FC Port Expansion from 2/8 to 4/16

[Kirk Laflamme]

I have been using two 2/8 Brocade switches off a pair of HSV200 controllers. Multipathing is used for Solaris. I need to get the 4/16s to replace the 2/8's. Is there any disruptive method to acomplish this?

[Stephen Kebbell]

Hi,

if all hosts have redundant connections, then it should not be much of a problem. Power off one switch, move all the cables to the new switch (start with the EVA, then the hosts). I would also use the same port numbers, and give the new switch the same Domain ID as the old one. The hosts should continue processing I/O over the other 2GB switch during this "outage". Then check that the host connections come back online, and repeat the same procedure for the other 2GB switch.
I would do this during off-peak hours to minimise possible disruptions.

Regards,
Stephen

[Kirk Laflamme]

Sounds easy, will the zoning from the alternate 2/8 copy over?

[Uwe Zessin]

The zoning information will automatically be copied over if:
- you connect a new switch with an old one
- both have different Domain IDs, but the same fabric parameters
- there is no incompatible zoning information on the new switch

If the port LEDs show a slow blinking light, you have a fabric segmentation that needs to be fixed first.

Once you have the zoning info on the new switch you can disconnect them and change its Domain ID to the desired vaule.

[Steven Clementi]

No. You will have to redo all the zoning.

Alternatively, you can try saving the configuration on the 2/8, then upload it to the 4/16. If the firmware is the same, it should be ok.. though for such a small environment, I would just redo the zoning.



Steven

[Steven Clementi]

My statement assumes you do NOT link the 2 switches.


;o)