Deploying a Nutanix Files Cluster in Prism Element
In my previous blog post, I introduced Nutanix Files and its high-level architecture. In this post, we will dive deeper into how to deploy a Nutanix Files cluster in Prism Element. We’ll take a closer look at the deployment process and highlight some of the key features and configuration options available.
High Level Nutanix Files Architecture
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Before we begin, let’s take a quick look at the high-level architecture of Nutanix Files. As mentioned earlier, Nutanix Files can be deployed on an existing or standalone Nutanix cluster. The File Server Virtual Machine (FSVM) is the building block of a Nutanix Files cluster. Each FSVM has two network interfaces:
1. Storage Interface – This interface communicates with the CVMs and manages Nutanix Volumes iSCSI vDisks. It handles deployment, failover, maintenance, and one-click upgrades. It monitors storage faults and sends a heartbeat signal to the local CVM service every second.
2. Client Interface – This interface allows connections to SMB shares and NFS exports on the FSVM. Clients can access file data through any FSVM client interface, with automatic redirection if needed. In case of an FSVM failure, the client network address is moved to another FSVM to maintain data access.
Now that we have a basic understanding of the Nutanix Files architecture, let’s dive into the deployment process in Prism Element.
Deploying a File Server Cluster
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To deploy a file server cluster in Prism Element, follow these steps:
1. Log in to Prism Element and click the dashboard drop-down menu. Select “File Server” from the list of options.
2. On the file server dashboard, click “+ File Server” to start the deployment process.
3. On the Basics tab, enter a file server name, DNS domain, and file server storage amount. The UI will automatically recommend file server VM quantities and sizing based on your input. Note that all FSVMs have the same basic configuration: four vCPU and 12 GB of memory.
4. On the Client Network tab, select a VLAN for the client network. It is recommended to use a separate VLAN for the client network to ensure optimal performance.
5. On the Storage Network tab, select another VLAN for the storage network. Again, it is recommended to use a separate VLAN for the storage network to ensure optimal performance.
6. On the Directory Services Tab, click the check box for “use SMB Protocol” if you plan to create SMB shares. Then enter your AD info. You can also select “Use NFS Protocol” as well if you want multi-protocol access enabled.
7. Click “Next” to proceed with the deployment process.
8. To monitor the creation progress, click the task drop-down menu and select “View All Tasks”.
9. Once the file server cluster creation task is complete, you can navigate back to the File Server dashboard and view your newly deployed file server cluster. At this point, your file server cluster is ready for you to create file shares on.
Optional: Additional Steps for File Server Cluster
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If you want to add additional features or configuration options to your Nutanix Files cluster, you can follow these steps:
1. Click the “Download or Upload File Server Software” button and select the file server software version you want to deploy. Then click “yes” to confirm.
2. Click “Continue” to proceed with the deployment process.
3. Once the software is downloaded, Prism Element will automatically create the file server cluster.
Additional Resources
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For more information on Nutanix Files and its features, you can check out the following resources:
* Nutanix Files Tech Note
* Test Drive Nutanix On Dell Sold by Dell
* .NEXT Announcement
* Unraveling the Power of Nutanix Files
Simplify Your Nutanix Prism Central Experience: How to Efficiently Search for the Cheatsheet
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In conclusion, deploying a Nutanix Files cluster in Prism Element is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few clicks. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can have a fully functional file server cluster up and running in no time. Remember to explore the additional features and configuration options available in Nutanix Files to customize your file server experience. Happy file serving!