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Install and maintain

Add an I/O module - AFF C30 and AFF C60

Contributors netapp-lisa netapp-jsnyder

Add an I/O module to your AFF C30 or AFF C60 system to enhance network connectivity and expand your system’s ability to handle data traffic.

You can add an I/O module to your AFF C30 and AFF C60 storage systems when there are slots available or when all slots are fully populated.

About this task

If needed, you can turn on the storage system location (blue) LEDs to aid in physically locating the affected storage system. Log into the BMC using SSH and enter the system location-led on command.

A storage system has three location LEDs: one on the operator display panel and one on each controller. Location LEDs remain illuminated for 30 minutes.

You can turn them off by entering the system location-led off command. If you are unsure if the LEDs are on or off, you can check their state by entering the system location-led show command.

Step 1: Shut down the impaired controller module

To shut down the impaired controller, you must determine the status of the controller and, if necessary, take over the controller so that the healthy controller continues to serve data from the impaired controller storage.

Before you begin

If you have a cluster with more than two nodes, it must be in quorum. If the cluster is not in quorum or a healthy controller shows false for eligibility and health, you must correct the issue before shutting down the impaired controller; see Synchronize a node with the cluster.

Steps
  1. If AutoSupport is enabled, suppress automatic case creation by invoking an AutoSupport message command: system node autosupport invoke -node * -type all -message MAINT=number_of_hours_downh

    The following AutoSupport command suppresses automatic case creation for two hours: cluster1:*> system node autosupport invoke -node * -type all -message MAINT=2h

  2. Disable automatic giveback from the console of the healthy controller: storage failover modify –node local -auto-giveback false

  3. Take the impaired controller to the LOADER prompt:

    If the impaired controller is displaying…​ Then…​

    The LOADER prompt

    Go to the next step.

    Waiting for giveback…​

    Press Ctrl-C, and then respond y when prompted.

    System prompt or password prompt (enter system password)

    Halt or take over the impaired controller from the healthy controller: storage failover takeover -ofnode impaired_node_name

    When the impaired controller shows Waiting for giveback…​, press Ctrl-C, and then respond y.

Step 2: Add the new I/O module

If the storage system has available slots, install the new I/O module into one of the available slots. If all slots are occupied, remove an existing I/O module to make space and then install the new one.

Before you begin
  • Check the NetApp Hardware Universe to make sure that the new I/O module is compatible with your storage system and version of ONTAP you're running.

  • If multiple slots are available, check the slot priorities in NetApp Hardware Universe and use the best one available for your I/O module.

  • All other components in the storage system must be functioning properly; if not, contact NetApp Support before continuing with this procedure.

You can add a new I/O module into a storage system with available slots.

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

  2. On the impaired controller, remove the I/O blanking module from the target slot.

    Unused I/O slots should have blanking module installed to prevent possible thermal issues.

    Remove an I/O blanking module

    Callout number 1

    On the I/O blanking module, turn the thumbscrew counterclockwise to loosen.

    Callout number 2

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

  3. Install the new I/O module:

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

    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.

  4. Cable the I/O module to the designated devices.

    If you installed a storage I/O module, install and cable your NS224 shelves, as described in Hot-add workflow.

  5. Reboot the impaired controller from the LOADER prompt: bye

    Rebooting the impaired controller also reinitializes the I/O modules and other components.

  6. Give back the impaired controller from the partner controller: storage failover giveback -ofnode impaired_node_name

  7. Repeat these steps to add an I/O module to the other controller.

  8. Restore automatic giveback from the console of the healthy controller: storage failover modify -node local -auto-giveback true

  9. If AutoSupport is enabled, restore (unsuppress) automatic case creation: system node autosupport invoke -node * -type all -message MAINT=END