Installing the Citrix NetScaler Hardware

Installing the Citrix NetScaler Hardware

This chapter describes how to install the Citrix NetScaler hardware and then connect it to a network and the power source.

Reviewing the Pre-Installation Checklist

Before installing your NetScaler, you should prepare all equipment and materials required for installation. Completing this preparation in advance will help ensure a smooth installation, with minimal interruptions.

Review the following checklist to ensure that you have all the equipment required to complete the installation:

Hardware Requirements

Open the box that contains the NetScaler, and verify that it contains the following components and accessories:

• One NetScaler

• One RJ-45-to-RS-232 serial cable

• One RJ-45-to-DB-9 adapter

• One (with 7000 system) or two (with 9010/10010/12000/15000/17000

system) AC power cables (Make sure a power outlet is available for each cable.)

• One mounting rail kit

In addition to the items listed above, the following items may also be required:

• Ethernet cables

• Ethernet switch ports to connect to the NetScaler

• Management workstation (PC or laptop)

Rack Mounting a Citrix NetScaler

Most appliances can be installed in standard server racks. The appliances ship with a set of rails, which you must install before you mount the appliance. The only tool you will need to install an appliance is a Phillips screwdriver.

The 7000 appliance requires one rack unit. The 9010, 10010, 12000, MPX 15000, and MPX 17000 appliances each require two rack units. Each of these units ships with a mounting rail kit that contains two rail assemblies, one for the left side and the other for the right side of the appliance, and screws to attach the rails. You must install the assemblies before mounting the appliance in the rack.

To rack mount a Citrix NetScaler

1. Install the rear inner rails just behind the preinstalled front inner rails.

A. Starting with the right side of the chassis, align the two square holes on the rail against the hooks.

B. Attach the rail to the chassis with screws.

C. Repeat steps A and B to install the left rear inner rail.

2. Install the rack rails.

A. Determine where you want to place a NetScaler in the rack.

B. Position the chassis rail guides at the desired location in the rack, keeping the sliding rail guide facing inward.

C. Screw the assembly to the rack using the brackets provided.

D. Repeat steps B and C to attach the assembly to the other side of the rack. Be sure that both the rack rails are at same height and that the rail guides are facing inward.

3. Install the NetScaler in the rack.

A. Line up the rear inner rails with the rack rails.

B. Slide the chassis rails into the rack rails, keeping the pressure even on both sides. You may need to depress the locking tabs when inserting the chassis.

C. When the NetScaler is pushed completely into the rack, the locking tabs should "click."

D. Insert and tighten the thumbscrews to secure the front of the chassis to the rack.

Installing an SFP

A Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) is a compact transceiver that can operate at speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second and is available in both copper and fiber types. Inserting an SFP copper transceiver converts the SFP port to a 1000BASET port. Inserting an SFP fiber transceiver converts the SFP port to a 1000BASE-X port. Auto-negotiation is enabled by default on the SFP port into which you insert your SFP transceiver. As soon as a link between the port and the network is established, the speed and mode are matched on both ends of the cable.

Insert SFP transceivers into the SFP ports on the front panel of the appliance. Removing an SFP transceiver does not affect the functioning of the appliance, except that the port is no longer available for traffic. However, frequent installation and removal of transceivers shortens their life span. Follow the removal procedure carefully to avoid damaging the SFP transceiver or the appliance.

To install a copper SFP

1. Carefully remove a copper SFP module from the box.

2. Insert the copper SFP in the SFP slot, with the locking hinge in the DOWN position.

3. Push the copper SFP until it is in the locking position.

4. Move the locking hinge to the UP position and push the module into the slot.

To Install a fiber SFP

1. Carefully remove a fiber SFP module from the box.

2. Insert the fiber SFP in the SFP slot, with the locking hinge in the UP position.

3. Push the fiber SFP until it is in the locking position.

4. Move the locking hinge to the DOWN position.

5. Remove the fiber dust protector.

6. Move the locking hinge to the UP position and push the module into the slot.

Installing an XFP

A 10-Gigabit Small Form Factor Pluggable (XFP) is a compact optical transceiver that can operate at speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second. Autonegotiation is enabled by default on the XFP ports into which you insert your XFP transceiver. As soon as a link between the port and the network is established, the speed and mode are matched on both ends of the cable.

Insert the XFP transceivers into the XFP ports on the front panel of the appliance. Removing an XFP transceiver does not affect the functioning of the appliance, except that the port is no longer available for traffic. However, frequent installation and removal of transceivers shortens their life span. Follow the removal procedure carefully to avoid damaging the transceiver or the appliance.

To Install an XFP

1. Remove an XFP module carefully from the box.

2. Insert the XFP in the XFP slot, with the locking hinge in the UP position.

3. Push the XFP until it is in the locking position.

4. Move the locking hinge to the DOWN position.

5. Remove the fiber dust protector.

6. Move the locking hinge to the UP position and push the module into the slot.

Connecting a Citrix NetScaler to the Network

Connect the ports on a NetScaler to the network ports on the appropriate switches using the Ethernet/Fiber optic cables.

If your configuration does not require all of the available ports, you can use any of the ports. However, disabling the unused ports is advisable, and is mandatory in an HA configuration.

By default a NetScaler is configured to use auto negotiation. For a first-time installation, you should configure your switch to use auto negotiation for those ports that are connected to the NetScaler. After initial login and configuration, you can disable auto negotiation.

Connecting the Console Cable

Use the provided console cable when connecting the NetScaler to a PC or terminal. The PC or terminal must support VT100 terminal emulation and must be configured for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.

Connecting a Citrix NetScaler to the Power Source

The 7000 system has one power supply. The 9010, 10010, 12010, 15000, and 17000 systems each have two power supplies but can operate with a single power supply. The extra power supply is a backup.

To connect the 7000 system to the power source

1. Plug the power cord into the inlet receptacle on the back of the chassis.

2. Plug the other end of the power cord into a standard 110V/220V power outlet.

3. Turn the NetScaler on by pressing the ON/OFF switch on the back of the chassis. The LCD on the front should appear backlit once the NetScaler is operational.

To connect the 9010/10010/12000 system to the power source

1. Plug the power cord to the inlet receptacle on the back of the chassis.

2. Plug the other end of the power cord into a standard 110V/220V power outlet.

3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to connect the other power inlet to a standard 110V/ 220V power outlet using another power cord.

4. Turn the NetScaler on by pressing the ON/OFF switch on the back of the chassis. The green LED on the back begins to glow, indicating that the NetScaler is powered on. The LCD on the front appears backlit once the NetScaler is operational.

The 9010/10010/12000 systems emit a high pitched alert if one power supply fails or if you connect only one power cord to the chassis. To silence the alarm, press the small red button on the back of the chassis.