Setup Guide

Setup Nimble Virtual Array on VMware Workstation by using Host-only Networking

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Introduction

Nimble Virtual Array software is intended for non-production use cases only, such as training,

demonstration or testing third party products integration with Nimble Storage products. This

software is explicitly for use by Nimble employees and authorized technology partners. This guide

focuses on how to setup Nimble Virtual Array on VMware Workstation by using host-only

networking.

Why use host-only networking

Host-only networking is a network contained completely within the host computer. It is convenient

to setup test/dev clients, servers and Nimble Virtual Array within the same host, such as a desktop

or laptop, for demo or development purpose. Usually you have control over IP address

assignment of the host. It avoids IP address conflict to a bridged network. However, it also means

that only virtual machine within the same host-only network can communicate with each other.

You will need to create a virtual machine by using the same host network in the VMware

Workstation in order to access the Nimble Virtual Array.

Requirements

1. Access to InfoSight - https://infosight.nimblestorage.com

2. SSD – Nimble Virtual Array must run on SSD and require 15GB+ space depending on usage

3. Nimble Setup Manager – part of Nimble Windows Toolkit, which can be downloaded from

InfoSight

4. Host-only IP addresses – prepare 4 unused IP addresses for array setup

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How to

1. Download Nimble Virtual Array OVA and generate new license

The Nimble Virtual Array OVA can be downloaded from InfoSight at

https://infosight.nimblestorage.com/InfoSight/#downloads

Click on the Nimble Virtual Array tab. Read and accept the Nimble Virtual Array license

agreement. Click “Download” for the OVA file. The name is in the format of NimOS-<version>-

<build>-opt.ova. The file size is about 4.5GB.

After download is completed, click “Generate New License”. It’ll generate a Nimble Array license

key associated with your account. If it’s not used, it’ll expire in 90 days automatically.

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2. Deploy the OVA into VMware Workstation

Drag and drop the OVA file to the VMware Workstation. After completed, right click on the VM

“Settings…” and change Network Adapter connections to “Host-only”. For Network Adapter 7 and

8, change them to “NAT”.

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3. Power on the Nimble Virtual Array and enter license key

Power on the Nimble Virtual Array. Read through the license terms and conditions. Answer two

questions and enter a new license key. The license key is not case sensitive. However, the dash

“-“ is required. If there is a typo, you can use “UP” key to recall your license key.

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NOTE: It may take several minutes to initialize a new Nimble Virtual Array. After completed, click

“Enter” to reboot the Nimble Virtual Array.

After reboot, a virtual-array login prompt will display.

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4. Setup array by using Nimble Setup Manager (Windows Toolkits)

Download and install the Nimble Setup Manager from the Nimble Windows Toolkits. Run the

Nimble Setup Manager. It’ll auto detect the Nimble Virtual Array. Select your Nimble Virtual Array

and click “Next”. The Array name “VM-000323” is associated to the license key you entered to the

Nimble Virtual Array.

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The Nimble Setup Manager will re-direct you to the default browser to continue the array setup.

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Choose your array and group names. Setup management network and password.

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The VMware Workstation host-only network is VMnet1 by default. In this case, the subnet is

192.168.174.0. Prepare 4 unused IP addresses for the Nimble Virtual Array. In this case, it’s using

192.168.174.100 to 192.168.174.103, and use 192.168.174.100 for the management IP address.

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5. Array setup

Once the array management network setup is completed by the Nimble Setup Manager, you can

login to the array by using the management IP address.

Use the rest of the 3 IP addresses for data IP (192.168.174.101) and controller IPs

(192.168.174.102, 192.168.174.103)

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Set DNS server and NTP server.

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It’s optional to enable auto support. If you would like to receive email alert, enter your email

address. Click “Finish” to complete the array setup.

The Nimble Virtual Array setup is completed on VMware Workstation by using the host-only

networking.

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