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HCI Software Overview

Understanding the hyperconverged infrastructure software running on your EDC.

⏱️ Read Time: 5 minutes

Overview​

The HiveRadar EDC compute nodes run hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) software that combines compute, storage, and virtualization into a unified platform. The HCI software is typically pre-installed and configured by your reseller or partner before delivery.

What HCI provides:

  • Virtual machine (VM) management
  • Clustered storage across nodes
  • High availability and failover
  • Centralized management interface
  • Backup and disaster recovery capabilities

HCI Software by Edition​

📦 NUC Edition​

Supported HCI platforms:

  • Scale Computing HC3
  • StorMagic SvHCI
  • Proxmox VE
  • Harvester
  • Other compatible platforms

Multi-vendor flexibility:

  • NUC edition supports multiple HCI vendors
  • Choice depends on use case and requirements
  • Consult with reseller for recommendation

🔶 HR01-2 Edition​

Primary HCI platform:

  • StorMagic SvHCI (optimized)

Platform characteristics:

  • Designed for 2-node configurations
  • Leverages 10Gb DAC connection between nodes
  • High-performance storage with SvHCI witness
  • Enterprise-grade features

Other platforms:

  • Compatible with other HCI software
  • StorMagic recommended for optimal performance

🔷 HR01-4 Edition​

Status: Coming Soon

Placeholder for HR01-4 HCI information.

Supported HCI Platforms​

Scale Computing HC3​

Overview:

  • All-in-one HCI platform
  • Web-based management
  • Integrated VM management and storage
  • No separate hypervisor license required

Management access:

  • Web interface: https://<cluster-VIP>
  • Default credentials: Provided by Scale Computing or reseller
  • Initial setup wizard on first access

Key features:

  • Simple web interface
  • Automated failover
  • Integrated backup
  • Rolling upgrades

Documentation:

StorMagic SvHCI​

Overview:

  • Software-defined storage with hypervisor
  • Optimized for 2-node edge deployments
  • Witness server for quorum (can be remote)
  • Lightweight and efficient

Management access:

  • Web console: https://<management-IP>
  • Default credentials: Provided by StorMagic or reseller
  • SvSAN console for storage management

Key features:

  • 2-node clustering with witness
  • Synchronous replication
  • Built on Hyper-V or ESXi
  • Efficient for edge deployments

Documentation:

Recommended for: HR01-2 edition deployments

Proxmox VE​

Overview:

  • Open-source virtualization platform
  • Based on KVM hypervisor
  • Integrated storage (Ceph, ZFS, LVM)
  • Active community support

Management access:

  • Web interface: https://<node-IP>:8006
  • Default credentials: Set during installation or by reseller
  • Each node has management interface

Key features:

  • Web-based management
  • Container and VM support (LXC and KVM)
  • Cluster management
  • Flexible storage options
  • No licensing costs

Documentation:

Recommended for: Cost-conscious deployments, open-source preference

Harvester​

Overview:

  • Open-source HCI built on Kubernetes
  • Modern cloud-native architecture
  • Designed for edge deployments
  • Rancher integration

Management access:

  • Web interface: https://<cluster-VIP>
  • Default credentials: Set during installation
  • Integrated with Rancher (optional)

Key features:

  • Kubernetes-based
  • VM and container support
  • Built-in storage management
  • Cloud-native workflows
  • Active development

Documentation:

Recommended for: Kubernetes-native environments, modern edge deployments

Initial HCI Access​

Discovering Management IPs​

If you don't know the HCI management IP addresses:

Method 1: Check documentation

  • Look for welcome letter from reseller
  • Check deployment documentation
  • May include IP addresses and credentials

Method 2: Switch DHCP table

  • Log into EnGenius switch web interface
  • Navigate to DHCP client list
  • Identify compute nodes by hostname or MAC address

Method 3: Direct console access

  • Connect monitor and keyboard to compute node
  • View IP address at console or login screen
  • Note IP for remote access

First Login Tasks​

After accessing HCI management interface:

  1. Change default passwords

    • Critical security step
    • Document new passwords securely

  2. Verify cluster status

    • Check all nodes visible and healthy
    • Verify storage online
    • Confirm cluster quorum

  3. Review network configuration

    • Verify node IP addresses
    • Check inter-node connectivity
    • Confirm management network operational

  4. Check storage configuration

    • Verify storage pools configured
    • Check available capacity
    • Confirm replication status (if applicable)

  5. Review resource allocation

    • CPU allocation across nodes
    • Memory distribution
    • Storage allocation

Common HCI Tasks​

Creating Virtual Machines​

General process (varies by platform):

  1. Access VM creation wizard

    • Navigate to VM section in management interface
    • Select "Create VM" or similar option

  2. Configure VM settings

    • Name and description
    • CPU allocation (cores)
    • Memory (RAM)
    • Storage (disk size)
    • Network configuration

  3. Install operating system

    • Upload ISO or use network install
    • Boot VM and complete OS installation
    • Install VM tools/guest additions

  4. Configure VM networking

    • Assign static IP or use DHCP
    • Configure appropriate network segment
    • Test connectivity

Refer to your HCI platform documentation for specific procedures.

