• EF300 controllers must have HIC port 2 filled with a HIC for host connectivity.
Add host interface card (HIC) to an EF600
You can add a host interface card (HIC) to an EF600 controller. This addition increases
the number of host ports in your storage array.
About this task
This procedure applies only to EF600 controller shelves, and involves the following steps:
• You must power off the storage array, install the HIC, and reapply power.
• You must repeat all steps to remove the second controller, install the HICs for the second controller, and
reinstall the second controller before reapplying power to the controller shelf.
Before you begin
• Review
Requirements for EF300 or EF600 HIC upgrades.
• Schedule a downtime maintenance window for this procedure. You cannot access data on the storage
array until you have successfully completed this procedure. Because both controllers must have the same
HIC configuration when they are powered on, the power must be off when you install HICs.
What you’ll need
• Two HICs that are compatible with your controllers.
• An ESD wristband, or you have taken other antistatic precautions.
• A flat, static free work area.
• A #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.)
Possible loss of data access — Never install a HIC in an EF600 controller canister if that HIC
was designed for another E-Series controller. In addition, both controllers and both HICs must
be identical. The presence of incompatible or mismatched HICs causes the controllers to lock
down when you apply power.
Step 1: Place controller shelf offline
Place the controller shelf offline so you can safely add the HICs.
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.
2. 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.
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