How to Get Started with HPE OneView SDK for Ansible

Feb 26, 2023 | Programming

Welcome to your guide on utilizing HPE OneView SDK for Ansible! While this project is no longer being maintained, it paves the way for you to transition to the newer Ansible Collection. This article will guide you through the process of installation, configuration, and usage of the HPE OneView SDK for Ansible modules.

Understanding HPE OneView

HPE OneView serves as a robust tool for deploying and managing complex hybrid cloud infrastructures. It transforms traditional data centers into software-defined environments, supporting a wide range of HPE servers, storage, and networking solutions. By employing HPE OneView REST APIs, the SDK provides modules that allow you to manage resources using Ansible playbooks.

Installation and Configuration

There are two primary methods to install the HPE OneView SDK for Ansible: from source or using a Docker container. Here’s how to do it:

1. Installation from Source

  • Clone the repository:
  • bash
    $ git clone https://github.com/HewlettPackard/oneview-ansible.git
    $ cd oneview-ansible
    
  • Install dependency packages using PIP:
  • bash
    $ pip install -r requirements.txt
    
  • Configure the ANSIBLE_LIBRARY environmental variable:
  • bash
    $ export ANSIBLE_LIBRARY=path/to/oneview-ansible/library
    $ export ANSIBLE_MODULE_UTILS=path/to/oneview-ansible/library/module_utils
    

2. Installation from Docker Container

  • Pull the Docker image:
  • bash
    $ docker pull hewlettpackardenterprise/hpe-oneview-sdk-for-ansible:v6.1.0-OV6.1
    
  • Run the Docker container:
  • bash
    $ docker run -it hewlettpackardenterprise/hpe-oneview-sdk-for-ansible:v6.1.0-OV6.1 bin/sh
    

Configuring the OneView Client

Setting up the OneView client correctly is vital for successful operations. You can use either a JSON configuration file or environment variables to manage your connection properties.

Using a JSON Configuration File

Your JSON file should include connection parameters such as the hostname, username, and password:

{
  "ip": "172.25.105.12",
  "credentials": {
    "userName": "Administrator",
    "authLoginDomain": "",
    "password": "secret123"
  },
  "api_version": 2800
}

Using Environment Variables

Alternatively, you can configure settings through environment variables:

bash
export ONEVIEWSDK_IP=172.25.105.12
export ONEVIEWSDK_USERNAME=Administrator
export ONEVIEWSDK_PASSWORD=secret123

Writing Playbooks

To interact with your HPE OneView environment, you’ll write Ansible playbooks. Here is how you can define tasks in your YAML file:

yaml
- name: Create a Fibre Channel Network
  oneview_fc_network:
    hostname: 172.16.101.48
    username: administrator
    password: my_password
    api_version: 2800
    state: present
    data:
      name: network_name
      fabricType: FabricAttach

Ensure to set the no_log: true option while dealing with sensitive information.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues such as connection errors or module failures, consider the following:

  • Check if the OneView appliance IP address and login credentials are correct.
  • Ensure that the required Python packages and Ansible version are installed.
  • For Docker users, verify if the necessary permissions for accessing the Docker container are granted.
  • If the problem persists, check the configuration files for syntax errors or misconfigurations.

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Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be on your way to successfully integrating HPE OneView SDK for Ansible into your environment. Don’t hesitate to explore sample playbooks and examples to visualize how tasks can be executed.

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.

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