avoid personal injury, do not install drives into the TrueNAS® Storage Array before racking.
Fig. 17.2.14 Drive Installation Instructions
Connect both network and storage cabling before turning on the TrueNAS® Storage Array for the first time.
Network cabling is highly dependent on the exact TrueNAS® model and environment. Please contact your iXsystems Support Representative if assistance is needed to connect the TrueNAS® Storage Array to the network.
The Out-of-Band Management feature requires connection and configuration of the out-of-band management port before turning on the TrueNAS® Storage Array. Refer to Figure 17.2.15 or the sticker on the storage controller handle for the location of the out-of-band management port.
Fig. 17.2.15 Back Panel Layout
Storage cabling instructions are shown in the E16/E16F Expansion Shelf and E24 Expansion Shelf setup instructions.
If the optional faceplate was included, attach it to the TrueNAS® Storage Array by inserting the two tabs on the right side of the faceplate into the holes in the right side handle section. Push the left side of the faceplate down until it clicks into place.
After all of the previous hardware setup steps are complete, plug the power cords into the AC receptacles on the back of the TrueNAS® Storage Array and secure them in place with the wire locks.
Note
Be sure to power on all TrueNAS® storage expansion shelves before powering on the TrueNAS® Storage Array.
Power on the TrueNAS® Storage Array by pressing the top left button on the control panel. Wait thirty seconds after turning on the first storage controller before powering on the second storage controller. This determines which controller is the active controller in High Availability configurations.
After the TrueNAS® Storage Array is fully operational, the TrueNAS® logo acts as a global fault light. By default, it is backlit in white. If there are any issues that need to be addressed, the light turns red. See the Alert section of the TrueNAS® administrative graphical interface for more details about the error condition.
Copyright © 2017 iXsystems, Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
17.3. X Series Unified Storage Array¶
The TrueNAS® X Series Unified Storage Array is a 2U, 12-bay, hybrid unified data storage array.
Note
TrueNAS® units are carefully packed and shipped with
trusted carriers to arrive in perfect condition. If there is any
shipping damage or any parts are missing, please take photos and
contact iXsystems support immediately at
support@iXsystems.com or 1-855-GREP4-iX
(1-855-473-7449) or 1-408-943-4100.
Please locate and record the hardware serial numbers on the back or side of each chassis for easy reference.
Carefully unpack the shipping boxes and locate these components:
X Series Unified Storage Array |
X Series Bezel |
Set of rackmount rails. The rails have a specific front end, identified by a label visible on the left above. The front ends of the rails must be installed facing the front of the rack. |
A total of 12 populated or empty “air baffle” drive trays. Trays must be installed in all bays to maintain proper airflow for cooling. Up to ten drive trays are packed in a cardboard tray. Additional drive trays are packed with the accessory kit. |
Accessory kit with 2 IEC C13 to NEMA 5-15P power cords, 2 IEC C14 to C14 cords, and velcro cable ties |
Black USB to 3.5mm, 3.3V serial cable and rail extenders for racks over 30” deep |
17.3.1. Become Familiar With the X Series System¶
The X Series has front panel indicators for power, locate ID, and fault. The fault indicator is on during the initial power-on self-test (POST) and turns off during normal operation. It turns on if the TrueNAS® software issues an alert.
The X Series contains one or two storage controllers in a side-by-side configuration. The connectors and features on each storage controller are:
| 1,2: Gigabit Ethernet connectors | 7,8: HDmini SAS3 connectors 1 and 2 |
| 3: USB device (reserved, do not remove) | 9: PCIe x8 expansion port |
| 4: USB 2.0 connector | 10: System console port (reserved) |
| 5: Out-of-Band (OOB) serial port (3.5mm) | 11: MAC address label |
| 6: Out-of-Band Management Ethernet connector | 12, 13: Redundant power supplies |
Fig. 17.3.2 Back Panel
17.3.2. Rail Kit Assembly¶
On racks that are 30 inches deep or less, proceed to rail spring installation below.
