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E-Series storage systems

Replace an I/O module - EF50 and EF80

Contributors netapp-lisa
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Replace a failed I/O module in your EF50 or EF80 storage system with the same type of I/O module to restore the storage system to its optimal operating state.

About this task

  • Replace an I/O module by preparing, placing the impaired controller offline, replacing the failed I/O module, placing the controller back online, and returning the failed part to NetApp.

  • The term I/O module is used instead of host interface cards (HICs) in this procedure.

  • The I/O module fault LEDs (for all four slots) are non-functional. They remain off at all times; therefore, they cannot be used to verify a fault condition.

    The fault LEDs are located on the controllers: The slot 1 and 2 fault LEDs are located to the right of slot 2. The slot 3 and 4 fault LEDs are located to the left of slot 4.

  • The impaired controller does not need to be removed from the chassis because I/O modules are accessible with the controller in place.

  • You must place the impaired controller offline before unplugging any I/O module cables.

  • You can turn on the storage system location (blue) LEDs (on the front of the storage system and both controllers) to aid in physically locating the affected storage system. Using SANtricity System Manager, select Hardware > Controllers and components, select the Controller shelf tab, and from the context menu select Turn on locator light.

Step 1: Prepare to replace an I/O module

Prepare to replace an I/O module by gathering the necessary tools and equipment, and backing up the storage system's configuration database.

Steps

  1. Make sure you have the following:

    • The replacement I/O module.

      Make sure that you are replacing the failed I/O module with the same type of I/O module. You cannot install a different type of I/O module.

      You must have the same type and number of I/O modules in each controller in your storage system.

      Caution Possible loss of data access — The presence of incompatible or mismatched I/O modules causes the controllers to lock down when you apply power.

    • An ESD wristband or you have taken other antistatic precautions.

    • A flat static-free work surface.

    • Labels to identify each cable that is connected to the faulty I/O module.

    • A management station with a browser that can access SANtricity System Manager for the impaired controller.

      To open the System Manager interface, point the browser to the impaired controller's domain name or IP address.

  2. Back up the storage system's configuration database using SANtricity System Manager:

    If a problem occurs when you remove a controller, you can use the saved file to restore your configuration. The system saves the current state of the RAID configuration database, which includes all data for volume groups and disk pools on the impaired controller.

    1. Select Support > Support Center > Diagnostics.

    2. Select Collect Configuration Data.

    3. Select Collect.

      The file is saved in the Downloads folder for your browser with the name, configurationData-<arrayName>-<dateTime>.7z.

Step 2: Place the controller offline

Place the impaired controller offline so you can safely perform the rest of this procedure.

About this task

Whenever you place a controller offline, you need to wait at least one minute before bringing the controller back online. This waiting period allows the storage system to update the status of the controller and ensure that all cached data is written to the drives.

Steps

  1. If the impaired controller is not already offline, place it offline using SANtricity System Manager:

    1. Select Hardware > Controllers and components to show the controllers.

    2. Select the controller that you want to place offline to display its content menu.

    3. Select Place offline, and then confirm that you want to perform the operation.

      Note If you are accessing SANtricity System Manager using the controller you are attempting to place offline, a SANtricity System Manager Unavailable message is displayed. Select Connect to an alternate network connection to automatically access SANtricity System Manager using the other controller.

  2. Wait for SANtricity System Manager to update the controller's status to offline.

    Caution Do not begin any other operations until after the status has been updated.

  3. Confirm it is safe to remove the faulty component, using the Recovery Guru:

    1. Select Recheck.

    2. Confirm that the OK to remove field in the Details area displays Yes.

      Caution If the OK to remove field does not display Yes, do not proceed with the removal of the faulty component. Instead, troubleshoot the issue using the Recovery Guru.

Step 3: Replace the I/O module

Unplug cabling from the failed I/O module, replace it with the replacement I/O module, and then cable the replacement I/O module.

Steps

  1. If you are not already grounded, properly ground yourself.

  2. Unplug cabling from the failed I/O module.

    Make sure to label the cables so that you know where they came from.

  3. Remove the failed I/O module from the controller:

    Remove I/O module
    Callout number 1

    Turn the I/O module thumbscrew counterclockwise to loosen.
    Callout number 2

    Pull the I/O module out of the controller using the port label tab on the left and the thumbscrew.

  4. Unpack the replacement I/O module and set it on a flat static-free surface near the storage system.

    Save the packing materials to use when returning the faulty I/O module.

  5. Install the replacement I/O module into the target slot:

    1. Align the I/O module with the edges of the slot.

    2. Gently push the I/O module all the way into the slot, making sure to properly seat the module into the connector.

      You can use the tab on the left and the thumbscrew to push in the I/O Module.

    3. Turn the thumbscrew clockwise to tighten.

  6. Cable the I/O module.

Step 4: Place the controller online

Place the impaired controller back online.

Steps

  1. Place the controller online using SANtricity System Manager:

    1. Select Hardware > Controllers and components to show the controllers.

    2. Select the controller that you want to place online to display its context menu.

    3. Select Place online, and then confirm that you want to perform the operation.

      The system places the controller online.

  2. As the controller boots, check the controller LEDs.

    When communication with the other controller is reestablished:

    • The amber Attention LED remains on.

    • The Host Link LEDs might be on, blinking, or off, depending on the host interface.

  3. When the controller is back online:

    1. Confirm its status is Optimal.

    2. Confirm that the Attention LED on the controller is off.

      If the status is not Optimal or if any of the Attention LEDs are on, confirm that all cables are correctly seated and the controller is installed correctly. If necessary, remove and reinstall the controller.

      Note If you cannot resolve the problem, contact NetApp Support before continuing with this procedure. If needed, collect support data for your storage system using SANtricity System Manager.

Step 5: Complete the I/O module replacement

Using SANtricity System Manager, make sure the latest version of SANtricity OS is installed, verify that all volumes are returned to their owning controllers, and collect support data so that you can resume operations.

Steps

  1. Make sure the latest version of SANtricity OS is installed on the storage system:

    1. Select Support > Upgrade Center

    2. As needed, install the latest version.

  2. Verify all volumes are returned to their owning controllers:

    If…​ Then…​

    Recovery Guru is present and indicates volumes are not on their preferred path (not returned to their owning controllers)

    1. Redistribute the volumes to their owning controllers, by selecting Storage > Volumes > More and from the drop-down menu, select Redistribute volumes.

    2. Verify all volumes are redistributed to their owning controllers by checking if Recovery Guru is present and still indicates volumes are not on their preferred path.

    Note If the volumes are still not returned to their owning controllers, contact NetApp Support.

    Recovery Guru is not present (it appears that all volumes are returned to their owning controllers)

    Verify all volumes are returned to their owning controllers by selecting Storage > Volumes > More and from the drop-down menu, select Change volume ownership to view volume owners.

  3. Collect support data for your storage system:

    1. Select Support > Support Center > Diagnostics.

    2. Select Collect Support Data.

    3. Select Collect.

      The file is saved in the Downloads folder for your browser with the name, support-data.7z.

Step 6: Return the failed part to NetApp

Return the failed part to NetApp, as described in the RMA instructions shipped with the kit. See the Part Return and Replacements page for further information.