This chapter provides information about how to deploy NetMRI on a traditional hardware-based appliance. The appliance on which NetMRI runs should be supported by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to avoid data corruption problems should there be a power outage. Contact your Infoblox representatives about the different NetMRI hardware appliance models.

To install NetMRI on your physical appliance, complete the following:

1. Consider your Ethernet connections. For more information, see Ethernet Connections.
2. Connect the NetMRI appliance to the network. For more information, see Connecting NetMRI to the Network.
3. Configure your workstation to connect to the NetMRI appliance. For more information, see Configuring the Workstation.
4. Configure NetMRI on your appliance. For more information, see Configuring NetMRI.

Ethernet Connections

Each NetMRI Network Analysis Appliance is equipped with two Ethernet ports, labeled MGMT and SCAN. By default, the NetMRI appliance is configured to use the MGMT port for both system administration and network analysis functions (the latter involves accessing network devices). In some environments, system administration and network analysis must take place through a different appliance port for one or both of the following reasons:

• Security
• To enable management service providers to access NetMRI from remote locations

Before installing your NetMRI appliance, decide whether it should be set up to use one Ethernet port or two. Separate instructions for these cases are provided at the appropriate points in the next chapter.

Connecting NetMRI to the Network

The NetMRI appliance does not need a monitor, keyboard, or mouse for normal operation—it only needs an Ethernet connection.

To connect NetMRI to your network:

1. Do one of the following:
   
   • To configure the appliance to use one port (same port for both system administration and network analysis), use a straight-through RJ45 Ethernet cable to connect the MGMT Ethernet connector to an available Ethernet connection in your network.
   • To configure the appliance to use two ports (one for system administration and one for network analysis), use a straight-through RJ45 Ethernet cable and complete the following:
     • Connect the MGMT Ethernet connector to the network supporting your management systems.
     • Connect the SCAN Ethernet connector to an available Ethernet port on the network NetMRI will be analyzing.

1. Note

   The NetMRI appliance models support 10/100/1000Mbps network connections.

2. Plug the NetMRI appliance into an AC power source.
3. Verify that the green Link LED on the RJ45 port is lit, indicating a good connection to your network. If possible, verify that the link indicator is lit on the network hub or switch port to which NetMRI is connected.

Configuring the Workstation

NetMRI always listens on the private IP address 169.254.1.1 and subnet mask 255.255.255.0, which can be used at any time to configure NetMRI using the following procedure. The easiest way to access NetMRI on that address is to temporarily configure your workstation to use address 169.254.1.5, subnet mask 255.255.255.0.

The process for Windows 10 is described here, but it may be slightly different for different versions of Windows or other operating systems:

1. In the search box next to Start , enter control panel and then select Control Panel from the list of results.
2. In the Control Panel dialog box, click Network and Internet.
3. In the Network and Internet dialog box, click Network and Sharing Center.
4. In the Network and Sharing Center dialog box, click Local Area Connection.
5. In the Local Area Connections Status dialog box, click Properties.
6. In the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box, click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP IPv4), and then click Properties.

7. In the Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP IPv4) Properties dialog box, do the following:

   1. In the IP address field, enter 169.254.1.5.

   2. In the Subnet mask field, enter 255.255.255.0.

   3. Click OK.

8. In the Local Area Connection Properties dialog box, click Close.

9. For some versions of Windows, you might need to reboot your computer.

10. In the administrative shell, access NetMRI at 169.254.1.1 using SSH and then log in with the following credentials:
    • Username: admin
    • Password: admin
11. Configure NetMRI on your appliance. For more information, see Configuring NetMRI.