When bringing up new hardware, having the right testing scripts in place can save you hours of troubleshooting and prevent unexpected failures down the line. A recent Reddit thread highlighted this topic, and it’s a common discussion among RackN customers as well.
Here’s a breakdown of the key scripts and processes you should be running during hardware bring-up to ensure everything works as expected. (Prefer a video format? Check out our short on this topic!)
1. System Deep Scan & Inventory Tracking
One of the first steps in hardware validation is performing a deep system scan. This includes:
- Listing DIMMs (memory modules)
- Identifying SSDs and other storage devices
- Recording all detected components
Why? Storing this inventory allows you to compare future scans. If components disappear or change unexpectedly, it’s often an early warning sign of hardware issues.
2. Networking Validation
Networking misconfigurations are a frequent source of problems. Key checks include:
- LLDP scans – Helps verify network connectivity and detect incorrect switch connections.
- Subnet & IP validation – Ensures systems are on the correct network segments.
Running these checks at first boot can prevent deployment delays and simplify troubleshooting in data center environments.
3. Stress Testing & Burn-In
While not always used in production, burn-in tests (like memory tests and disk scrubs) can be valuable. As a sort of diagnostic tool, they help identify failing components before they cause outages, as well as provide a stress test to ensure system stability. However, many teams only enable these tests when an issue pops up rather than running them proactively.
Built-In Hardware Bring-Up Automation with Digital Rebar
All these checks are integrated into Digital Rebar’s standard workflows. This means that when you provision a system, DRP automatically runs the default scans without any further input from you. Additionally, more burn-in tests can be enabled in the workflows with just a single checkbox.
If you’re a Digital Rebar user, these tools are already available—no extra setup required.
Final Thoughts on Bringing Up New Systems
By incorporating these scripts into your hardware bring-up process, you catch hardware failures early, reduce deployment headaches, and ensure stable, reliable systems.
For more details, check out Digital Rebar’s script libraries or explore the built-in automation features. Want to see how Digital Rebar fits into your environments? Schedule a meeting, and let’s talk!
What hardware validation steps do you prioritize?
