VNXe: How to automatically assign a dynamic management IP address. (User Correctable)
Summary: DHCP, Initial configuration, Setting management IP with DHCP
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Instructions
After you finish installing, cabling, and powering up the system, an Internet Protocol (IP) address must be assigned to the VNXe management interface. If you are running VNXe on a dynamic network, the management IP address can be assigned automatically. The VNXe storage system supports both IPv4 and IPv6.
During system initialization, if you are not running the VNXe system in a dynamic network environment, or you would rather manually assign a static IP address, install and run the VNXe Connection Utility to assign the static IP address.
In order to automatically assign a VNXe management IP address dynamically, your VNXe network environment requires DHCP and DNS servers. When using DHCP to automatically configure the IP address for your VNXe, the system requires the DHCP servers (DHCPv4 and/or DHCPv6) to dynamically update the DNS server with the VNXe system details. The appropriate network configuration must include setting the range of available IP addresses, the correct subnet masks, and gateway and name server addresses. Consult your specific network s documentation for more information on setting up DHCP and DNS servers.
Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) is a protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network. DHCP allows you to control IP addresses from a centralized server and automatically assign a new, unique IP address when a VNXe system is plugged into your organization s network. This dynamic addressing simplifies network administration, because the software keeps track of IP addresses rather than requiring an administrator to manage the task.
Domain Name System (DNS) servers are IP-based servers that translate domain names into IP addresses. As opposed to numeric IP addresses, domain names are alphabetic and are usually easier to remember. Since an IP network is based on IP addresses, every time you use a domain name, the DNS server must translate the name into a corresponding IP address. For example, the domain name www.emc.com translates to the IP address 10.250.16.87.
Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) is an IPv6 feature that combines an interface identifier with a router advertised network prefix to create a routable IPv6 address for a host. This allows for self-configuring IPv6 networks without the need for a dedicated DHCP server.
Advantages of using DHCP to configure the VNXe management IP address
When a VNXe system uses a static IP address, it is manually configured to use a specific IP address. One problem with static assignment, which can result from a mistake or inattention to detail, occurs when two VNXe systems are configured with the same management IP address. This creates a conflict that could result in loss of network connectivity. Using DHCP to dynamically assign IP addresses minimizes these types of conflicts. VNXe systems configured to use DHCP for IP assignment do not need to use statically assigned IP addresses.
Procedure
Assigning an IP address to a VNXe system management port automatically requires the following:
The DHCP server must be configured to automatically register DHCP clients with Dynamic DNS services. By default, VNXe systems are configured to use DHCP or SLAAC for automatic IP assignments and will accept an IP address offered by a network DHCP server or advertised by an IPv6 router.
Once your DHCP network is configured, perform the following steps to automatically assign an IP address to your VNXe system:
Prerequisites: A network connection between the VNXe system, a DHCP server, and a DNS server.
1. Power on the VNXe system and check the status of the SP fault/status LEDs. If the SP fault/status LEDs are:
For dynamic IPv4 or IPv6 networks using DHCPv6, enter the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of your VNXe in your web browser's address field. An FQDN specifies the exact location of the VNXe in your network's DNS hierarchy, and specifies all domain levels. Use the following syntax:
serial_number.domain
where:
FM1000000XXXXX.emc.com
For a dynamic IPv6 network with Router Advertisements, calculate and enter the IPv6 global address. You calculate the IPv6 global address by using the network prefix and system World Wide Name seed, located on the chassis ID tag.
RA_advertised_64-bit_subnet_prefix:0260:1600:AABB:CCDD
where:
3000:0000:0000:0000:0260:1600:AABB:CCDD
If a certificate error appears, follow the instructions in your browser to bypass the error.
3. Log into the VNXe system using the default username (admin) and password (Password123#).
4. The first time you open Unisphere, the Configuration Wizard runs to assist you with configuring passwords, DNS and NTP servers, storage pools, NAS server settings, and ESRS and ConnectEMC features. Proceed through the Configuration Wizard until the Domain Name Server (DNS) panel appears.
5. In the Domain Name Server (DNS) panel, select Obtain default DNS server addresses automatically.
6. Continue through the wizard, using the information described in the VNXe Quick Start poster or the online help for assistance.
During system initialization, if you are not running the VNXe system in a dynamic network environment, or you would rather manually assign a static IP address, install and run the VNXe Connection Utility to assign the static IP address.
In order to automatically assign a VNXe management IP address dynamically, your VNXe network environment requires DHCP and DNS servers. When using DHCP to automatically configure the IP address for your VNXe, the system requires the DHCP servers (DHCPv4 and/or DHCPv6) to dynamically update the DNS server with the VNXe system details. The appropriate network configuration must include setting the range of available IP addresses, the correct subnet masks, and gateway and name server addresses. Consult your specific network s documentation for more information on setting up DHCP and DNS servers.
Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) is a protocol for assigning dynamic IP addresses to devices on a network. DHCP allows you to control IP addresses from a centralized server and automatically assign a new, unique IP address when a VNXe system is plugged into your organization s network. This dynamic addressing simplifies network administration, because the software keeps track of IP addresses rather than requiring an administrator to manage the task.
Domain Name System (DNS) servers are IP-based servers that translate domain names into IP addresses. As opposed to numeric IP addresses, domain names are alphabetic and are usually easier to remember. Since an IP network is based on IP addresses, every time you use a domain name, the DNS server must translate the name into a corresponding IP address. For example, the domain name www.emc.com translates to the IP address 10.250.16.87.
Stateless Address Autoconfiguration (SLAAC) is an IPv6 feature that combines an interface identifier with a router advertised network prefix to create a routable IPv6 address for a host. This allows for self-configuring IPv6 networks without the need for a dedicated DHCP server.
Advantages of using DHCP to configure the VNXe management IP address
When a VNXe system uses a static IP address, it is manually configured to use a specific IP address. One problem with static assignment, which can result from a mistake or inattention to detail, occurs when two VNXe systems are configured with the same management IP address. This creates a conflict that could result in loss of network connectivity. Using DHCP to dynamically assign IP addresses minimizes these types of conflicts. VNXe systems configured to use DHCP for IP assignment do not need to use statically assigned IP addresses.
Procedure
Assigning an IP address to a VNXe system management port automatically requires the following:
- A Network DNS server with dynamic DNS services enabled.
- A Network DHCPv4 server and router advertising DNS servers or DHCPv6 server and a router advertising the M-bit.
- Connectivity between the VNXe system, the DHCP server or IPv6 router, and the DNS servers.
The DHCP server must be configured to automatically register DHCP clients with Dynamic DNS services. By default, VNXe systems are configured to use DHCP or SLAAC for automatic IP assignments and will accept an IP address offered by a network DHCP server or advertised by an IPv6 router.
Once your DHCP network is configured, perform the following steps to automatically assign an IP address to your VNXe system:
Prerequisites: A network connection between the VNXe system, a DHCP server, and a DNS server.
1. Power on the VNXe system and check the status of the SP fault/status LEDs. If the SP fault/status LEDs are:
- solid blue, a management IP address has been assigned.
- blue and flash amber every three seconds, no management IP address has been assigned. Check the connectivity between the system, DHCPv4 server, DHCPv6 server, and IPv6 router.
For dynamic IPv4 or IPv6 networks using DHCPv6, enter the Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) of your VNXe in your web browser's address field. An FQDN specifies the exact location of the VNXe in your network's DNS hierarchy, and specifies all domain levels. Use the following syntax:
serial_number.domain
where:
- serial_number is the local hostname, which defaults to the serial number of your VNXe. This can be found in the packing materials that came with your VNXe.
- domain is the parent domain name on which the VNXe system is located.
FM1000000XXXXX.emc.com
For a dynamic IPv6 network with Router Advertisements, calculate and enter the IPv6 global address. You calculate the IPv6 global address by using the network prefix and system World Wide Name seed, located on the chassis ID tag.
RA_advertised_64-bit_subnet_prefix:0260:1600:AABB:CCDD
where:
- RA_advertised_64-bit_subnet_prefix is the subnet prefix obtained from the Router Advertisment.
- 0260:1600 is the IEEE administered EMC company ID.
- AABB:CCDD is the WWN Seed Value obtained from VNXe chassis ID tag.
3000:0000:0000:0000:0260:1600:AABB:CCDD
If a certificate error appears, follow the instructions in your browser to bypass the error.
3. Log into the VNXe system using the default username (admin) and password (Password123#).
4. The first time you open Unisphere, the Configuration Wizard runs to assist you with configuring passwords, DNS and NTP servers, storage pools, NAS server settings, and ESRS and ConnectEMC features. Proceed through the Configuration Wizard until the Domain Name Server (DNS) panel appears.
5. In the Domain Name Server (DNS) panel, select Obtain default DNS server addresses automatically.
6. Continue through the wizard, using the information described in the VNXe Quick Start poster or the online help for assistance.
Affected Products
VNXe2 SeriesProducts
VNXe1 Series, VNXe1000 Series, VNXe2 SeriesArticle Properties
Article Number: 000022505
Article Type: How To
Last Modified: 07 Nov 2025
Version: 5
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