Powervault config script errors with "Unable to find initiators on external storage"

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Issue/Introduction

When running the powervault_config.py script to configure new Dell ME5 storage, the following error messages are reported:

Connecting to https://<ip_address>
Session Established with https://<ip_address>
Unable to find initiators on external storage
Configuration file '/etc/solera/powervault/2U144.json' is invalid for storage at <ip_address>
Command failed to complete.

 

Cause

If the sensor is not able to correctly detect the storage connected, the config script will fail. This is usually caused by incorrect cabling.  

Resolution

Although the "clear" and "probe" scripts may run successfully, the "config" script uses the SAS cables to run its configuration. The "clear" and "probe" scripts use the management interface on the storage arrays to both clear and probe for the expected hardware.  The error "Configuration file '/etc/solera/powervault/2U144.json' is invalid" occurs because the script cannot validate the file against the hardware it cannot see.

1. Check all cables and confirm that they follow the cabling guide as illustrated in the documentation.  
2. All SAS cables are square and can be inserted upside down. Gently tug on each cable to make sure they are locked in correctly.
3. The "Expansion" port is only used for JBODs/Expansion shelves and should not be used for the primary SAS connection from the sensor.   
4. Anytime cabling is changed, the sensor needs to be rebooted to detect the storage correctly over the SAS cables.

Additional Information