Racks from 31 to 36 inches deep require installation of the included rail extenders. For these deeper racks, install cage nuts on the outside rear of the rack. The tabs on the cage nuts must be horizontal as shown. Using the included bolts, install the rail extender inside the rear of the rack. Repeat the process for the second extender, which is a mirror image of the first.
Install a spring on the silver posts in the side of each rail.
Open the clamp latches on the ends of each rail. Place the rail in the rack with the front end toward the front of the rack, aligning the pins on both ends of the rail with the mounting holes in the rack. Swing the clamp latch closed to hold the rail in place. Use two of the supplied screws to secure the back end of the rail in place. Repeat the process for the second rail.
Caution: Two people are required to safely lift the chassis for rack installation or removal. Do not install drives until after the chassis has been installed in the rack, and remove all drives before removing the chassis from the rack.
Carefully place the chassis onto the rails mounted in the rack. Push the chassis in until the ears are flush with the front of the rack. Use two of the supplied screws to secure each ear to the rack.
17.3.3. Install Drive Trays¶
Drive trays are used to mount drives in the chassis. Each drive tray has a status LED which is blue when active or amber if a fault has occurred.
A tray must be placed in each drive bay to maintain proper airflow for cooling. If fewer than twelve drives are connected, empty “air baffle” trays must be placed in the empty bays.
A standard drive tray installation order simplifies support and is strongly recommended:
- SSD drives for SLOG, if present
- SSD drives for L2ARC, if present
- Hard drives or SSD drives for data storage
- Air baffle filler trays to fill any remaining empty bays
Install the first drive tray in the top left drive bay. Install the next drive tray to the right of the first. Install remaining drive trays to the right across the row. After a row is filled with drives, move down to the next row and start again with the left bay.
This example shows the proper order for a SLOG SSD, an L2ARC SSD, eight hard drives, and two empty air baffle trays.
To load an individual drive tray into a bay, press the blue button to open the latch. Carefully slide the tray into a drive bay until the left side of the latch touches the metal front edge of the chassis, then gently swing the latch closed until it clicks into place.
17.3.4. Connect Expansion Shelves¶
Refer to the installation instructions included with expansion shelves for details on connecting them.
17.3.5. Connect Network Cables¶
Note: Network cables vary by configuration and are not included. Please contact iX Support with any questions.
Connect network cables to the Ethernet ports and Out-of-Band (OOB) management port before attempting to power on and configure the X series for the the first time. The Out-of-Band (OOB) management port on the X series must be connected to a shielded Ethernet cable.
17.3.6. Connect Power Cords¶
If any TrueNAS® expansion shelves are connected to the X series, power them on first, then wait at least two minutes before connecting power cables to the X series.
Do not plug the power cords into a power outlet yet. Connect a power cord to the back of one power supply. Place the cord in the plastic clamp and press the tab into the latch to lock it in place. Repeat the process for the second power supply and cord.
After both power cords have been connected to the X series, they can be plugged into power outlets. The system is configured to automatically power on when connected to a power outlet. This design ensures that the X series comes back on when power is restored after a power failure.
17.3.7. Install Bezel (Optional)¶
The included bezel is not required for operation. If desired, install the bezel by aligning it with the pins on the bezel ears and pressing it into place.
17.3.8. Discover Out-of-Band Management IP Address¶
Several methods are available to determine the IP address currently assigned to the X series Out-of-Band management interface.
17.3.8.1. Preset¶
If the system was preconfigured by iXsystems, the Out-of-Band management interfaces have already been configured with the IP addresses requested by the user.
Otherwise, the Out-of-Band management IP addresses are set by default to static addresses:
Storage controller 1: 192.168.100.100, subnet mask 255.255.255.0
Storage controller 2 (if present): 192.168.100.101, subnet mask 255.255.255.0
17.3.8.2. DHCP¶
If the Out-of-Band management IP address has been configured to be assigned by DHCP, the IP address assigned by the DHCP server can be determined by checking the local DHCP server logs for the MAC addresses on the back panel of each X series storage controller, #11 on Figure 17.3.2.
The local DHCP server can also be configured to provide a fixed IP address for the X series Out-of-Band management by using the MAC address.
