Isilon x200 FRU Replacement

Question

Hello Everyone,
I am completely new to EMC Isilon and have only started learning about it this month.
I have a lab environment with EMC Isilon x200 OneFS 7.1.1 and 8.0.0.6.
Searching for FRU replacement guides for the v7.1.1 has been a complete waste of time.
But then I noticed that the FRU replacement guide for V8.0.0.6 includes commands for lesser
versions for achieving the same task.
I would like to go through both manuals and be able to tell the differences in the hardware
replacement procedures and as such, would appreciate your help with the following;

Questions:
1. Are there FRU replacement guides specifically for v7.1.1? If yes, please direct me on how
to access these information.

2. Is it compulsory to install an FRU package for CTO nodes in OneFS v8.0.0.6 before hardware replacement, expecially when there is no more support?

3. With regards to drives replacement in v8.0.0.6, is it compulsory to update firmware after replacement?
If no, what effect would not updating drive firmware have on nodes in a production environment?

4. When replacing a node, is the license tranferable to the new node in the cluster?
If there are documents that explains this, please direct me.

Thank you!

DELL-Josh Cr · Answer

Hi jessieobioma,

The FRU guides are not specific to the software version. Page 67 https://dell.to/3nLiJzl for the drive firmware questions. The license questions are on page 39. Let us know if you have any additional questions.

jessieobioma · Answer

Hello Josh and thank you for responding to my comment.

1. Understood. Thank you for the clarification.
2. Please respond to question number 2.

I am sorry the other questions were not clear enough.

3. On page 66 of the same document you provided me with,
under "Managing Drive Firmware", it says "if the firmware
of any drive in a cluster becomes obsolete". It sounds to me
like if the firmware is not obsolete, then there is no need
to update the firmware.
Assuming the drive firmware in a node is v1.5
and you replace one drive with another drive with firmware v1.33
or a lower version, would it affect performance in the node and cluster?

4. The FRU replacement guide does not include information regarding
license management after replacing a component. The document only
says that I need to submit a file containing the new hardware details.
Which brings me back to my question. correct me if I am wrong but my
assumption is that the license is attached to the hardware and not the serial number.
In that case, when replacing a node, is the license transferable to the new node in
the cluster?

Thank you!

DELL-Josh Cr · Answer

For number 2 no it isn’t compulsory. For 3 it is better if they are on the same version, but it should work if they are not. 4. The license is attached to the cluster and not the nodes, so the license can transfer to the new node.

jessieobioma · Answer

Thank you for responding. It is a lot clearer to me now.

Just one other question regarding OneFS versions with regards to different generations of Isilon nodes.
I am yet to come across a document that explains the different OneFs version ranges with regards to different
node generations. Please tell me which OneFS version and range applies to which generation.
for example;
Gen 4 nodes only supports OneFS v4.x-v8.x,
and the OneFS versions supported by Gen5 and 6 nodes with their ranges.
The documentation only states that commands should be entered differently for "OneFS 8.x or later/earlier"

Thank you.

Phil.Lam · Answer

@jessieobioma

Gen 4 nodes only supports OneFS v4.x-v8.x,

PHIL> to clarify, Gen 4 supported up to OneFS 8.1.2. Check page 16 - OneFS and node compatibility

https://support.emc.com/docu44518_PowerScale-Supportability-and-Compatibility-Guide.pdf

jessieobioma · Answer

Hello Phil

Thank you for clarifying the range of OneFS versions supported by Gen 4 nodes.
I have gone through Pg 16 and 17 of the document and although there are useful information,
the range of OneFS versions supported is not clear enough to me.
Please clarify the range of OneFS versions supported by Gen 5 and Gen 6.

Thank you.

Phil.Lam · Answer

@jessieobioma  Gen 4 OneFS 4.x - 8.1.2 Gen 5 OneFS 7.x - 9.x Gen 6  OneFS 8.1.0.x - 9.x

Isilon

Isilon x200 FRU Replacement

Was this post helpful?