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Getting Started Guide: K-144T and K-168T

⚠️ Important: The C-72T, C-168T, K-168T, and K-144T platforms will reach their End of Platform Support (EoPS) on January 30, 2028.

IN THIS ARTICLE

This article explains how to install the sleds, rack the nodes and create a cluster for Qumulo K-144T and K-168T nodes.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Review the Qumulo Safety Instructions
  • Qumulo K-144T or K-168T hardware
  • Compatible network cables (fiber or twinax with SFP+)
  • Power Cords
  • Rack Sleds 

Important: Rack sleds range in length between 28.5 to 36 inches. Qumulo K-144T and K-168T 1U nodes will require 37.38 inches (949.33mm) from the front vertical rail to the back of the node with full cable clearance.    See the table below for additional measurement details:

Description Measurement in inches Measurement in millimeters
Front rail to back of box 35 889
Front rail to full cable clearance 37.38 949.33
Front rail to SSD ejector 36.25 920.75
Metal from front to back 35.25 895.35
Front handle to back of metal box 36.25 920.75
Front handle to full cable clearance 39.25 996.95

The minimum depth required from the front of the rack to the back is 42 inches. To account for heat air flow and PSU positioning, we recommend a rack depth of 46 - 48 inches for this platform.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

QK_Series_Tech_Specs.png

INSTALL THE SLEDS

  1. Verify the installation side of the rack and front end of the sled using the hardware labels.
    sled_side.pngslide_front.png
  2. Press the release lever on the front end while aligning the sled into the holes on the rack.
    press_release_lever.png
  3. Release the lever to secure the sled.
    secure_sled.png
  4. Repeat the steps above to install the rear of the sled using the same numerical placement as the front.

Caution: Sleds do not fully extend like other rail systems and are stationary in the racks. Use caution when installing or removing nodes.

RACK THE NODES

  1. Place the back of the node on the sleds and slide the node into the rack.
    place_node.png
  2. Tighten the two front thumbscrews to secure the node in place.
  3. Press the drawer latch up on the front of the node and pull out the drawer using the handle.
    node_handle.png
  4. Verify that all HDDs in the driver drawer are fully seated.
  5. Push the drive drawer back into place until the drawer latch clicks.
  6. Attach the network cables and plug in the power cables on the back of the node. For additional details, see Qumulo K-144T and K-168T Networking .
    Caution: Don't use the LOM ports. Use only the external NIC ports for the 10Gb connections.
    port_diagram.png
  7. Connect any one of the nodes to a display, keyboard and mouse.
  8. Turn on the nodes by pressing the power button on the front.
    QK_power_o.png

CREATE A CLUSTER

Review the End User License Agreement, check the box to agree, and then click Submit.

Step 1: Set Up the Cluster

  1. Name the cluster.
  2. Select four or more nodes to cluster.
    • If any nodes are missing, verify that the node is currently running and on the same network
      setup_cluster.png

      Note: The total capacity for the cluster is dynamically updated at the bottom of the page when selecting nodes.

      capacity.png

Step 2: Confirm the Cluster Protection Level

The recommended 2 or 3 drive protection level will be selected by default based on the cluster size and node type.

confirm_protection.png

If Customize Protection Level is displayed, the option is available to increase the resilience of the system by selecting 3 drive protection. Keep in mind that selecting 3 drive protection will result in less capacity for the cluster.

recommended_protection.png

NOTE: The option for selecting the drive protection level is only available at cluster creation and cannot be changed after the fact.

Step 3: Create a Password for Your Administrative Account

  1. Type in the password for your admin account.
  2. Retype the password to confirm.
  3. Click Create Cluster.
    create_password.png

To access the dashboard in the Qumulo Core UI remotely, use any node's IP address to connect via web browser. For additional guidance on cluster configuration and getting started, see Qumulo Installation FAQ.

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