NetApp E Series User manual

Controllers
E-Series
NetApp
December 14, 2021
This PDF was generated from https://docs.netapp.com/us-en/e-series/maintenance-e2800/controllers-
overview-supertask-concept.html on December 14, 2021. Always check docs.netapp.com for the latest.

Table of Contents
Controllers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê1
Requirements for E2800 controller replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê1
Add second controller canister in E2800 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê3
Replace controller in E2800 duplex configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê13
Replace controller in E2800 simplex configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ê28

Controllers
Requirements for E2800 controller replacement
Before you replace or add an E2800 controller, review the requirements and
considerations.
Each controller canister contains a controller card, a battery, and an optional host interface card (HIC). You can
add a second controller to a simplex configuration or replace a failed controller.
Requirements for adding second controller
You can add a second controller canister to the simplex version of the following controller shelves:
•E2812 controller shelf
•E2824 controller shelf
•EF280 flash array
The figures show an example controller shelf before adding a second controller (one controller canister and a
controller blank) and after adding a second controller (two controller canisters).
The figures show example controller canisters; the host ports on your controller canisters might
be different.
Before you add a second controller, you must have:
•A new controller canister with the same part number as the currently installed controller canister.
•A new HIC that is identical to the HIC in the currently installed controller canister (only necessary if the
currently installed controller canister includes a host interface card).
•All cables, transceivers, switches, and host bus adapters (HBAs) needed to connect the new controller
ports.
For information about compatible hardware, refer to the NetApp Interoperability Matrix or the NetApp
Hardware Universe.
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•Multipath driver installed on the host so that you can use both controllers. Refer to the Linux express
configuration, Windows express configuration, or VMware express configuration for instructions.
•An ESD wristband, or you have taken other antistatic precautions.
•A #1 Phillips screwdriver.
•Labels to identify the new cables.
•A management station with a browser that can access SANtricity System Manager for the controller. (To
open the System Manager interface, point the browser to the controller’s domain name or IP address.)
Optionally, you can use the command line interface (CLI) to perform some of the procedures. If you do not
have access to the CLI, you can do one of the following:
◦For SANtricity System Manager (version 11.60 and above) — Download the CLI package (zip file)
from System Manager. Go to Settings ›System ›Add-ons ›Command Line Interface. You can then
issue CLI commands from an operating system prompt, such as the DOS C: prompt.
◦For SANtricity Storage Manager/Enterprise Management Window (EMW) — Follow the instructions
in the express guide to download and install the software. You can run CLI commands from the EMW
by selecting Tools ›Execute Script.
Requirements for replacing controller
When you replace a failed controller canister, you must remove the battery and HIC, if one is installed, from the
original controller canister, and install them in the replacement controller canister.
You can determine if you have a failed controller canister in two ways:
•The Recovery Guru in SANtricity System Manager directs you to replace the controller canister.
•The amber Attention LED on the controller canister is on, indicating that the controller has a fault.
(1) Attention LED
The figure shows an example controller canister; the host ports on your controller canister might
be different.
Before you replace a controller, you must have:
•A replacement controller canister with the same part number as the controller canister you are replacing.
•An ESD wristband, or you have taken other antistatic precautions.
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•Labels to identify each cable that is connected to the controller canister.
•#1 Phillips screwdriver.
•A management station with a browser that can access SANtricity System Manager for the controller. (To
open the System Manager interface, point the browser to the controller’s domain name or IP address.)
Optionally, you can use the command line interface (CLI) to perform some of the procedures. If you do not
have access to the CLI, you can do one of the following:
◦For SANtricity System Manager (version 11.60 and above) — Download the CLI package (zip file)
from System Manager. Go to Settings ›System ›Add-ons ›Command Line Interface. You can then
issue CLI commands from an operating system prompt, such as the DOS C: prompt.
◦For SANtricity Storage Manager/Enterprise Management Window (EMW) — Follow the instructions
in the express guide to download and install the software. You can run CLI commands from the EMW
by selecting Tools ›Execute Script.
Duplex configuration requirements
If the controller shelf has two controllers (duplex configuration), you can replace a controller canister while your
storage array is powered on and performing host I/O operations, as long as the following conditions are true:
•The second controller canister in the shelf has Optimal status.
•The OK to remove field in the Details area of the Recovery Guru in SANtricity System Manager displays
Yes, indicating that it is safe to remove this component.
Simplex configuration requirements
If you have only one controller canister (simplex configuration), data on the storage array will not be accessible
until you replace the controller canister. You must stop host I/O operations and power down the storage array.
Add second controller canister in E2800
You can add a second controller canister in the E2800 array.
