Connect and Activate an ES2-H or SF-ES2 Expansion Shelf

IMPORTANT:
Fully configure the array, updating the NimbleOS version if necessary. The array must be running when you power on and connect expansion shelves.
  • CSxxxx Adaptive Flash arrays require NimbleOS 3.6 or later for the ES2-H shelf
  • SFxxx Secondary Flash arrays require NimbleOS 4.2 or later for the SF-ES2 shelf

To verify the number of expansion shelves supported and the NimbleOS version required, refer to the Array Configuration Matrix available on InfoSight: https://infosight.hpe.com

Caution:

  • When you activate the expansion shelf, there is a momentary pause in data services from the array. You might need to activate the expansion shelf during a maintenance window.

  • When possible, larger capacity shelves should be added to their own path instead of being daisy chained to an end of an existing path. If this is not possible, add the shelves to the path with the smallest difference in capacity.

Use this procedure to connect and activate up to six ES2-H expansion shelves or up to two SF-ES2 expansion shelves, depending on the model of your HPE Nimble Storage array.

  1. Plug in drives and apply power.
    1. Verify that the drives are installed and fully plugged in. Some slots might be empty.
    2. Plug one power cord from each power supply into a separate circuit.
    3. The expansion shelf should turn on automatically. Verify that the SAS LEDs are green after connecting the power cables. If the expansion shelf does not turn on automatically, contact Nimble Storage Support.
  2. Cable the array to the expansion shelf.
    IMPORTANT: Verify that the array power is on before connecting the SAS cables. Use the two SAS cables that are included in the shipping box.
    1. Connect the SAS OUT (expansion) port of controller A on the array to the SAS IN port of expander A on the first expansion shelf.
    2. Connect the SAS OUT (expansion) port of controller B on the array to the SAS IN port of expander B on the first expansion shelf.
    After connecting the expansion shelf, continue with step 4 if not connecting an additional shelf.
    1. Array
    2. SAS expansion port (P2)
    3. Expansion shelf
    4. SAS Out
    5. SAS In
    6. Expansion shelf
    7. SAS In
  3. Connect additional shelves as needed.
    1. Connect the SAS OUT (expansion) port of controller A on the array to the SAS IN port of expander A on the expansion shelf.
    2. Connect the SAS OUT (expansion) port of expander B on the expansion shelf to the SAS IN port of expander B on the next expansion shelf.
    3. Repeat steps a and b until all expansion shelves are connected.
      NOTE: Wait at least 3 (three) minutes between each additional expansion shelf connection to ensure the firmware update is complete.
  4. Snap the bezel to the front of the expansion shelf.
    The bezel includes power connection pins on both sides.
    1. Align the four retention pins on the bezel with the four mounting holes on the front of the expansion shelf.
    2. Press gently but firmly until the bezel snaps into place.

      .

  5. Activate the expansion shelves.
    NOTE:

    • Ensure that all drives are detected and all drive LEDs are green before activating the expansion shelf.

    • When you activate the expansion shelf, there is a momentary pause in data services from the array. You might need to activate the expansion shelf during a maintenance window.

    1. In the GUI, do one of the following:
      • For version 3.x or earlier, choose Manage → Arrays, then select the array that contains the new drives.
      • For version 4.x or later, click Hardware, then select the array that contains the new drives.
    2. In the array list, click the array that manages the expansion shelf.
    3. On the expansion shelf graphic, click Activate.
      On the NimbleOS Array Management page, a newly connected expansion shelf appears.