Choosing your transition procedure

When transitioning to a MetroCluster IP configuration, you must have a combination of supported platform models. You should also ensure that the MetroCluster IP platform is an appropriate size for the load that you are transitioning from the MetroCluster FC configuration to the MetroCluster IP configuration.

The following table shows the supported platform combinations. You can transition from platforms in the left-hand column to platforms listed as supported in the columns to the right, as indicated by the colored table cells.

For example, transitioning from a MetroCluster FC configuration consisting of AFF8060 controller modules to an IP configuration consisting of AFF A400 controller modules is supported.

metrocluster fc ip transition matrix yellowdogp1

  • Note 1: This platform combination requires ONTAP 9.11.1 or later.

  • Note 2: You must have a 40GbE interface for the local cluster interfaces on the FC nodes. This platform combination requires ONTAP 9.12.1 or later.

  • Note 3: You must have a 100GbE interface for the local cluster interfaces on the FC nodes. This platform combination requires ONTAP 9.12.1 or later.

  • The transition procedures all require ONTAP 9.8 or later unless stated otherwise in the notes or as required by an individual platform.

Note

  • Do not exceed any object limits of the 'lower' of the platforms in the combination. Apply the lower object limit of the two platforms.

  • If the target platform limits are lower then the MetroCluster limits, you must reconfigure the MetroCluster to be at, or below, the target platform limits before you add the new nodes.

  • Refer to the Hardware universe for platform limits.

You must select a transition procedure depending on your existing MetroCluster FC configuration.

A transition procedure replaces the back-end FC switch fabric or FC-VI connection with an IP switch network. The exact procedure depends on your starting configuration.

The original platforms and FC switches (if present) are retired at the end of the transition procedure.

Starting configuration

Disruptive or nondisruptive

Requirements

Procedure

Four node

Nondisruptive

New storage shelves are supported on new platforms.

Link to procedure

Two node

Disruptive

New storage shelves are supported on both original and new platforms.

Link to procedure

Two node

Disruptive

New storage shelves are supported on both original and new platforms. Old storage shelves must be retired.

Link to procedure

Two node

Disruptive

Old storage shelves are not supported on new platforms. Old storage shelves must be retired.

Link to procedure

Transitions to a Cisco 9336C-FX2 shared switch configuration

Transitioning to a Cisco 9336C-FX2 shared switch configuration is not supported. A shared switch configuration is one where the switches provide both the MetroCluster connections and the storage shelf connections.

Configurations in which the Cisco 9336C-FX2 switch provides only the MetroCluster connections are supported.