17.3.8.3. Serial Cable¶
The Out-of-Band management IP address can be identified or changed by temporarily connecting the black USB serial cable to the Out-of-Band serial port, #5 on Figure 17.3.2. Connect the USB end of the black cable to a laptop or desktop computer running serial terminal software.
Do not use the serial port for any purpose except checking the initial X series Out-of-Band management IP address or setting that address to be obtained by a different method. After use, disconnect the black USB serial cable from the X series.
Warning
The black USB serial cable is only for use with the Out-of-Band serial port on the X Series. Do not attempt to use it with any other equipment.
17.3.8.3.1. Out-of-Band Serial Terminal Communication Settings¶
Serial Port Device Names
The name of the serial port varies with operating systems. These are
some typical examples: Windows: COM4,
macOS: /dev/tty.usbserialxynnn,
FreeBSD: /dev/cuaU0, Linux: /dev/ttyUSB0.
Serial Port Communication Parameters
Set the serial terminal program to use the appopriate port with these parameters: 38400 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control. Log in to the serial console with:
Username: sysadmin Password: superuser
The current Out-of-Band management IP address is displayed with:
ifconfig eth0 | grep 'inet addr'
inet addr:10.20.1.227 Bcast:10.20.1.255 Mask:255.255.254.0
The current Out-of-Band network configuration settings are displayed with:
ipmitool -H 127.0.0.1 -U admin -P admin lan print
The Out-of-Band management system can be set to obtain an IP address from DHCP with:
ipmitool -H 127.0.0.1 -U admin -P admin lan set 1 ipsrc dhcp
The Out-of-Band management system can be set to use a static IP address and netmask. This example shows setting the IP address to 192.168.100.100 with a netmask of 255.255.255.0, and a default gateway of 192.168.100.1:
ipmitool -H 127.0.0.1 -U admin -P admin lan set 1 ipsrc static
ipmitool -H 127.0.0.1 -U admin -P admin lan set 1 ipaddr 192.168.100.10
ipmitool -H 127.0.0.1 -U admin -P admin lan set 1 netmask 255.255.255.0
ipmitool -H 127.0.0.1 -U admin -P admin lan set 1 defgw ipaddr 192.168.100.1
Log out of the Out-of-Band management system by typing exit
and pressing Enter. After use, always disconnect the black USB
serial cable from the X series system.
17.3.9. Connect to the X Series Console¶
17.3.9.1. With IPMI¶
Note
The IPMItool remote management utility must be installed on the laptop or desktop computer used to manage the X series remotely, and that computer must have access to the same network as the X series. FreeBSD, macOS, and Linux have package systems which can be used to install IPMItool. For Windows, a simple option is to install IPMItool through Cygwin.
Warning
Only use IPMItool for remote IPMI management on the X series. Other IPMI utilities may not work correctly or even damage the X series system.
When the Out-of-Band management IP address has been determined, the X series console is accessible through IPMI. In this example, 192.168.100.100 is the IP address assigned to the Out-of-Band management interface:
ipmitool -I lanplus -H 192.168.100.100 -U admin -a sol activate
Enter admin for the password, and the X series console is connected.
Tip
When a Serial Over LAN connection is already in use,
SOL on another session is displayed when a laptop or
desktop computer attempts to connect. The Serial Over LAN system
can be reset from the remote laptop or desktop computer with:
ipmitool -H 192.168.100.100 -U admin bmc reset cold
Enter admin for the password, and the Serial Over LAN system is reset. Repeat the sol activate command above to connect.
The Serial Over LAN system can also be reset with the Out-of-Band serial port by attaching the black USB serial cable, connecting with a serial terminal program, and logging in as shown in Serial Cable. Then use
ifconfig eth0
to view the IP address of the eth0 network interface. Use the IP address, shown as eth0ipaddress in this example, in the reset command:
ipmitool -H eth0ipaddress -U admin bmc reset cold
Enter admin for the password, and the Serial Over LAN system is reset. Log out of the system with exit and disconnect the black USB serial cable from the X series system.
