Step 8: Create a Node Template for the iSCSI Boot Nodes

  • Article

After the image of the base node is created, you must create the node template that uses the base node image to deploy the iSCSI boot nodes on the iSCSI storage arrays. This node template is different than the base node template that you previously created.

To create a node template for the iSCSI boot nodes

  1. In HPC Cluster Manager, in Configuration, in the Navigation Pane, click iSCSI Deployment.

  2. In the Required iSCSI Deployment Tasks list, under Base node image creation, click Create a node template for iSCSI boot nodes. The Create Node Template Wizard appears.

  3. On the Choose Node Template Type page, choose the kind of node template that you want to create, and then click Next.

  4. On the Specify Template Name page, type a descriptive name for the template, and optionally type a description for it. Click Next to continue.

  5. On the Select Operating System Image page, in the Image Name list, select the base node image that you created. Only images that were created from iSCSI boot nodes will be listed. Click Next to continue.

  6. On the iSCSI Storage Array Selection page, select the iSCSI storage arrays to which you want to deploy iSCSI boot nodes by using the node template, and then click Next.

  7. On the iSCSI Boot Configuration page, select the iSCSI boot configuration of the nodes in your cluster.

    Important

    You must select the same iSCSI boot configuration that you selected for the base node that you deployed to create the base node image. (See Step 5: Deploy the Base Node, earlier in this guide.) If you do not select the same iSCSI boot configuration that you selected for the base node from which the image was created, your deployment will fail.

    Use the following procedure if the network adapters are configured for PXE boot, and you select to provide a network boot program (NBP) to initiate iSCSI boot:

    1. Copy the NBP file to the %CCP_DATA%\Boot folder, for example: c:\Program Files\Microsoft HPC Pack 2012\Data\Boot.

    2. On the iSCSI Boot Configuration page, in the NBP File Path box. type the name of the NBP file that you copied, and in the NBP DHCP Client Class box, type the DHCP client class for the NBP. For example, if your NBP is for gPXE, type the name of the gPXE file, and type gPXE as the class. Click Next to continue.

  8. On the iSCSI Qualified Name Configuration page, select how to assign the iSCSI Qualified Name (IQN) to each iSCSI boot node, and then click Next.

    Important

    • You must select to assign the IQN in the same way that you assigned it to the base node that you deployed to create the base node image for this template. If you do not select the same configuration for the IQN that you selected for the base node from which the image was created, your deployment will fail.
    • If you are providing an NBP, you must select to assign the IQN dynamically. For example, if you are using gPXE, use DHCP option ID 203 (the default value).
    • If you are using a network adapter that can boot from iSCSI, you must determine which DHCP option is required by reviewing the documentation for the adapter, or by contacting your hardware vendor.

  9. On the Review page, click Create.

See Also

Steps for Deploying iSCSI Boot Nodes with Microsoft HPC Pack