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Old 12-05-2014, 09:24 AM   #1
sumncguy
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Setting up a SysAdmin Lab


The LPI Essentials class is coming to and end. I will move into study mode and take the test before the end of the year.

The LPIC 1 class starts in Jan and I want to setup a lab. I would prefer NOT to use virtualization but will if I have no other choice.

I would like to find 3 very reasonable blade servers. They can be older and the hard drives dont have to be huge, but should have a decent amount of memory. I want to setup 2 linux servers and a windows server. This will allow me to basically setup all the services discussed in the sysadmin class. I already have a crusty old router and switch lab ...

My question is, can anyone help me with hardware selection ? That is what models could fit .. I can find some on ebay and craigslist but not sure what would be over OR under kill. Money is an issue in that like my router lab, I never use the stuff unless Im trying to solve an (extended) problem I have at work.

Thanks for input ..
 
Old 12-08-2014, 06:37 AM   #2
Soadyheid
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Quote:
I would like to find 3 very reasonable blade servers.
Why do you want blade servers? You would probably find three small rack mount servers would suit you better.
Blade servers need a hardware infrastructure to work, the cooling, power, ethernet and fibre connections are all devolved to the blade enclosure which you need to set up via, for example, HP's Onboard Administrator. All just another layer of complexity which you probably don't need. Maybe I'm wrong? HP's C-class blades come with a sixteen slot half height blade enclosure which is a bit of overkill and unnecessary expense.

How about three HP DL360 1U rackmounts, each about £100.00 upwards on eBay? The server quickspec is here.

I don't think you'll find cheap blade servers on eBay.

Play Bonny!


Last edited by Soadyheid; 12-08-2014 at 06:40 AM.
 
Old 12-14-2014, 03:12 PM   #3
onebuck
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Member response

Hi,

I agree with Soadyheid. What you invest for 3 Blade servers & peripherals you could setup a decent rack with several servers mounted and max your storage. How are you going to service Internet to the systems? If you do not do some climate control then you are looking at issues in the future for the equipment. Power source? Backups?

You could use a good multi-core system with maxed memory & storage then setup VMs for the desired system(s). Much easier to maintain and cheaper than investing in a rack of servers.

Hope this helps.
have fun & enjoy!
 
Old 12-17-2014, 04:33 PM   #4
sumncguy
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Yes .. using a hypervisor would solve the appliance issue but adds a layer of complexity that Im trying to avoid. I do have a IBM W530 with 32G of memory and plenty of drive space. However, Virtualization introduces another layer of complexity.

Because Im not actually a nix system admin, there will be a lot of new information that Ill need to absorb. In addition, we will most certainly be setting up services and testing them. Because I am a Network Engineer, Ill be able to shoot any network problems and define those that may crop up within a fair amount of time. But I don't know hypervisors very well and would prefer to take that variable out of the equation until I understand the LPIC material. In essence removing the possibility of "Is it not working because of the VMs or server configuration."

I am still looking around for rack mounts. Not too much luck .. If I dont find a few before 1/8 when the next class starts, I may have to setup VMs. My approach is not unfounded. Im currently working on turning up an app that runs on a Cisco UCS, ESXi and various VMs. Im normally not responsible for setting up the VM or Cimc but during training we walked through end to end setup. Virtualization caused a few extended problems.
 
Old 12-18-2014, 05:35 AM   #5
Soadyheid
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Unfortunately, from your profile we've no idea where you live so assisting in finding some kit is difficult. If you live in the UK check out eBay here for HP DL360 G5 servers.

If you're tempted by something spangly new you could always check out HP's Microserver which is an Ultra Micro Tower so they say. I'm not sure how the integrated RAID controller copes with Linux though. The price is pretty good, between £200.00 and £500.00! Might be worth investigating...

Play Bonny!


Last edited by Soadyheid; 12-18-2014 at 05:38 AM. Reason: Price correction
 
  


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