Tip
The Out-of-Band console password can be changed by attaching the black USB serial cable, connecting with a serial terminal program, and logging in as shown in Serial Cable. Then give this command to set the new password, shown as newpassword in this example:
ipmitool -H 127.0.0.1 -U admin -P admin user set password 2 newpassword
Log out of the system with exit and disconnect the black USB serial cable from the X series system.
Proceed to Using the X Series Console.
17.3.9.2. With the Serial Cable¶
The X series console can be directly connected to a serial terminal program by temporarily disconnecting the gray serial cable from the system console serial port, #10 on Figure 17.3.2, and temporarily connecting the black USB serial cable to that port.
Connect the USB end of the black USB serial cable to a laptop or desktop computer running serial terminal software. See Out-of-Band Serial Terminal Communication Settings for the serial device name. Set the terminal software to:
115200 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, no flow control
Wait two minutes after the X series has been connected to power, then
press Enter to display the console menu. Find the message
starting with The web user interface is at: and write down
the IP address shown.
After viewing the X series console, disconnect the black USB serial
cable and reconnect the gray System Management cable
to the system serial console port, #10 on
Figure 17.3.2.
17.3.10. Using the X Series Console¶
The X series console has two modes: SES (SCSI Enclosure Services) mode, and the standard x86 console mode.
If ESM A => is displayed, the X series is in SES mode.
Switch to the X86 console mode by typing these characters:
$%^0
Press Enter twice after typing the characters. The normal x86
console is displayed.
To switch back to the SES console, type these characters:
$%^2
17.3.11. Perform TrueNAS® Initial Software Configuration¶
The console displays the IP address of the TrueNAS® X series graphical web interface, 192.168.100.231 in this example:
The web user interface is at:
http://192.168.100.231
Enter the IP address into a browser on a computer on the same network to access the web user interface.
Copyright © 2017 iXsystems, Inc. All rights reserved.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
17.4. ES12 Expansion Shelf¶
The TrueNAS® ES12 is 2U, 12-bay, SAS3 (12 Gb/s) expansion shelf with dual expansion modules and redundant power supplies.
Note
TrueNAS® units are carefully packed and shipped with
trusted carriers to arrive in perfect condition. If there is any
shipping damage or any parts are missing, please take photos and
contact iXsystems support immediately at
support@iXsystems.com or 1-855-GREP4-iX
(1-855-473-7449) or 1-408-943-4100.
Please locate and record the hardware serial numbers on the back or side of each chassis for easy reference.
Carefully unpack the shipping boxes and locate these components:
|
ES12 Expansion Shelf |
ES12 Bezel |
|
Set of rackmount rails. The rails have a specific front end, identified by a label visible on the left above. The front ends of the rails must be installed facing the front of the rack. |
A total of 12 populated or empty “air baffle” drive trays. Trays must be installed in all bays to maintain proper airflow for cooling. Up to ten drive trays are packed in a cardboard tray. Additional drive trays are packed with the accessory kit. |
|
Accessory kit with 2 IEC C13 to NEMA 5-15P power cords, 2 IEC C14 to C14 cords, and a set of velcro cable ties |
Two 3-meter Mini SAS HD to Mini SAS HD cables |
17.4.1. Become Familiar With the ES12 System¶
The ES12 has front panel indicators for power, locate ID, and fault. The fault indicator is on during the initial power-on self-test (POST) and turns off during normal operation. It turns on if the TrueNAS® software issues an alert.
The ES12 contains two expansion modules in a side-by-side configuration. The connectors and features on each module are:
| 1-3: HD Mini SAS3 connectors (T1-T3) |
| 4: Debug port (TrueNAS® internal use only) |
| 5: Redundant power supplies |
17.4.2. Rail Kit Assembly¶
On racks that are 30 inches deep or less, proceed to rail spring installation below.
Racks from 31 to 36 inches deep require installation of the included rail extenders. For these deeper racks, install cage nuts on the outside rear of the rack. The tabs on the cage nuts must be horizontal as shown. Using the included bolts, install the rail extender inside the rear of the rack. Repeat the process for the second extender, which is a mirror image of the first.
