What are the specific steps involved in FlexArray for NetApp controller upgrades/replacements?

Applies to

FlexArray

Answer

Description:

‘Hardware upgrade’ and ‘Controller replacement’ documents available in NetApp support site explain in detail regarding the steps involved during controller upgrades/replacements. This article is to only emphasize the importance of few pre and post steps required during such operations on systems involving FlexArray.

Details:

Upgrade/replacement procedures are broadly classified into three categories:
Case 1: Upgrading controller hardware by moving storage
Case 2: Replacing the controller module
Case 3: Upgrading controller hardware by moving volumes
 
 Before upgrading/replacing:

1. Gather the following information from the original node:
   • License information
     system license show
     Obtain new license keys for the new nodes from the NetApp Support Site at mysupport.netapp.com.
   • Topology of the system - note the switch/zoning information
     storage array config show -switch
   • Note down the port configurations:
     ucadmin show
2. Label all cables from the original nodes before removing

After installation:
 
For cases 1 and 2: While setting up the new node:

For case 3: After volume movement:

1. Transfer cables from the original nodes to the new ones.
2. Restore the port configurations as before.
3. Run the following command from the Maintenance mode:
   ucadmin modify -m {fc|cna} -t {initiator|target} adapter-name
4. Modify the zones with new wwpns.

Additional Information

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