One of the nodes is used to control the cluster, and will have the VACM nexxus installed on it. The VA 1000's CMBus is formed by connecting the Console port 1 connector from one unit to the Console port 2 connector of the next unit. This is repeated for all nodes in the cluster. A console adapter can be connected to the unused Console connector on either end of the cluster. The CMBus relies on each node having a unique CMBus address.
Nodes determine their addresses dynamically the first time that power is applied.
Because the addresses are determined the first time power is applied, it is very important to use the following procedure to power up the cluster for the first time. Daisy-chain the Console ports using console cables. Connect a Console Adapter to either end of the daisy-chain. Attach a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to the Console Adapter. Connect Ethernet and any other interface cables to the nodes.