Install a spring on the silver posts in the side of each rail.
Open the clamp latches on the ends of each rail. Place the rail in the rack with the front end toward the front of the rack, aligning the pins on both ends of the rail with the mounting holes in the rack. Swing the clamp latch closed to hold the rail in place. Use two of the supplied screws to secure the back end of the rail in place. Repeat the process for the second rail.
Caution: Two people are required to safely lift the chassis for rack installation or removal. Do not install drives until after the chassis has been installed in the rack, and remove all drives before removing the chassis from the rack.
Carefully place the chassis onto the rails mounted in the rack. Push the chassis in until the ears are flush with the front of the rack. Use two of the supplied screws to secure each ear to the rack.
17.4.3. Install Drive Trays¶
Drive trays are used to mount drives in the chassis. Each drive tray has a status LED which is blue when active or amber if a fault has occurred.
A tray must be placed in each drive bay to maintain proper airflow for cooling. If fewer than twelve drives are connected, empty “air baffle” trays must be placed in the empty bays.
A standard drive tray installation order simplifies support and is strongly recommended:
- SSD drives for SLOG, if present
- SSD drives for L2ARC, if present
- Hard drives or SSD drives for data storage
- Air baffle filler trays to fill any remaining empty bays
Install the first drive tray in the top left drive bay. Install the next drive tray to the right of the first. Install remaining drive trays to the right across the row. After a row is filled with drives, move down to the next row and start again with the left bay.
This example shows the proper order for a SLOG SSD, an L2ARC SSD, eight hard drives, and two empty air baffle trays.
To load an individual drive tray into a bay, press the blue button to open the latch. Carefully slide the tray into a drive bay until the left side of the latch touches the metal front edge of the chassis, then gently swing the latch closed until it clicks into place.
17.4.4. Connect Power Cords¶
Do not plug the power cords into a power outlet yet. Connect a power cord to the back of one power supply. Place the cord in the plastic clamp and press the tab into the latch to lock it in place. Repeat the process for the second power supply and cord.
17.4.5. Connect SAS Cables¶
Shut down and power off the TrueNAS® X series. Remove the X series power cables from the power outlets.
Plug the ES12 power cords into power outlets. Wait two minutes for the drives to start.
Connect an SAS cable from the ES12 expander module 1 T1 connector to the X series node 1 SAS 1 connector (cable #1 in photo).
If the X series has a second node for HA (High Availability), connect a second SAS cable from the ES12 expander module 2 to the X series node 2 SAS 1 connector (cable #2 in photo).
A second ES12 can also be connected to the X series. Connect the first ES12 as shown above. Then connect the second ES12, running SAS cables from the ES12 T1 connectors to the SAS 2 connectors on the X series.
17.4.6. Use with the ES60 Expansion Shelf (X20 Only)¶
The X20 supports using an ES60 Expansion Shelf in combination with the ES12. Connect the ES60 to the X20 SAS 1 ports, and connect the ES12 to the X20 SAS 2 ports.
After all SAS cables have been connected, plug the X series power cords into power outlets.
17.4.7. Install Bezel (Optional)¶
The included bezel is not required for operation. If desired, install the bezel by aligning it with the pins on the bezel ears and pressing it into place.
17.5. E16/E16F Expansion Shelf¶
Note
This product is End Of Life (EOL). Support ends January 31, 2020.
The TrueNAS® E16 expansion shelf is a 3U, 16-bay storage expansion unit designed specifically to work with the TrueNAS® Storage Array. This section covers setting up an E16 expansion shelf and connecting it to a TrueNAS® Storage Array.
Note
TrueNAS® units are carefully packed and shipped with
trusted carriers to arrive in perfect condition. If there is any
shipping damage or any parts are missing, please take photos and
contact iXsystems support immediately at
support@iXsystems.com or 1-855-GREP4-iX
(1-855-473-7449) or 1-408-943-4100.
Please locate and record the hardware serial numbers on the back or side of each chassis for easy reference.