About this task
This task describes how to add a second controller canister to the simplex version of either a E2812 controller
shelf, E2824 controller shelf, or EF280 flash array. This procedure is also referred to as a simplex-to-duplex
conversion, which is an online procedure. You can access data on the storage array while you perform this
procedure.
What you’ll need
•A new controller canister with the same part number as the currently installed controller canister. (See step
1 to verify the part number.)
•A new HIC that is identical to the HIC in the currently installed controller canister (only necessary if the
currently installed controller canister includes a host interface card).
•An ESD wristband, or take other antistatic precautions.
•A #1 Phillips screwdriver.
•Labels to identify the new cables. For information about compatible hardware, refer to the NetApp
Interoperability Matrix or the NetApp Hardware Universe.
•All cables, transceivers, switches, and host bus adapters (HBAs) needed to connect the new controller
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ports.
•A management station with a browser that can access SANtricity System Manager for the controller. (To
open the System Manager interface, point the browser to the controller’s domain name or IP address.)
Step 1: Verify the new controller’s part number
Confirm that the new controller has the same part number as the currently installed controller.
Steps
1. Unpack the new controller canister, and set it on a flat, static-free surface.
2. Locate the MAC address and FRU part number labels on the back of the controller canister.
(1) MAC address: The MAC address for management port 1 (“P1”). If you used DHCP to obtain the original
controller’s IP address, you will need this address to connect to the new controller.
(2) FRU part number: This number must match the replacement part number for the currently installed
controller.
3. From SANtricity System Manager, locate the replacement part number for the installed controller canister.
a. Select Hardware.
b. Locate the controller shelf, which is marked with the controller icon .
c. Click the controller icon.
d. Select the controller, and click Next.
e. On the Base tab, make a note of the Replacement Part Number for the controller.
4. Confirm that the replacement part number for the installed controller is the same as the FRU part number
for the new controller.
Possible loss of data access — If the two part numbers are not the same, do not attempt
this procedure. In addition, if the original controller canister includes a host interface card
(HIC), you must install an identical HIC into the new controller canister. The presence of
mismatched controllers or HICs will cause the new controller to lock down when you bring it
online.
Step 2: Install host interface card
If the currently installed controller includes a HIC, you must install the same model of host interface card (HIC)
in the second controller canister.
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Steps
1. Unpack the new HIC, and confirm it is identical to the existing HIC.
Possible loss of data access — The HICs installed in the two controller canisters must be
identical. If the replacement HIC is not identical to the HIC you are replacing, do not attempt
this procedure. The presence of mismatched HICs will cause the new controller to lock down
when it comes online.
2. Turn the new controller canister over, so that the cover faces up.
3. Press the button on the cover, and slide the cover off.
4. Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, remove the four screws that attach the blank faceplate to the controller
canister, and remove the faceplate.
5. Align the three thumbscrews on the HIC with the corresponding holes on the controller, and align the
connector on the bottom of the HIC with the HIC interface connector on the controller card.
Be careful not to scratch or bump the components on the bottom of the HIC or on the top of the controller
card.
6. Carefully lower the HIC into place, and seat the HIC connector by pressing gently on the HIC.
Possible equipment damage — Be very careful not to pinch the gold ribbon connector for
the controller LEDs between the HIC and the thumbscrews.
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(1) Host interface card
(2) Thumbscrews
7. Hand-tighten the HIC thumbscrews.
Do not use a screwdriver, or you might over tighten the screws.
8. Using a #1 Phillips screwdriver, attach the new HIC faceplate to the controller canister with the four screws
you removed previously.
9. Reinstall the cover on the controller canister by sliding the cover from back to front until the button clicks.
10. Set the controller canister aside until you are ready to install it.
Step 3: Collect support data
Collect support data before and after replacing a component to ensure you can send a full set of logs to
technical support in case the replacement does not resolve the problem.
Steps
1. From the Home page of SANtricity System Manager, ensure that the storage array has Optimal status.
If the status is not Optimal, use the Recovery Guru or contact technical support to resolve the problem. Do
not continue with this procedure.
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2. Collect support data for your storage array using SANtricity System Manager.
a. Select Support ›Support Center ›Diagnostics.
b. Select Collect Support Data.
c. Click Collect.
The file is saved in the Downloads folder for your browser with the name, support-data.7z.
3. Ensure that no I/O operations are occurring between the storage array and all connected hosts. For
example, you can perform these steps:
◦Stop all processes that involve the LUNs mapped from the storage to the hosts.
◦Ensure that no applications are writing data to any LUNs mapped from the storage to the hosts.
◦Unmount all file systems associated with volumes on the array.
