Replacing an FC IO Module with a new iSCSI Module

Thank you. Bad news for the customer, but not much I can do about it.

Hi.

Can you say something concerning an installed iSCSI 2-port Copper module to be replaced by a iSCSI 2-port Optical module?

Is this possible without big effort?

Hi alex,

Yes it is.

The following IO Module upgrade paths are supported, it requires a SP reboot (one at a time).

•2-port 10GbEv3 [El Nino] (P/N: 303-195-100C-01) to 2-port 10GbE BaseT [Eruption] (P/N:303-164-104D-01)

•2-port 10GbE BaseT [Eruption] (P/N: 303-164-104D-01) to 2-port 10GbEv3 [El Nino] (P/N:303-195-100C-01)

That is not a supported io module upgrade path.

You will have to make a factory refresh to accomplish this specific swap.

well ok, but can you explain why not?

it will not change the speed, the number of ports and not the protocol.

in a posting before it sounded like "as long as you keep ports and protocol, everything should be ok"

p.s.: i'm not talking about replacing i/o modules in Data Movers, i want to replace I/O modules in the SPs.

How about the case, replacing "Eruption 2-Port 10GBaseT (303-164-104D)" with "10GbE 2-Port Optical Slic (303-081-105B)" ?

This system is a VNX5500.

Cheers

Alex

i will do so and give an update here.

thx for sharing your information!

Yes, I am talking about SP I/O modules aswell.

You are right, the general rule is to have the same number of ports and protocol, but each rule has exceptions and this is case here.

I don't know the technical reasons behind this specific restriction, you might want to open a SR to obtain an answer from VNX Engineering.

Hello Alex,

Do you have any update on how this went. I have a partner doing a VNX5300 install who ordered the incorrect 10Gb/s iSCSI module (10GBase-T) and would like to swap it out for 10G optical.

Thanks,

Cathal.

If you are an authorized Service Partner please use the Solve Desktop (replaces procedure generator)

There you can find a VNX2 Document “Upgrading to a faster I/O module in a Storage Processors” that lists the specific combinations with part numbers that are possible.

Any upgrade not listed in there will fault the new I/O module

Rules to remember:

- Same technology – cant replace FC with ISCSI

- Number of ports need to stay the same – if you are replacing a 4-port card with 2-port cards you need to put in 2x 2-port cards

in that case you need additional free slots

- Even if the rules apply – still check the doc against the I/O module part numbers for compability

Make sure you use the correct procedure

If you are unsure contact EMC customer service

Has anyone out there been able to update the port count after adding a new IO module with out a re-image of the OE and any disruptive issues...?  this would be for a VNX5600 unified system.

Hi sylvain-20x4-

I couldn't access the KBs you mentioned. They are not accessible anymore. would you please explain the steps?

I have the same problem in VNX 5700.

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

Can you specify which KB and what problem you're having as there were different questions in this thread.

Regarding https://support.emc.com/kb/77115 (emc269715) that deals with destructively reimaging a VNX , audience is restricted to EMC and partners.