The E16 expansion shelf comes with these components:
- TrueNAS® E16 expansion shelf
- Up to 16 populated 3.5” drive trays
- Two power cables
- Two host expansion cables (SAS 8088)
- Inner and outer rails, left and right
- Two sets of screws
- One printed guide
Unused drive bays are populated with drive tray blanks to maintain proper airflow.
Figure 17.5.1 shows the front view of the TrueNAS® E16 expansion shelf.
Fig. 17.5.1 Front View
Figure 17.5.2 shows the rear view of the TrueNAS® E16 expansion shelf.
Fig. 17.5.2 Rear View
Figure 17.5.3 provides a detailed view of a drive tray and the possible statuses for the LED.
Fig. 17.5.3 Drive Tray
To attach the E16 expansion shelf inner rail to the chassis, remove the inner rail from both rails. Slide the inner and outer rails apart, and then push the pin-lock latch outward to allow the rails to separate completely, as shown in Figure 17.5.4.
Fig. 17.5.4 Separate Inner and Outer Rails
Align the inner rail keyholes to the two hooks near the front of the chassis, then slide the rails forward into place as shown in Figure 17.5.5.
Fig. 17.5.5 Attach Inner Rail to Chassis
Secure the inner rail in place with a small screw from the rail kit. Refer to Figure 17.5.6 for a detailed view.
Fig. 17.5.6 Secure Inner Rail in Place
The TrueNAS® E16 expansion shelf slide rails support racks with both square and circular hole types. Set the mounting brackets into the correct position for the type of rack by pressing the button on the mounting bracket and rotating them in place, as shown in Figure 17.5.7. The square rack style brackets are the default. The circular hole style is the one with a flat surface and screw holes.
Fig. 17.5.7 Rotate Rackmount Bracket
Before installing, confirm that the rails included with the TrueNAS® E16 expansion shelf are long enough for the rack being used. Examine each rail to find the sides labeled Front and Rear.
For racks with square holes, snap the mounting brackets into the holes at either end of the rail into the mouting holes. Make sure to install the rails with the end labeled Front toward the front of the rack. Refer to Figure 17.5.8 for a detailed view.
Fig. 17.5.8 Installing Rails in Racks with Square Holes
For racks with round holes, secure the rails into the rack at the desired position using the eight thumbscrews included with the rails. Make sure to install the rails with the end labeled Front toward the front of the rack. Refer to Figure 17.5.9 for a detailed view.
Fig. 17.5.9 Installing Rails in Racks with Round Holes
The E16 expansion shelf can now be installed in the rack.
Warning
Two people are required to lift a TrueNAS® E16 expansion shelf.
Carefully align the TrueNAS® E16 expansion shelf inner rail with the notches in the outer rail. When the rails are aligned, slide the array toward the rack. When the array stops moving, move the pin-lock laches to allow the array to slide the rest of the way into the rack. Refer to Figure 17.5.10 for a detailed view.
Fig. 17.5.10 Push Expansion Shelf into Rack and Release pin-lock Latches
Next, install all populated drive trays into the front of the expansion shelf as shown in Figure 17.5.11.
Note
to avoid personal injury, do not install drives into the E16 expansion shelf before racking.
Fig. 17.5.11 Drive Installation Instructions
Note the labels on the SAS ports on the back of the TrueNAS® Storage Array and the letter label on the back of the expansion shelf. Using the included SAS cables, connect the In SAS port of the top expansion module on the E16 expansion shelf to the SAS port with the same letter on the TrueNAS® Storage Array’s primary storage controller (the one in the top slot). If a secondary storage controller has been installed, connect the In SAS port of the bottom expansion module to the port with the same letter on the secondary storage controller. Refer to Figure 17.5.12 for a detailed view.
Fig. 17.5.12 Connecting an E16 Expansion Shelf to a TrueNAS® Storage Array
After all of the other hardware setup steps have been completed, plug the power cords into the AC receptacles on the back of the E16 expansion shelf and secure them in place with the wire locks. Power on the E16 expansion shelf by pressing the top left button on the control panel.
When setting up a TrueNAS® Storage Array for the first time, wait two minutes after powering on all expansion shelves before turning on the TrueNAS® Storage Array.