The exact steps to stop host I/O operations depend on the host operating system and
the configuration, which are beyond the scope of these instructions. If you are not sure
how to stop host I/O operations in your environment, consider shutting down the host.
Possible data loss — If you continue this procedure while I/O operations are occurring,
you might lose data.
Step 4: Change configuration to duplex
Before adding a second controller to the controller shelf, you must change the configuration to duplex by
installing a new NVSRAM file and using the command line interface to set the storage array to duplex. The
duplex version of the NVSRAM file is included with the download file for SANtricity OS Software (controller
firmware).
Steps
1. Download the latest NVSRAM file from the NetApp Support site to your management client.
a. From SANtricity System Manager, select Support ›Upgrade Center. In the area labeled “SANtricity
OS Software upgrade,” click NetApp SANtricity OS Downloads.
b. From the NetApp Support site, select E-Series SANtricity OS Controller software.
c. Follow the online instructions to select the version of NVSRAM you want to install, and then complete
the file download. Be sure to select the duplex version of the NVSRAM (the file has “D” near the end of
its name).
The file name will be similar to: N290X-830834-D01.dlp
2. Upgrade the files using SANtricity System Manager.
Risk of data loss or risk of damage to the storage array — Do not make changes to the
storage array while the upgrade is occurring. Maintain power to the storage array.
You can cancel the operation during the pre-upgrade health check, but not during transferring or activating.
◦From SANtricity System Manager:
a. Under SANtricity OS Software upgrade, click Begin Upgrade.
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b. Next to Select Controller NVSRAM file, click Browse, and then select the NVSRAM file you
downloaded.
c. Click Start, and then confirm that you want to perform the operation.
The upgrade begins and the following occurs:
▪The pre-upgrade health check begins. If the pre-upgrade health check fails, use the Recovery
Guru or contact technical support to resolve the problem.
▪The controller files are transferred and activated. The time required depends on your storage
array configuration.
▪The controller reboots automatically to apply the new settings.
◦Alternatively, you can use the following CLI command to perform the upgrade:
download storageArray NVSRAM file="filename"
healthCheckMelOverride=FALSE;
In this command, filename is the file path and the file name for duplex version of the Controller
NVSRAM file (the file with “D” in its name). Enclose the file path and the file name in double quotation
marks (" "). For example:
file="C:\downloads\N290X-830834-D01.dlp"
3. (Optional) To see a list of what was upgraded, click Save Log.
The file is saved in the Downloads folder for your browser with the name, latest-upgrade-log-
timestamp.txt.
◦After upgrading controller NVSRAM, verify the following in SANtricity System Manager:
▪Go to the Hardware page, and verify that all components appear.
▪Go to the Software and Firmware Inventory dialog box (go to Support ›Upgrade Center, and then
click the link for Software and Firmware Inventory). Verify the new software and firmware
versions.
◦When you upgrade controller NVSRAM, any custom settings that you have applied to the existing
NVSRAM are lost during the process of activation. You must apply the custom settings to the NVSRAM
again after the process of activation is complete.
4. Change the storage array setting to duplex using CLI commands. To use CLI, you can either open a
command prompt if you downloaded the CLI package or you can open the Enterprise Management
Window (EMW) if you have Storage Manager installed.
◦From a command prompt:
a. Use the following command to switch the array from simplex to duplex:
set storageArray redundancyMode=duplex;
b. Use the following command to reset the controller.
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reset controller [a];
◦From the EMW interface:
a. Select the storage array.
b. Select Tools ›Execute Script.
c. Type the following command in the text box.
set storageArray redundancyMode=duplex;
d. Select Tools ›Verify and Execute.
e. Type the following command in the text box.
reset controller [a];
f. Select Tools ›Verify and Execute.
After the controller reboots, an “alternate controller missing” error message is displayed. This message
indicates that controller A has been successfully converted to duplex mode. This message persists until you
install the second controller and connect the host cables.
Step 5: Remove the controller blank
Remove the controller blank before you install the second controller. A controller blank is installed in controller
shelves that have only one controller.
Steps
1. Squeeze the latch on the cam handle for the controller blank until it releases, and then open the cam
handle to the right.
2. Slide the blank controller canister out of the shelf and set it aside.
When you remove the controller blank, a flap swings into place to block the empty bay.
Step 6: Install second controller canister
Install a second controller canister to change a simplex configuration to a duplex configuration.
