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Overview

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This procedure describes how to upgrade the controller hardware using aggregate relocation (ARL) for the following system configurations:

Method ONTAP version Supported systems

Using system controller replace commands

9.8 or later

Link to supported systems matrix

During the procedure, you upgrade the original controller hardware with the replacement controller hardware, relocating the ownership of non-root aggregates. You migrate aggregates multiple times from node to node to confirm that at least one node is serving data from the aggregates throughout the upgrade procedure. You also migrate data logical interfaces (LIFs) and assign the network ports on the new controller to the interface groups as you proceed.

Terminology used in this information

In this information, the original nodes are called "node1" and "node2", and the new nodes are called "node3" and "node4". During the described procedure, node1 is replaced by node3, and node2 is replaced by node4.
The terms "node1", "node2", "node3", and "node4" are used only to distinguish between the original and new nodes. When following the procedure, you must substitute the real names of your original and new nodes. However, in reality, the names of the nodes do not change: node3 has the name node1, and node4 has the name node2 after the controller hardware is upgraded.

Throughout this information, the term "systems with FlexArray Virtualization Software" refers to systems that belong to these new platforms. The term "V-Series system" refers to the separate hardware systems that can attach to storage arrays.

Important information:

  • This procedure is complex and assumes that you have advanced ONTAP administration skills. You also must read and understand the Guidelines for upgrading controllers with ARL and the Overview of the ARL upgrade sections before beginning the upgrade.

  • This procedure assumes that the replacement controller hardware is new and has not been used. The steps required to prepare used controllers with the wipeconfig command are not included in this procedure. You must contact technical support if the replacement controller hardware was previously used, especially if the controllers were running Data ONTAP in 7- Mode.

  • You can use ARL to perform a non-disruptive simplified controller upgrade to a new controller running a later ONTAP version than the version running on the cluster you are upgrading. The ONTAP version combinations for old and new controllers are determined by the ONTAP software release NDU cadence model. For example, if you have a controller running ONTAP 9.8, and that is the last supported version for that controller, you can upgrade to a new controller running an ONTAP version later than ONTAP 9.8.

    This upgrade procedure primarily applies to upgrade scenarios where the controller model you are replacing does not support later ONTAP versions and the new controller does not support earlier ONTAP versions.

  • You can use this procedure to upgrade the controller hardware in clusters with more than two nodes; however, you need to perform the procedure separately for each high-availability (HA) pair in the cluster.

  • This procedure applies to FAS systems, V-Series systems, AFF systems, and systems with FlexArray Virtualization Software. FAS systems released after ONTAP 9.5 can attach to storage arrays if the required license is installed. For more information about the storage array and V-Series models, refer to References to link to the Hardware Universe and go to the V-Series Support Matrix.

  • This procedure applies to systems running 4-node NetApp MetroCluster configuration or higher. Since MetroCluster configuration sites can be at two physically different locations, the automated controller upgrade must be carried out individually at each MetroCluster site for an HA pair.

  • For non-MetroCluster systems, such as HA clusters, the ARL upgrade is the only supported procedure.

  • If you are upgrading from an AFF A320 system, you can use volume moves to upgrade controller hardware or contact technical support. Refer to References to link to Upgrade by moving volumes or storage.