17.6. E24 Expansion Shelf¶
The TrueNAS® E24 expansion shelf is a 4U, 24-bay storage expansion unit designed specifically for use with the TrueNAS® Storage Array. This section covers setting up an E24 expansion shelf and connecting it to a TrueNAS® Storage Array.
Note
TrueNAS® units are carefully packed and shipped with
trusted carriers to arrive in perfect condition. If there is any
shipping damage or any parts are missing, please take photos and
contact iXsystems support immediately at
support@iXsystems.com or 1-855-GREP4-iX
(1-855-473-7449) or 1-408-943-4100.
Please locate and record the hardware serial numbers on the back or side of each chassis for easy reference.
The E24 expansion shelf comes with these components:
- TrueNAS® E24 expansion shelf
- Up to 24 populated drive trays
- Two power cables
- Two host expansion cables (SAS 8088)
- One rail kit
- One printed guide
Unused drive bays are populated with drive tray blanks to maintain proper airflow.
Figure 17.6.1 shows the front of the TrueNAS® E24 expansion shelf.
Fig. 17.6.1 Front View
Figure 17.6.2 shows the rear view of the TrueNAS® E24 expansion shelf.
Fig. 17.6.2 Rear View
Figure 17.6.3 provides a detailed view of a 3.5” drive tray.
Fig. 17.6.3 Drive Tray
Two rails and three sets of screws are included in the rail kit. Use only the screws labeled for the type of rack in which the unit is being installed. Take note of the engraved rails at either end of each rail specifying whether they are for the Left (L) or Right (R) and which end is the front and which is the back. With two people, attach each rail to the rack using the top and bottom screw holes. The folded ends of the rails should be inside the corners of the rack. Figure 17.6.4 shows the front left attachments for an L-type rack.
Fig. 17.6.4 Front Left Rail
Figure 17.6.5 shows the rear right attachments for an L-type rack.
Fig. 17.6.5 Rear Right Rail
Next, install the E24 expansion shelf into the rack.
Note
To avoid personal injury, do not install drives into the E24 expansion shelf before racking.
With two people, place the back of the expansion shelf on the rack. Gently push it backwards until the front panels of the expansion shelf are pressed against the front of the rack.
Secure the expansion shelf to the rack by pushing down and tightening the two built-in thumbscrews as indicated in Figure 17.6.6.
Fig. 17.6.6 Secure E24 Expansion Shelf to the Rack
Once the E24 expansion shelf is secured into the rack, insert the included hard drives. To insert a drive, release the handle with the tab on the right side, push it into the drive bay until the handle starts to be pulled back, and then push the handle the rest of the way forward to secure the drive in place.
To connect the E24 expansion shelf to the TrueNAS® Storage Array, note the labels on the SAS ports on the back of the TrueNAS® Storage Array and the letter label on the back of the expansion shelf. Using the included SAS cables, connect the left In SAS port of the left side expansion module on the E24 expansion shelf to the SAS port with the same letter on the TrueNAS® Storage Array’s primary storage controller, the one in the top slot. If a secondary storage controller is installed, connect the left In SAS port of the right side expansion module to the port with the same letter on the secondary storage controller. Refer to Figure 17.6.7 for a detailed view.
Fig. 17.6.7 Example connection between E24 Expansion Shelf and TrueNAS® Storage Array
Note
Please retain the second SAS cable even when only one controller is installed. If the TrueNAS® system is upgraded later with a second storage controller, the second cable will be needed to connect the E24 expansion shelf.
Before plugging in and powering on the E24 expansion shelf, make sure the power switches on both power supplies are set to the Off (Circle) position shown in Figure 17.6.8. Using the power cables provided, connect both power supplies to appropriate power sources. Secure the power cables in place with the plastic locks.
Fig. 17.6.8 E24 Power Supply
Once all the power and storage connections are set up, turn on the expansion shelf by moving the power switches on both power supplies to the On (line) position.
When setting up a TrueNAS® Storage Array for the first time, wait two minutes after powering on all expansion shelves before turning on the TrueNAS® Storage Array.