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Prepare the failed controller for replacement by logging into the CLI and ensuring it is in Standby mode.
Disconnect power cables, label them, loosen thumbscrews, and pull release levers to remove the controller.
Remove the primary PCIe cage from the new controller by releasing a fastener and lifting the cage.
Move the primary PCIe cage from the failed controller to the new one, aligning it with grooves.
Remove the secondary PCIe cage from the new controller if it is present.
Move the secondary PCIe cage from the failed controller to the new controller, aligning it with grooves.
Move the OCP card from the failed controller to the replacement controller.
Move the power supplies from the failed controller to the new controller by releasing the lever and pulling.
Install the new controller into the chassis, ensuring release levers are extended and then tightening thumbscrews.
Verify that the newly installed controller is powered on.
Return the failed controller according to the instructions on the RMA work order.
Prepare the failed controller for replacement by logging into the CLI and ensuring it is in Standby mode.
Disconnect power cables, label them, loosen thumbscrews, and pull release levers to remove the controller.
Remove the primary PCIe cage from the new controller by releasing a fastener and lifting the cage.
Move the primary PCIe cage from the failed controller to the new one, aligning it with grooves.
Remove the secondary PCIe cage from the new controller if it is present.
Move the secondary PCIe cage from the failed controller to the new controller, aligning it with grooves.
Move the OCP card from the failed controller to the replacement controller.
Move the power supplies from the failed controller to the new controller by releasing the lever and pulling.
Install the new controller into the chassis, ensuring release levers are extended and then tightening thumbscrews.
Verify that the newly installed controller is powered on.
Return the failed controller according to the instructions on the RMA work order.
This document outlines the procedure for replacing a controller in an HPE Alletra 6000 series storage array, specifically models 6010, 6030, 6050, 6070, and 6090. The process is designed to be performed by a user with appropriate technical knowledge and tools, ensuring minimal disruption to array operations.
The HPE Alletra 6000 series storage arrays are designed with high availability in mind, featuring redundant controllers. This means that if one controller fails, the other controller automatically takes over, allowing the array to continue functioning without interruption. The controller replacement procedure ensures that the array's redundancy is restored promptly, maintaining continuous data access and performance. The replacement process involves preparing the failed controller for removal, physically replacing it with a new unit, and then transferring essential components from the old controller to the new one. This modular design facilitates field serviceability and reduces downtime associated with hardware failures.
The controller replacement process is initiated when a controller fails or when specific non-replaceable components within a controller, such as the NVDIMM, have failed. The procedure is designed to be user-friendly, guiding the user through each step with clear instructions and visual aids.
Before beginning the physical replacement, several preparatory steps are crucial. The user must log in to the array using the Command Line Interface (CLI) to determine the operational state of the controllers. It's essential to identify whether the failed controller is in "Standby" mode. If the failed controller is currently "Active," a manual failover must be performed to switch its role to "Standby." This ensures that the peer controller takes over all active operations, preventing any service interruption during the replacement. Once the failed controller is in "Standby" mode, it must be halted using a CLI command, effectively shutting it down gracefully for safe removal.
The procedure emphasizes the importance of verifying the replacement controller against the Return Materials Authorization (RMA) work order to ensure the correct part is being installed. This step helps prevent compatibility issues and ensures that the array's functionality is fully restored.
During the physical removal and installation, the document highlights the need for careful handling of components. Users are instructed to disconnect and label all cables from the failed controller to ensure proper reconnection to the new unit. This attention to detail minimizes the risk of misconfiguration and subsequent operational issues. The controller is secured by thumbscrews and release levers, which must be manipulated correctly to eject and slide the controller out of the chassis.
A critical aspect of this replacement process is the transfer of specific components from the failed controller to the new, empty replacement controller. Replacement controllers are shipped without PCIe cages, OCP cards, or power supplies installed. Therefore, the user must carefully remove these components from the failed controller and install them into the new one. This includes the primary PCIe cage, the secondary PCIe cage (if present, as the Alletra 6010 model does not include one), the OCP card, and the power supplies. Each of these transfers involves specific steps, such as lifting tabs, turning fasteners, and aligning components with guide posts and grooves to ensure proper seating and connection. The document provides detailed instructions for each component transfer, including visual diagrams to aid in understanding. For instance, when moving PCIe cages, the user must lift a fastener tab, turn it to release the cage, and then carefully lift the cage out. When installing, the cage must be aligned with guide posts and grooves, pressed down to seat the riser card in its connector, and then secured by turning the fastener.
After the new controller is physically installed and all components are transferred and reconnected, the array automatically powers on the controller. The controller LEDs on the array will illuminate, indicating power. The document notes that if firmware updates are required, the new controller might take longer to appear in the user interface or report an Active/Standby state. If the controller does not power on automatically or takes longer than 45 minutes to report its state, the user is advised to contact HPE Support.
The document provides clear guidelines for maintaining the integrity of the storage array during the replacement process. It stresses the importance of electrostatic discharge (ESD) prevention, advising users to place array components on a grounded anti-static mat and use an ESD wrist strap. This precaution is vital to protect sensitive electronic components from damage.
The procedure also includes a crucial warning regarding power supply status in the peer controller, especially for HPE Alletra 6030 and 6050 arrays with 800 W power supplies. Before removing a controller, users must ensure that the power supplies in the peer controller show proper operational status (green LED). This check helps prevent potential power-related issues that could affect the array's stability during the maintenance window.
HPE InfoSight is highlighted as a key tool for managing maintenance activities. Users are encouraged to utilize the Maintenance Window functionality within the HPE InfoSight portal to inform HPE Support of upcoming maintenance. This feature allows users to disable automated support case generation during planned maintenance, streamlining the support process and preventing unnecessary alerts. By setting a maintenance window, no further communication with HPE Support is required during the planned activity.
The document also provides contact information for support, including the HPE InfoSight portal for documentation and knowledge base articles, an email address for support, and a general support contact URL. This ensures that users have readily available resources for assistance if they encounter any issues during the controller replacement.
Finally, the document concludes with instructions for returning the failed controller as directed on the RMA work order, completing the maintenance cycle. This comprehensive approach ensures that the controller replacement is performed efficiently, safely, and with appropriate support mechanisms in place.
General| Model | HPE Alletra 6000 |
|---|---|
| Category | Storage |
| Architecture | Scale-out |
| Form Factor | 2U |
| Replication | Synchronous, Asynchronous |
| Controller | Dual-controller |
| Connectivity | FC, iSCSI |
| Data Services | Thin provisioning, Compression, Deduplication |
| Management | REST API, CLI |
| RAID Levels | RAID 5, RAID 6 |
| Scalability | Scale-out |
| Power Supply | Redundant |
| Drive Types | SSD |
| Host Interface | 16Gb/32Gb FC, 10Gb/25Gb iSCSI, 100Gb NVMe over Fabrics |
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