Steps
1. Turn the controller canister over, so that the removable cover faces down.
2. With the cam handle in the open position, slide the controller canister all the way into the controller shelf.
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(1) Controller canister
(2) Cam handle
3. Move the cam handle to the left to lock the controller canister in place.
4. Insert any SFP+ transceivers, and connect cables to the new controller.
Step 7: Complete adding a second controller
Complete the process of adding a second controller by confirming that it is working correctly, reinstall the
duplex NVSRAM file, distribute volumes between the controllers, and collect support data.
Steps
1. As the controller boots, check the controller LEDs and the seven-segment display.
When communication with the other controller is reestablished:
◦The seven-segment display shows the repeating sequence OS, OL, blank to indicate that the
controller is offline.
◦The amber Attention LED remains on.
◦The Host Link LEDs might be on, blinking, or off, depending on the host interface.
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(1) Attention LED (amber)
(2) Seven-segment display
(3) Host Link LEDs
2. Check the codes on the controller’s seven-segment display as it comes online. If the display shows one of
the following repeating sequences, immediately remove the controller.
◦OE, L0, blank (mismatched controllers)
◦OE, L6, blank (unsupported HIC)
Possible loss of data access — If the controller you just installed shows one these
codes, and the other controller is reset for any reason, the second controller could also
lock down.
3. Update the array’s settings from simplex to duplex with the following CLI command:
set storageArray redundancyMode=duplex;
4. From SANtricity System Manager, confirm that the controller’s status is Optimal.
If the status is not Optimal or if any of the Attention LEDs are on, confirm that all cables are correctly
seated, and check that the controller canister is installed correctly. If necessary, remove and reinstall the
controller canister.
If you cannot resolve the problem, contact technical support.
5. Reinstall the duplex version of the NVSRAM file using SANtricity System Manager.
This step ensures that both controllers have an identical version of this file.
Risk of data loss or risk of damage to the storage array — Do not make changes to the
storage array while the upgrade is occurring. Maintain power to the storage array.
You must install SANtricity OS software when you install a new NVSRAM file using
SANtricity System Manager. If you already have the latest version of SANtricity OS software,
you must reinstall that version.
a. If necessary, download the latest version of the SANtricity OS software from the NetApp Support site.
b. In System Manager, go to the Upgrade Center.
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c. Under SANtricity OS Software upgrade, click Begin Upgrade.
d. Click Browse, and select the SANtricity OS software file.
e. Click Browse, and select the Controller NVSRAM file.
f. Click Start, and confirm that you want to perform the operation.
The transfer of control operation begins.
6. After the controllers reboot, optionally distribute volumes between controller A and the new controller B.
a. Select Storage ›Volumes.
b. From the All Volumes tab, select More ›Change Ownership.
c. Type the following command in the text box: change ownership
The Change Ownership button is enabled.
d. For each volume you want to redistribute, select Controller B from the Preferred Owner list.
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e. Click Change Ownership.
When the process is complete, the Change Volume Ownership dialog shows the new values for
Preferred Owner and Current Owner.
7. Collect support data for your storage array using SANtricity System Manager.
a. Select Support ›Support Center ›Diagnostics.
b. Click Collect.
The file is saved in the Downloads folder for your browser with the name, support-data.7z.
What’s next?
The process of adding a second controller is complete. You can resume normal operations.
Replace controller in E2800 duplex configuration
You can replace a controller canister in a duplex (two-controller) configuration, for the
following controller shelves:
•E2812 controller shelf
•E2824 controller shelf
•E2860 controller shelf
•EF280 flash array
About this task
Each controller canister contains a controller card, a battery, and an optional host interface card (HIC). When
you replace a controller canister, you must remove the battery and HIC, if one is installed, from the original
controller canister, and install them in the replacement controller canister.
What you’ll need
•A replacement controller canister with the same part number as the controller canister you are replacing.
(See step 1 to verify the part number.)
•An ESD wristband, or you have taken other antistatic precautions.
•#1 Phillips screwdriver.
•Labels to identify each cable that is connected to the controller canister.
•A management station with a browser that can access SANtricity System Manager for the controller. (To
open the System Manager interface, point the browser to the controller’s domain name or IP address.)
Step 1: Prepare to replace controller (duplex)
Prepare to replace the controller by verifying that the replacement controller canister has the correct FRU part
number, backing up the configuration, and collecting support data. If the controller is still online, you must take
it offline.
Steps
1. Unpack the new controller canister, and set it on a flat, static-free surface.
Save the packing materials to use when shipping the failed controller canister.
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2. Locate the MAC address and FRU part number labels on the back of the controller canister.
(1) MAC address: The MAC address for management port 1 (“P1”). If you used DHCP to obtain the original
controller’s IP address, you need this address to connect to the new controller.
(2) FRU part number: This number must match the replacement part number for the currently installed
controller.
