VMware VeloCloud Edge - User Manual

This document outlines the procedures for factory resetting and testing a VeloCloud Edge 520 and 540 unit, ensuring it is restored to its original manufactured state and functions correctly. The guide covers the necessary tools, the step-by-step process for performing a hard reset, and instructions for verifying the device's functionality.

Function Description

The VeloCloud Edge 520 and 540 units are network devices designed to provide optimized and secure connectivity. A factory reset, as detailed in this manual, restores the device to its initial manufactured image, effectively wiping all user configurations and data. This process is crucial for troubleshooting, redeploying, or preparing the device for new installations, ensuring a clean slate for subsequent configurations. The device supports various connectivity options, including Ethernet and SFP ports, and features a local user interface for configuration and status monitoring.

Usage Features

The VeloCloud Edge units are designed for straightforward operation, with a focus on ease of reset and testing.

• Hard Reset Procedure: The hard reset process involves a physical interaction with the device. Users must first ensure the Edge is powered down. A small RESET button, typically located on the back of the unit, is then pressed and held using a paperclip or similar tool. While holding the button, power is reconnected to the Edge. The button must remain pressed for 30 seconds to a minute until the cloud LED on the front panel pulses dark blue. This visual cue confirms the initiation of the factory reset. Releasing the button allows the Edge to reboot, during which the cloud LED will transition through white (flashing), red, or green, indicating the boot-up progress. This method ensures that the device reverts to its original factory settings, making it ready for fresh configuration.

• Connectivity Testing: After a hard reset, the manual guides users through a comprehensive testing process to verify the functionality of the Edge's ports and network connectivity. This involves connecting an Ethernet/cat5 cable with Internet access to the "GE1" port and another Ethernet/cat5 cable from a computer to the "LAN1" port. The local user interface (UI) of the Edge, accessible via a web browser at a specified IP address (http://192.168.2.1), serves as the primary tool for monitoring and verifying port status.

• Local UI Interaction: The VeloCloud Edge Activation screen, displayed in the browser, provides an overview of the device's configuration and internet status. Users can click "Review the Configuration" to access the Edge Overview screen, where they can check the status indicators for various ports. Green indicators signify active ports, while a yellow cloud LED on the front panel indicates that the Edge has not yet been activated. This UI-driven verification ensures that all essential network interfaces are functioning as expected.

• Comprehensive Port Testing: The testing extends beyond initial connectivity to include all LAN ports (1-8) and GE ports (1-2). Users are instructed to systematically move the computer cable through each LAN port, from LAN1 to LAN8, and observe the corresponding status indicator in the local UI. Similarly, the Internet cable is moved from GE1 to GE2, with verification of the GE2 status indicator turning green. This methodical approach ensures that every physical network port on the device is operational.

• SFP Port Testing: For units equipped with Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) ports (SFP1 and SFP2), the manual describes a specific test using a fiber cable with two fiber SFP modules or a 'direct attach' SFP cable to create a loop. The objective is to check that the Link lights illuminate and that the local UI displays these ports as red, confirming their functionality.

• USB Port Testing: The device also features four USB ports, which are tested by inserting a blank USB flash key into each one. The corresponding status indicator in the local UI should turn red, indicating that the USB port is recognized and functional. A grey indicator suggests a potential issue with the USB port.

• Safe Shutdown and Reboot: To safely conclude the testing and prepare the device for storage or further deployment, users are instructed to shut down the unit via the local UI. This involves navigating to the "Edge Reset Settings" screen (accessible through the "Details" and "Reset Settings" buttons) and clicking the "Reboot" button. An authentication prompt will appear, requiring the username "admin" and password "admin" to proceed. Once the cloud LED on the front of the Edge turns white, it is safe to unplug the device from power. This controlled shutdown prevents potential data corruption or system issues.

Maintenance Features

The primary maintenance feature highlighted in this document is the factory reset itself, which serves as a foundational step for various maintenance activities.

• Restoring Original State: The hard reset process is a critical maintenance feature, as it allows administrators to restore the VeloCloud Edge to its original manufactured image. This is invaluable for resolving persistent software issues, removing unwanted configurations, or preparing the device for a new deployment where a clean, unconfigured state is desired. By reverting to the factory image, potential software glitches or configuration conflicts introduced over time can be eliminated.

• System Log Removal (Future Feature): The document mentions an upcoming tool designed to enhance the maintenance capabilities of the VeloCloud Edge. This tool, to be run immediately after a hard reset, will enable the removal of all persistent system logs and unused data partitions. The goal is to ensure that the Edge is truly in a "factory-shipped" state, free from any residual data or logs that might accumulate during its operational life. This feature will further streamline the process of preparing devices for redeployment or disposal, ensuring data privacy and optimal performance. The manual indicates that instructions for this tool will be updated once it becomes available, signifying an ongoing commitment to improving device maintenance.

• Diagnostic Information: While not explicitly a "maintenance feature" in the sense of repair, the local UI provides diagnostic information and status indicators that are crucial for maintenance. By observing the color of the cloud LED and the status indicators for various ports (GE, LAN, SFP, USB), users can quickly identify potential hardware or connectivity issues. This visual feedback helps in pinpointing problems, reducing troubleshooting time, and ensuring that any necessary maintenance actions are targeted and effective. For instance, a port indicator that remains grey during testing would immediately signal a need for further investigation or potential hardware replacement.

• Controlled Reboot: The ability to perform a controlled reboot through the local UI is also a maintenance-related feature. Instead of simply pulling the power, which can sometimes lead to file system corruption, the UI-driven reboot ensures that the operating system shuts down gracefully before restarting. This contributes to the longevity and stability of the device, minimizing the risk of software-related issues that might require more extensive maintenance.

In summary, the VeloCloud Edge 520 and 540 are designed with user-friendly reset and testing procedures, supported by a clear local UI for status monitoring. Future enhancements aim to further simplify the process of restoring the device to a pristine factory state, making it a robust and manageable network appliance.