Replacing the caching module or adding/replacing a core dump module

You must replace the caching module in the controller module when your system registers a single AutoSupport (ASUP) message that the module has gone offline; failure to do so results in performance degradation. If AutoSupport is not enabled, you can locate the failed caching module by the fault LED on the front of the module. You can also add or replace the 1TB, X9170A core dump module, which is required if you are installing NS224 drive shelves in an AFF A700 system.

Before you begin

  1. Shutting down the impaired controller
    You can shut down or take over the impaired controller using different procedures, depending on the storage system hardware configuration.
  2. Replacing or adding a caching module
    The NVMe SSD Flash Cache modules (FlashCache or caching modules) are separate modules. They are located in the front of the NVRAM module. To replace or add a caching module, locate it on the rear of the system on slot 6, and then follow the specific sequence of steps to replace it.
  3. Adding or replacing an X9170A core dump module
    The 1TB cache core dump, X9170A, is only used in the AFF A700 systems. The core dump module cannot be hot-swapped. The core dump module typically is located in the front of the NVRAM module in slot 6-1 in the rear of the system. To replace or add the core dump module, locate slot 6-1, and then follow the specific sequence of steps to add or replace it.
  4. Rebooting the controller after FRU replacement
    After you replace the FRU, you must reboot the controller module.
  5. Switching back aggregates in a two-node MetroCluster configuration
    After you have completed the FRU replacement in a two-node MetroCluster configuration, you can perform the MetroCluster switchback operation. This returns the configuration to its normal operating state, with the sync-source storage virtual machines (SVMs) on the formerly impaired site now active and serving data from the local disk pools.
  6. Completing the replacement process
    After you replace the part, you can return the failed part to NetApp, as described in the RMA instructions shipped with the kit. Contact technical support at NetApp Support, 888-463-8277 (North America), 00-800-44-638277 (Europe), or +800-800-80-800 (Asia/Pacific) if you need the RMA number or additional help with the replacement procedure.
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Part number: 215-10435_2021-01_en-us
January 2021