3. From SANtricity System Manager, locate the replacement part number for the controller canister you are
replacing.
When a controller has a fault and needs to be replaced, the replacement part number is displayed in the
Details area of the Recovery Guru. If you need to find this number manually, follow these steps:
a. Select Hardware.
b. Locate the controller shelf, which is marked with the controller icon .
c. Click the controller icon.
d. Select the controller, and click Next.
e. On the Base tab, make a note of the Replacement Part Number for the controller.
4. Confirm that the replacement part number for the failed controller is the same as the FRU part number for
the replacement controller.
Possible loss of data access — If the two part numbers are not the same, do not attempt
this procedure. In addition, if the failed controller canister includes a host interface card
(HIC), you must install that HIC into the new controller canister. The presence of
mismatched controllers or HICs will cause the new controller to lock down when you bring it
online.
5. Back up the storage array’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 will save the current state of the RAID configuration database, which includes all data for
volume groups and disk pools on the controller.
◦From System Manager:
a. Select Support ›Support Center ›Diagnostics.
b. Select Collect Configuration Data.
c. Click Collect.
The file is saved in the Downloads folder for your browser with the name, configurationData-
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<arrayName>-<dateTime>.7z.
◦Alternatively, you can back up the configuration database by using the following CLI command:
save storageArray dbmDatabase sourceLocation=onboard contentType=all
file="filename";
6. Collect support data for your storage array using SANtricity System Manager.
If a problem occurs when you remove a controller, you can use the saved file to troubleshoot the issue. The
system will save inventory, status, and performance data about your storage array in a single file.
a. Select Support ›Support Center ›Diagnostics.
b. Select Collect Support Data.
c. Click Collect.
The file is saved in the Downloads folder for your browser with the name, support-data.7z.
7. If the controller is not already offline, take it offline now using SANtricity System Manager.
◦From SANtricity System Manager:
a. Select Hardware.
b. If the graphic shows the drives, select Show back of shelf to show the controllers.
c. Select the controller that you want to place offline.
d. From the context menu, select Place offline, and confirm that you want to perform the operation.
If you are accessing SANtricity System Manager using the controller you are
attempting to take 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.
◦Alternatively, you can take the controllers offline by using the following CLI commands:
For controller A: set controller [a] availability=offline
For controller B: set controller [b] availability=offline
8. Wait for SANtricity System Manager to update the controller’s status to offline.
Do not begin any other operations until after the status has been updated.
9. Select Recheck from the Recovery Guru, and confirm that the OK to remove field in the Details area
displays Yes, indicating that it is safe to remove this component.
Step 2: Remove failed controller (duplex)
Replace the failed canister with a new one.
Step 2a: Remove controller canister (duplex)
Remove the failed controller canister so you can replace it with a new one.
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Steps
1. Put on an ESD wristband or take other antistatic precautions.
2. Label each cable that is attached to the controller canister.
3. Disconnect all the cables from the controller canister.
To prevent degraded performance, do not twist, fold, pinch, or step on the cables.
4. If the controller canister has a HIC that uses SFP+ transceivers, remove the SFPs.
Because you must remove the HIC from the failed controller canister, you must remove any SFPs from the
HIC ports. However, you can leave any SFPs installed in the baseboard host ports. When you reconnect
the cables, you can move those SFPs to the new controller canister.
5. Confirm that the Cache Active LED on the back of the controller is off.
6. Squeeze the latch on the cam handle until it releases, and then open the cam handle to the right to release
the controller canister from the shelf.
The following figure is an example of an E2812 controller shelf, E2824 controller shelf, or EF280 flash
array:
(1) Controller canister
(2) Cam handle
The following figure is an example of an E2860 controller shelf:
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(1) Controller canister
(2) Cam handle
7. Using two hands and the cam handle, slide the controller canister out of the shelf.
Always use two hands to support the weight of a controller canister.
If you are removing the controller canister from an E2812 controller shelf, E2824 controller shelf, or EF280
flash array, a flap swings into place to block the empty bay, helping to maintain air flow and cooling.
8. Turn the controller canister over, so that the removable cover faces up.
9. Place the controller canister on a flat, static-free surface.
Step 2b: Remove battery (duplex)
Remove the battery so you can install the new controller.
Steps
1. Remove the controller canister’s cover by pressing down on the button and sliding the cover off.
2. Confirm that the green LED inside the controller (between the battery and the DIMMs) is off.
If this green LED is on, the controller is still using battery power. You must wait for this LED to go off before
removing any components.
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(1) Internal Cache Active LED
(2) Battery
3. Locate the blue release latch for the battery.
4. Unlatch the battery by pushing the release latch down and away from the controller canister.
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