8200zl and policy routing and V1 modules

[gmam]

Hello

I'm new to Procurve kit.  Seeking clarification on module versions in respect of the need to do PBR.

An 8200 series running software K.15.10.0003.  I wish to setup some Policy routes and note that the system requires V2 modules in order to do that.  The output of show modules indicates that the management (J9092A), system support (J9095A), and Fabric (J9093A) modules are shown as version 1.  While all the ethernet modules (J953...) are version 2.

Indeed when I try and configure the policy routing against the class I have defined I get the error that V1 is not supported and I need to run "no allow-v1-modules".    

My first thought is that if I do that then might all the V1 modules be disabled and thus this switch (in production) will stop working.  Is that correct?

I then looked up the hardware modules themselves and they appear to be a single model. ie there is only one J9093A Fabric Module.  That is there is not a V1 version and a V2 version.  Same with the others J9092A and J9095A.

So the questions are, what defines whether a module is V1 or V2?

And can I simply solve the problem of enabling PBR by disallowing V1 modules as per the above command.  

Will this interrupt the switch at all or have any other deleterious affect on it?

Or can I not use PBR due to the presence of V1 modules? If so what modules (part number?) do I need to replace the ones I have so they are a V2 type?

Thank you,

r.

[jguse]

Hello,

If you do not allow v1 modules, they will not work in your switch anymore, and obviously affect your production as a result. Unfortunately it's all-or-nothing when it comes to enabling new features like PBR due to hardware limitations with the old v1 port modules. You can find out if a module is V2 by seeing if that is included in the name/description of the module.

For example use the support lookup tool and check with the PN of your modules. http://pro-networking-h17007.external.hp.com/us/en/support/converter/index.aspx

Or you can check the Quickspecs for your switch:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12436_na/12436_na.pdf

System modules like management and fabric modules and NOT affected by v1/v2, you can continue using the same ones.

Can't tell you what you should replace your port modules with - you'll have to check for equivalents in the specifications linked above and decide on the best options.

Hope that helps.

[gmam]

Hello.   Thank you for the details. 

I'm curious that you say the Management and Fabric modules are not affected by the V1/V2 distinction. 

I presume the System Support module is not relevant to this discussion as it has no version number?  The Management and Fabric modules are listed as V1. While all the port modules are V2.   You seem to be implying that I can disallow V1 as the port modules are all V2 and only the management, fabric and System Support are V1 but that doesn't matter?  So it won't affect the opertaion of the switch?

Is this correct?

To be clearer here is the output of 'show modules" (serial numbers redacted)

  Chassis: 8206zl J9477A         Serial Number    :   SGxxxxxxxxx
                                 Allow V1 Modules :   Yes

                                                                      Core  Mod
  Slot Module Description                     Serial Number  Status   Dump  Ver
  ---- -------------------------------------- -------------- -------- ----- ---
  MM1  HP J9092A Management Module 8200zl     SGxxxxxxxxx     Standby  YES   1  
  MM2  HP J9092A Management Module 8200zl     SGxxxxxxxxx     Active   YES   1  

  SSM  HP J9095A System Support Module        SGxxxxxxxxx   

  FM1  HP J9093A Fabric Module 8200zl         SGxxxxxxxxx     Enabled  -     1  
  FM2  HP J9093A Fabric Module 8200zl         SGxxxxxxxxx     Enabled  -     1  

  A    HP J9534A 24p Gig-T PoE+ v2 zl Module  SGxxxxxxxxx     Up       YES   2  
  B    HP J9536A 20p GT PoE+/2p SFP+ v2 zl... SGxxxxxxxxx     Up       YES   2  
  C    HP J9538A 8p 10G-GbE SFP+ v2 zl Module SGxxxxxxxxx     Up       YES   2  
  D    HP J9538A 8p 10G-GbE SFP+ v2 zl Module SGxxxxxxxxx     Up       YES   2  
  E    HP J9550A 24p Gig-T v2 zl Module       SGxxxxxxxxx     Up       YES   2

If the V1 attribute of MM1 and MM2 and FM1 and FM2 doesn't matter, even though it is specified (in the right hand column),  does that mean I can do "no allow-v1-modules"  and the device will be unaffected.  Then I can construct my PBR as required?

I need to be sure that I'm not going to interrupt the switch operation at all.  Its critical infratsructure.

Thanks and regards

r.

[jguse]

Hello,

My apologies for not getting back to you sooner. If you enter "no allow-v1-modules" you will have to factory reset and reboot the switch - so a downtime is definitely needed! This only affects the port modules. Your fabric/management module(s) do not have v2 but will be unaffected.