If you plan to replace a controller or add a second controller, keep the
following requirements in mind.
Requirements for adding a second controller
- You must have a new controller canister with the same part number as the currently installed controller canister.
- If the currently installed controller canister includes a host interface card (HIC), you must have a new HIC that is identical to the HIC in the currently installed controller canister.
- You must have all cables, transceivers, switches, and host bus adapters (HBAs) needed to connect the new controller ports.
For information about compatible hardware, refer to the NetApp Interoperability Matrix or the NetApp Hardware Universe.
- You must have installed a multipath driver on the host so that you can use both controllers. Refer to theLinux express configuration, Windows express configuration, or VMware express configuration for instructions.
- You have an ESD wristband, or you have taken other antistatic precautions.
- You must have a #1 Phillips screwdriver.
- You must have labels to identify the new cables.
- You must have installed SANtricity Storage Manager on a management station, so you can use the storage array's command line interface (CLI).
If SANtricity Storage Manager has not yet been installed, follow the instructions in the Linux express configuration, Windows express configuration, or VMware express configuration to download and install the software.
Requirements for replacing a failed controller
- You must have a replacement controller canister with the same part number as the controller canister you are replacing.
- You have an ESD wristband, or you have taken other antistatic precautions.
- You must use labels to identify each cable that is connected to the controller canister.
- You must have a #1 Phillips screwdriver.
- You must have installed SANtricity Storage Manager on a management station, so you can use the storage array's command line interface (CLI).
If this software has not yet been installed, follow the instructions in the Linux express configuration, Windows express configuration, or VMware express configuration to download and install it.
Duplex configuration
If the controller shelf has two controllers (duplex configuration), you can replace a controller canister while your storage array is powered on and performing host I/O operations, as long as the following conditions are true:
- The second controller canister in the shelf has Optimal status.
- The OK to remove field in the Details area of the Recovery Guru in SANtricity System Manager displays Yes, indicating that it is safe to remove this component.
Simplex configuration
If you have only one controller canister (simplex configuration), data on the storage array will not be accessible until you replace the controller canister. You must stop host I/O operations and power down the storage array.