Managing Storage​

Storage considerations:

Available capacity:

  • NUC Edition: Up to 24TB total (8TB per node × 3)
  • HR01-2 Edition: Up to 48TB total (24TB per node × 2)
  • Actual usable capacity depends on replication and redundancy

Storage types:

  • VM storage (virtual disks)
  • ISO storage (installation media)
  • Backup storage
  • Snapshot storage

Best practices:

  • Monitor storage utilization
  • Plan for snapshot overhead
  • Regular cleanup of old snapshots
  • Allocate storage based on workload needs

Backups and Disaster Recovery​

Backup options (platform-dependent):

Built-in backup:

  • Most HCI platforms include backup features
  • Schedule regular VM backups
  • Store backups on separate storage if possible

External backup:

  • Backup to external storage device
  • Network backup to remote location
  • Cloud backup services (if connectivity available)

Disaster recovery:

  • Regular backup testing
  • Document recovery procedures
  • Maintain backup of HCI configuration
  • Test failover capabilities

Monitoring and Maintenance​

Health Monitoring​

Monitor regularly:

  • Cluster health status
  • Node status (online, healthy)
  • Storage utilization and health
  • VM performance and resource usage
  • Network connectivity between nodes

Check for alerts:

  • Storage capacity warnings
  • Node failure alerts
  • Performance degradation
  • Cluster quorum issues

Updates and Patches​

HCI software updates:

Before updating:

  • Review release notes
  • Backup VMs and configuration
  • Schedule maintenance window
  • Test in non-production if possible

Update procedure (platform-specific):

  • Follow vendor update procedures
  • May require sequential node updates
  • Some platforms support rolling updates (no downtime)
  • Verify cluster health after each step

Update frequency:

  • Security patches: As released
  • Feature updates: Quarterly or as needed
  • Major version upgrades: Plan carefully

Performance Optimization​

Optimize HCI performance:

Resource allocation:

  • Don't over-allocate CPU or memory
  • Leave headroom for failover scenarios
  • Balance VMs across nodes
  • Monitor resource contention

Storage performance:

  • Use appropriate storage types (SSD/NVMe)
  • Monitor IOPS and latency
  • Avoid storage over-commitment
  • Regular cleanup of snapshots

Network optimization:

  • Use appropriate network for HCI traffic
  • 10Gb for storage replication (HR01-2)
  • Monitor network bandwidth usage
  • Configure QoS if needed

Troubleshooting​

Cannot access HCI management interface

Problem: Cannot reach HCI web interface

Check:

  1. Correct IP address (check documentation or switch DHCP table)
  2. Network connectivity from laptop to EDC network
  3. Nodes powered on and booted
  4. Firewall not blocking HTTPS
  5. Browser security exceptions added (self-signed certificates)

Recovery:

  • Console access to node (monitor/keyboard)
  • Check node network configuration
  • Verify HCI services running
  • Contact reseller if issue persists
Node showing offline or unhealthy

Problem: HCI reports node failure or offline status

Check:

  1. Node powered on
  2. Network connectivity (check cables, switch ports)
  3. Node accessible via ping
  4. Check node console for errors
  5. Review HCI logs for failure reason

Recovery:

  • Restart affected node
  • Check network configuration
  • Verify storage connectivity
  • Contact HCI vendor support if needed
Storage full or low capacity warning

Problem: Storage capacity warnings

Actions:

  1. Review storage utilization in HCI interface
  2. Identify large VMs or snapshots
  3. Delete old snapshots
  4. Remove unused VMs or templates
  5. Archive data to external storage

Prevention:

  • Monitor storage regularly
  • Set up capacity alerts
  • Regular cleanup of old snapshots
  • Plan storage allocation carefully

HCI Licensing and Support​

Licensing​

License requirements vary by platform:

Scale Computing HC3:

  • Licensed per node or capacity
  • Contact Scale Computing for licensing

StorMagic SvHCI:

  • Licensed per node
  • Witness license may be required
  • Contact StorMagic for licensing

Proxmox VE:

  • Community edition: Free
  • Enterprise edition: Subscription-based
  • Contact Proxmox for enterprise support

Harvester:

  • Open-source, no license cost
  • SUSE Rancher support available (subscription)

Verify licensing with your reseller - may be included in EDC purchase or separate.

Support​

For HCI platform issues:

Contact HCI vendor support:

Or contact your reseller:

  • They may provide first-level HCI support
  • Can escalate to vendor if needed
  • May have specific support SLAs

For EDC hardware issues:

  • Contact reseller or HiveRadar support
  • Separate from HCI software support

Best Practices​

For successful HCI operation:

  1. Regular monitoring

    • Check cluster health daily
    • Monitor resource utilization
    • Review logs for warnings

  2. Backup regularly

    • Automated VM backups
    • Test restore procedures
    • Store backups redundantly

  3. Keep updated

    • Apply security patches promptly
    • Plan feature updates
    • Test updates before production

  4. Document configuration

    • IP addresses and credentials
    • VM inventory
    • Network configuration
    • Backup schedules

  5. Plan capacity

    • Monitor growth trends
    • Plan for expansion
    • Don't over-commit resources

What's Next?​

After understanding HCI overview:

👉 Edition-Specific Guides - Detailed setup for your specific HCI platform

👉 IoT Monitoring - Monitor your EDC environment