AI Data Engine system updates and compatibility
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Keep AI Data Engine (AIDE) system components up to date to maintain optimal performance and access to new features. Update components after deployment, when new software or firmware becomes available, when you add or replace nodes, or periodically for feature updates.
AIDE system components
There are two main components that require updates in an AIDE system: ONTAP software and AIDE software, which includes DCN firmware.
ONTAP Software
ONTAP is the operating system that runs on NetApp storage systems, including those used in AIDE deployments. Keep ONTAP current to preserve system stability, security, and compatibility with AIDE components. AIDE components are updated separately.
AIDE software updates
AIDE Console software and DCN firmware updates are distributed together as a single package (.tgz) and are not embedded in ONTAP images. Updates ensure the proper functioning of hardware components within the AIDE system and provide new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes.
Understand the update process
AIDE software updates can be managed through ONTAP System Manager.
AIDE does not support ONTAP automatic software updates functionality. You can sign up to receive notifications from NetApp Support Site downloads, but all updates of AIDE software are performed manually by the admin.
Release types and scope:
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ONTAP major releases (9.x.x) and AIDE major releases (9.x.x U0) introduce new features, APIs, or changes that affect ONTAP integration.
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ONTAP patch releases (9.x.x Px) and AIDE update releases (9.x.x Ux) contain fixes and updates that do not impact ONTAP integration.
Compatibility matrix
Ensure compatibility between ONTAP and AIDE software when planning updates.
AIDE software is released as "U" releases. An AIDE major release is a "U0" release and subsequent minor releases will be "U1" and later.
ONTAP and AIDE compatibility
| AIDE Releases | Supported ONTAP Versions |
|---|---|
9.18.1 U0 |
9.18.1 GA and all 9.18.1 Px |
9.18.1 U1 and later |
9.18.1 GA and all 9.18.1 Px |
|
"Px" denotes all ONTAP patch releases in major version (for example, 9.18.1 P1, 9.18.2, and others). |
AIDE upgrade paths
The following examples use hypothetical future versions to show permitted upgrade and update paths permitted from AIDE 9.18.1 U0 and 9.18.1 U1.
| If your current AIDE release is… | And your target AIDE release is… | Your upgrade or update path is… |
|---|---|---|
9.18.1 U0 |
9.18.1 U1 |
Direct |
9.18.1 U0 |
9.18.1 U3 |
Direct (you can update from any Ux to any later Ux in 9.18.1) |
9.18.1 U1 |
9.18.1 U3 |
Direct (you can update from any Ux to any later Ux in 9.18.1) |
Revert limitations
AIDE systems do not support revert operations for DCN firmware, AIDE software updates, or ONTAP on AFX storage systems. After you install an update or upgrade, you cannot revert to a previous version. Review compatibility requirements before you update or upgrade.