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.	Transitioning nondisruptively from a MetroCluster FC to a MetroCluster IP configuration (ONTAP 9.8 and later)
Two node	Disruptive	New storage shelves are supported on both original and new platforms.	Disruptively transitioning from a two-node MetroCluster FC to a four-node MetroCluster IP configuration (ONTAP 9.8 and later)
Two node	Disruptive	New storage shelves are supported on both original and new platforms. Old storage shelves must be retired.	Disruptively transitioning from MetroCluster FC to MetroCluster IP when retiring storage shelves (ONTAP 9.8 and later)
Two node	Disruptive	Old storage shelves are not supported on new platforms. Old storage shelves must be retired.	Disruptively transitioning when existing shelves are not supported on new controllers (ONTAP 9.8 and later)

Starting configuration

Disruptive or nondisruptive

Requirements

Procedure

Four node

Nondisruptive

New storage shelves are supported on new platforms.

Transitioning nondisruptively from a MetroCluster FC to a MetroCluster IP configuration (ONTAP 9.8 and later)

Two node

Disruptive

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

Disruptively transitioning from a two-node MetroCluster FC to a four-node MetroCluster IP configuration (ONTAP 9.8 and later)