16. Hardware Setup — TrueNAS® User Guide 9.10.2-U2 Table of Contents

# 16. Hardware Setup

TrueNAS® hardware consists of one or two main Unified Storage Array units. Optional Expansion Shelves can be added to expand storage capacity. Racking and connection of these units is described individually below.

If the TrueNAS® Storage Array does not arrive in perfect condition, or if any parts are missing, please take photos and contact iXsystems support immediately.

Note

Always perform the initial TrueNAS® setup in consultation with your iXsystems Support Representative. iXsystems Support can be contacted at `truenas-support@ixsystems.com`. Have all TrueNAS® hardware serial numbers available. These are located on the back of each chassis.

## 16.1. TrueNAS® Unified Storage Array

The TrueNAS® Storage Array is shipped with several accessories. Please verify that the shipment includes these items:

- TrueNAS® Storage Array

- Up to 16 Populated 3.5” drive trays

- One pair of outer rails, left and right

- Eight thumbscrews

- Two short screws

- Two long screws

- Two power cables

- One serial to 3.5mm cable

- One faceplate

- One printed guide

Network cables are highly configuration-dependent. Please contact your iXsystems Sales Representative for any questions about the included cables.

Unused drive bays are populated with drive tray blanks to maintain proper airflow.

Layout of the storage controller varies with configuration. Figure 16.1.1 provides an example of the front view of the TrueNAS® Storage Array.

Fig. 16.1.1 Front View

There are two control panels, one on each side of the front of the array. The one on the left controls the primary storage controller, and the one on the right controls the secondary storage controller in High Availability models.

Figure 16.1.2 shows the layout of the front panel buttons and indicators.

Fig. 16.1.2 Front Panel Buttons and Indicators

Figure 16.1.3 shows the rear view of the array. If the TrueNAS® Storage Array is configured for High Availability, both storage controller slots are populated. In a single-controller model, the bottom slot is covered with a blank panel.

Fig. 16.1.3 Rear View

Figure 16.1.4 shows a drive tray and the LED color indications.

Fig. 16.1.4 Drive Tray

## 16.2. Hardware Installation

The TrueNAS® Storage Array slide rails work on racks with either square or circular hole types. Set the mounting brackets into the correct position for the rack type by pressing the button on the mounting bracket and rotating them, as shown in Figure 16.2.1. The square rack style brackets are the default. The circular hole style has a flat surface and screw holes.

Fig. 16.2.1 Rotate Rackmount Bracket

Before installing, confirm that the rails included are long enough for the rack. 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 16.2.2 for a detailed view.

Fig. 16.2.2 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. Make sure to install the rails with the end labeled Front toward the front of the rack. Refer to Figure 16.2.3 for a detailed view.

Fig. 16.2.3 Installing Rails in Racks with Round Holes

The TrueNAS® Storage Array can now be installed into the rack.

Warning

Two people are required to lift a TrueNAS® Storage Array.

Carefully align the TrueNAS® Storage Array 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 16.2.4 for a detailed view.

Fig. 16.2.4 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 16.2.5 for a detailed view.

Note

To avoid personal injury, do not install drives into the TrueNAS® Storage Array before racking.

Fig. 16.2.5 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.

Using the Out-of-Band Management feature requires connecting and configuring the out-of-band management port before turning on the TrueNAS® Storage Array. Refer to Figure 16.2.6 or the sticker on the storage controller handle for the location of the out-of-band management port.

Fig. 16.2.6 Back Panel Layout

Storage cabling instructions are shown in the E16/E16F Expansion Shelf and E24 Expansion Shelf sections.

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 will determine 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. Refer to the Alert section of the TrueNAS® administrative graphical interface for more details about the error condition.

## 16.3. 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 will cover setting up an E16 expansion shelf and connecting it to a TrueNAS® Storage Array.

The E16 expansion shelf comes with a number of necessary accessories. If anything is missing or your E16 expansion shelf arrived in less than pristine condition, immediately take pictures and contact iXsystems support.

- 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 16.3.1 shows the front view of the TrueNAS® E16 expansion shelf.

Fig. 16.3.1 Front View

Figure 16.3.2 shows the rear view of the TrueNAS® E16 expansion shelf.

Fig. 16.3.2 Rear View

Figure 16.3.3 provides a detailed view of a drive tray and the possible statuses for the LED.

Fig. 16.3.3 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 16.3.4.

Fig. 16.3.4 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 16.3.5.

Fig. 16.3.5 Attach Inner Rail to Chassis

Secure the inner rail in place with a small screw from the rail kit. Refer to Figure 16.3.6 for a detailed view.

Fig. 16.3.6 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 your rack type by pressing the button on the mounting bracket and rotating them in place, as shown in Figure 16.3.7. The square rack style brackets are the default. The circular hole style is the one with a flat surface and screw holes.

Fig. 16.3.7 Rotate Rackmount Bracket

Before installing, confirm that the rails included with the TrueNAS® E16 expansion shelf are long enough for your rack. 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 16.3.8 for a detailed view.

Fig. 16.3.8 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 16.3.9 for a detailed view.

Fig. 16.3.9 Installing Rails in Racks with Round Holes

You are now ready to install the E16 expansion shelf into 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. Once 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 16.3.10 for a detailed view.

Fig. 16.3.10 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 16.3.11.

Note

to avoid personal injury, do not install drives into the E16 expansion shelf before racking.

Fig. 16.3.11 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 expander 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 you have a secondary storage controller, connect the In SAS port of the bottom expander to the port with the same letter on the secondary storage controller. Refer to Figure 16.3.12 for a detailed view.

Fig. 16.3.12 Connecting an E16 Expansion Shelf to a TrueNAS® Storage Array

Once all the other hardware setup steps are complete, 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.

If you are 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.

## 16.4. 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 will cover setting up an E24 expansion shelf and connecting it to a TrueNAS® Storage Array.

The E24 expansion shelf comes with a number of necessary accessories. If anything is missing or your E24 expansion shelf arrived in less than pristine condition, immediately take pictures and contact iXsystems support.

- 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 16.4.1 shows the front of the TrueNAS® E24 expansion shelf.

Fig. 16.4.1 Front View

Figure 16.4.2 shows the rear view of the TrueNAS® E24 expansion shelf.

Fig. 16.4.2 Rear View

Figure 16.4.3 provides a detailed view of a 3.5” drive tray.

Fig. 16.4.3 Drive Tray

Two rails and three sets of screws are included in the rail kit. Use only the screws labeled for use in the type of rack you have. 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 topmost and bottommost screw holes. The folded ends of the rails should be inside the corners of the rack. Figure 16.4.4 shows the front left attachments for an L-type rack.

Fig. 16.4.4 Front Left Rail

Figure 16.4.5 shows the rear right attachments for an L-type rack.

Fig. 16.4.5 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 16.4.6.

Fig. 16.4.6 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 expander 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 you have a secondary storage controller, connect the left In SAS port of the right side expander to the port with the same letter on the secondary storage controller. Refer to Figure 16.4.7 for a detailed view.

Fig. 16.4.7 Example connection between E24 Expansion Shelf and TrueNAS® Storage Array

Note

If you only have one storage controller, retain your second SAS cable. If you later upgrade TrueNAS® with a second storage controller, you will need it to connect to the E24 expansion shelf.

Before you plug in and power on the E24 expansion shelf, make sure the power switches on both power supplies are set to the Off (Circle) position shown in Figure 16.4.8. Using the power cables provided, connect both power supplies to appropriate power sources. Secure the power cables in place with the plastic locks.

Fig. 16.4.8 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.