Prepare to add host interface cards

You prepare to add host interface cards by backing up the storage array's configuration database, collecting support data, and stopping host I/O operations. Then, you can power down the controller shelf.

1. From the Home of ThinkSystem 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.

2. Back up the storage array's configuration database.

   If a problem occurs when you remove a controller, you can use the saved file to restore your configuration.

   1. Open a system terminal and change current directory to the same directory of SMcli executable.
   2. Execute the following SMcli command.

      save storageArray dbmDatabase sourceLocation=onboard contentType=all file="filename";

      In this command, filename is the file path and file name to which you want to save the database. Enclose the file name in backslash following double quotation marks (\"). For example:

       file="C:\Program Files\CLI\logs\dbmdata.zip" 

      This command does not automatically append a file extension to the saved file. You must specify a file extension when entering the file name.

      Note: Under PowerShell, enclose the file name following two quotation marks(""), for example file=\""data.zip\"".

      Note: For more information, see Command Line Interface (CLI) Reference.
3. Collect support data for your storage array using ThinkSystem System Manager.
   1. Select Support > Support Center > Diagnostics.
   2. Select Collect Support Data.
   3. Click Collect.

   The file is saved in the Downloads folder for your browser with the name support-data.7z.

4. 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.

   Note: 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.
   Attention: Possible data loss – If you continue this procedure while I/O operations are occurring, the host application might lose access to the data because the storage is not accessible.
5. If the storage array participates in a mirroring relationship, stop all host I/O operations on the secondary storage array.
6. Wait for any data in cache memory to be written to the drives.
   The green Cache Active LED on the back of each controller is on when cached data needs to be written to the drives. You must wait for this LED to turn off.

   

   Cache Active LED

7. From the Home page of ThinkSystem System Manager, select View Operations in Progress. Wait for all operations to complete before continuing with the next step.
8. Power down the controller shelf.
   1. Turn off both power switches on the controller shelf.
   2. Wait for all LEDs on the controller shelf to turn off.