Compute Expansion Rack
Compute Cloud@Customer with compute expansion provides a scalable platform to increase the compute capacity of the system beyond the physical limitations of a base rack.
A compute expansion rack contains a minimum of 3 factory-installed compute nodes. More nodes can be installed after initial deployment, but must be added in sets of 3. Two expansion racks can be connected to a base rack, for a maximum combined total of 24 expansion compute nodes. An expansion rack contains power distribution units (PDUs) and networking components to integrate the additional physical resources with the base rack. This rack does not include storage hardware.
Installation Requirements
- Site Preparation
-
If you have decided to expand your Compute Cloud@Customer environment with a compute expansion rack, carefully plan ahead for the installation of the additional hardware. The compute expansion rack has the same external dimensions as the base rack, and contains the same type of hardware. Therefore, the base rack site requirements also apply for the expansion rack. They are described in detail in the installation section Preparing the Installation Site.
- Rack Cabling
-
The cable connections between the base rack and the compute expansion rack must not exceed 25 meters. Allocate a space for the expansion rack near the base rack, ensuring that the inter-rack cabling is within the specified maximum length when routed through the floor or ceiling. The required cable length must be specified with the order. The default length of cables included in the shipment is 10 meters.
Installation Process
- Physical Installation
-
All installation tasks are performed by Oracle. When the compute expansion rack is in its allocated space, it must be connected to the base rack. The expansion rack leaf switches are cross-connected to the base rack spine switches to extend the data network into the expansion rack. Similarly, the expansion rack components are added to the internal management network through a cable connection between the management switches of both racks. The ports required for this setup have been reserved on all connected switches. The compute nodes are internally connected to the expansion rack switches at the factory.
- Rack Activation
-
When the physical connections are in place, the expansion rack is activated by running a script from one of the management nodes. The script powers on the switches and enables the required ports so the new hardware components can be detected and registered. When the script is finished, the data and management networks are operational across the interconnected racks. The system proceeds with the installation and configuration of the operating system and additional software on the new nodes, preparing them for provisioning. When the compute nodes have been provisioned, they are fully integrated and ready to use. The system treats the compute nodes in the expansion rack the same way as all other compute nodes.