How to upgrade a NetApp CN1601 or CN1610 cluster switch
Applies to
- CN1610
- CN1601
Description
- The cluster interconnect switches must be upgraded prior to upgrading to a later release of ONTAP.
- There are two components that must be considered together in a switch upgrade:
- The switch OS (FASTPATH) and
- The reference configuration file (RCF).
- Both of these must be compatible with the version of ONTAP installed. The switch is upgraded before ONTAP is and for older versions (prior to ONTAP 8.2.4 or FASTPATH 1.2.07) this may require multiple steps in order to stay in a supported configuration. Even though it is not supported, newer ONTAP versions have been known to successfully function with older FASTPATH or RCF versions in the past because of few changes.
- The RCF is a template of the basic required configuration of the switch interfaces to function as a cluster switch and doesn't include additional features such as the service port, DNS, or SNMP. These changes must be manually configured. Prior to rebooting a switch, 'write memory' should be run to ensure that any manual configuration is persistent on reboot. If a newer version of the RCF is required, additional manual configuration may be required.
- Upgrading the cluster switch is non-disruptive because only one switch is upgraded at a time, however additional precautions must be taken. In summary, the steps to perform a switch upgrade are as follows:
- the node cluster LIFs will need to be migrated to ports that won't be impacted during the switch reboot;
- the node cluster ports (connected to the switch being upgraded) will need to be shut down;
- the inter-switch link (ISL) will need to be shut down.
- After the first switch has been reloaded the system is restored back to normal, and then the steps above are repeated for the second switch to be upgraded.
- You can review other requirements in the Interconnect and Management Switches documentation section on the Support Site.