Software Installation Guide HPE
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11
This guide describes the initial hardware configuration and installation of flexAIserver on the qualified HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 platform.
The server can be configured locally using a VGA monitor and USB keyboard or remotely using HPE iLO.
Important - This guide applies only to the HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 server qualified for flexAIserver. Do not apply the server-specific RAID, BIOS, or remote-management instructions to other hardware platforms.
Prerequisites
Before starting, make sure the following are available:
- The flexAIserver ISO image. If supplied inside a ZIP archive, extract the ISO before use.
- Two internal SSDs installed in the server for the RAID1 system volume.
- For local access: a VGA monitor and USB keyboard.
- For USB installation: a USB flash drive with sufficient capacity. Its existing contents will be erased.
- For remote access: a network connection to the dedicated iLO port and access to the iLO credentials printed on the server top lid.
Warning - Creating the RAID volume and installing flexAIserver will erase data on the selected internal drives.
1. Initial Server Configuration
Access the Server
The server can be configured remotely through HPE iLO or locally using a monitor and keyboard.
Option A – HPE iLO Remote Access
- Connect a network cable to the port labelled iLO.
- For the initial connection, connect a monitor to the VGA port and power on the server.
- Note the iLO IP address shown during startup.
- Open the iLO IP address in a web browser.
- Log in using Administrator as the user name. The initial password is printed on the server top lid.
- In the iLO interface, open the Remote Console from the preview tile.
Launch the HPE iLO Remote Console from the preview tile.
Option B – Local Access
- Connect a monitor to the VGA port.
- Connect a USB keyboard.
- Perform the following configuration steps directly on the local server console.
Open System Utilities
Power on or restart the server. During startup, press F9 to open System Utilities.
Prepare the SSDs for RAID1
Open:
System Utilities > System Configuration > HPE MR216io Gen11 > Main Menu > Configuration Management > Create Logical Drive
If the SSDs are listed as JBOD drives, select both internal SSDs and confirm the selection so that they can be used for the logical drive.
Select both internal SSDs and confirm the selection.
Create the RAID1 Logical Drive
Set Select RAID Level to RAID1.
Choose Select Drives and verify that both internal SSDs are selected. Then select Save Configuration.
Select RAID1, verify both drives, and save the configuration.
Confirm the configuration. When the logical drive has been created successfully, press Esc to return to the previous menu.
Apply the Low Latency Workload Profile
In System Utilities, open:
System Configuration > BIOS/Platform Configuration (RBSU) > Workload Profile
Select Low Latency and confirm the message.
Select the Low Latency workload profile.
Press F12 to save the configuration and exit. The server restarts.
Change the Workload Profile to Custom
During the next startup, press F9 again and open:
System Utilities > System Configuration > BIOS/Platform Configuration (RBSU) > Workload Profile
Select Custom, which is the last entry in the list, and confirm the message.
Select Custom as the workload profile.
Configure Virtualization Options
Open Virtualization Options and configure the settings as follows:
- Intel(R) Virtualization Technology (Intel VT): Disabled
- Intel(R) VT-d: Enabled
- Access Control Service: Disabled
- SR-IOV: Disabled
Enable Intel VT-d and keep the other virtualization options disabled.
Press F12 to save the configuration and exit.
2. flexAIserver Software Installation
The flexAIserver software can be installed either from a bootable USB drive or remotely through HPE iLO Virtual Media.
Once the Jünger installation menu appears, the remaining installation procedure is identical for both methods.
Method A – USB Drive
Create a Bootable USB Drive
Use a suitable image-writing tool such as balenaEtcher to write the flexAIserver ISO image to the USB drive:
The USB drive will be erased.
- Insert the USB drive into a front USB port.
- Connect a keyboard.
- Power on or restart the server.
- During startup, press F11 to open the Boot Menu.
- Select the UEFI entry corresponding to the USB installation drive.
Press F11 during startup and select the USB installation media.
Continue with Installation Procedure – Applies to Both Methods below.
Method B – HPE iLO Virtual Media
Map the ISO as Virtual Media
Make sure the server is powered off. If it is currently running, shut it down using the iLO power controls or the physical front-panel power button.
Launch the Remote Console as described above.
In the Remote Console:
- Select Virtual Media.
- Select CD/DVD.
- Select *Local .iso file.
- Select the flexAIserver ISO image.
Open Virtual Media, select CD/DVD, and map the flexAIserver ISO image.
Boot from the Virtual Media
Keep the Remote Console open during installation. Closing it may disconnect the virtual installation media.
Power on the server using Power > Momentary Press in iLO.
Wait for the Jünger installation menu to appear.
If the server does not boot from the virtual media automatically, press F11 during startup, open the Boot Menu, and select the virtual CD/DVD or corresponding virtual-media source.
Installation Procedure – Applies to Both Methods
The following steps are identical whether the installation media is connected by USB or through HPE iLO.
Start the flexAIserver Installer
When the Jünger installation menu appears on the local display or in the Remote Console, select the available installation option, such as Graphical Install or Install, and press Enter.
Select the installation option and press Enter.
Note - The Debian version and build information shown in the following example screenshots may differ from the delivered flexAIserver ISO. The installation procedure remains the same.
Set the Hostname
When prompted, enter the hostname for the flexAIserver.
For example:
flexAIserver-00119
The final digits of the device serial number may be used, or another hostname can be chosen according to the naming convention of the network environment.
Enter the hostname for the flexAIserver.
Select the Target Disk
Select the internal RAID1 logical volume created during the initial server configuration.
Do not select the USB installation drive.
Important - The device names and capacities shown on the HPE server may differ from the generic example below. Identify the internal RAID1 logical volume by its capacity and controller information before continuing.
Select the internal RAID1 logical volume, not the USB installation drive.
Warning - All existing data on the selected target disk will be erased during installation.
Finish the Installation
When the installer reports that the installation is complete:
- USB installation: Remove the USB drive before continuing.
- HPE iLO installation: Unmount or disconnect the virtual CD/DVD image before continuing. Keep the Remote Console open until the reboot has completed.
Select Continue to reboot into the newly installed system.
Installation complete – remove the physical or virtual installation media before rebooting.
After the server has booted, continue with the flexAIserver Initial Setup.