> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/plan-and-deploy/implementation-guide/scale-out-nodes.md).

# Scale-out node installation guide

## Introduction

Welcome to the Scale-out Node Installation Guide for VergeOS. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing additional Scale-out nodes using a USB installer.

These nodes are designed to have identical hardware specifications to your controller nodes, including CPU, storage, network capabilities, and RAM, ensuring uniformity and compatibility within your infrastructure. When added, the disks from Scale-out nodes will integrate seamlessly into your existing vSAN tiers, increasing your cluster's storage capacity.

By deploying additional Scale-out nodes, you effectively enlarge your hyper-converged cluster, boosting its overall performance and resilience. This guide will ensure that your expansion is executed smoothly and effectively, maintaining the high standards of efficiency and reliability expected in your VergeOS environment.

***

## Prerequisites

Ensure the following before starting the installation of a Scale-out node:

* The 2 node cluster from the [Installation Guide](/plan-and-deploy/implementation-guide/installation-guide.md) is installed and fully operational.
* All network configurations, including VLANs and physical NIC assignments, have been set up according to the main installation guide.

***

## Installation Steps

1. **Boot from the VergeOS USB Installer:**
   * Insert the VergeOS USB installer into the server designated as the Scale-out node.
   * Reboot the server and select the USB drive as the boot device from the boot menu.
2. **Select Node Type:**
   * When prompted by the installer, select the "Scale-Out" option. This indicates that the node is being installed specifically to expand the existing vSAN storage.
3. **Enter Admin Credentials:**
   * You will be prompted to enter the admin credentials for the VergeOS cluster. These credentials are necessary to authenticate and authorize the addition of the new node to the existing cluster.
4. **Network Configuration:**
   * Allow the installer to auto-detect the network configuration, ensuring that NICs are correctly cabled and match the configuration documented during the initial setup.

{% hint style="info" %}
**The installer may ask for you to identify which NIC is used for the EXTERNAL switch if it cannot autodetect**
{% endhint %}

5. **Cluster Selection:**
   * If prompted, select the cluster your scale-out node is joining.
   * Select the node this new nodes resembles the most

{% hint style="success" %}
**You will only see this question if you have multiple clusters**
{% endhint %}

6. **vSAN Configuration:**
   * Confirm that the storage tiers or custom configurations align with the initial setup to maintain uniformity across the infrastructure.
   * Review and finalize the disk selections and storage configurations.
7. **Complete Installation:**
   * The installer will format the necessary drives, install VergeOS, and integrate the node into your cluster.
   * The node will automatically reboot upon the completion of the installation process.
8. **Verify Installation:**
   * After rebooting, log into the VergeOS web UI using the cluster’s IP address.
   * Check the Nodes page to ensure that the Scale-out node has been successfully added and is operational.

***

## Troubleshooting & Support

If issues arise during installation:

* Press `Esc` to cancel and get a command prompt
* Type `yb-install` to resume or `yb-install --restart` to start over


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.vergeos-demo.com/plan-and-deploy/implementation-guide/scale-out-nodes.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.