Adding new storage enclosure to existing MSA2060

[Keith D Parker]

Hello We have a new  MSA 2060 SFF Storage encosure to add to an existing dual controller MSA 2060 FC(Firmware: IN110P001).
There are already two SFF enclosures attached to the controllers.

I can not find any information on the steps to do this.
Is there a document somewhere that goes through this process. 
I have already looked through the install and maintence guides.
We have HPE support so I will call it in but I want to understand the process so I can plan the downtime accodingly.

Questions that come to mind.....

1. Firmware versions. Controllers and disks. Do we need to upgrade first?
2. Hot add or does the entire array and its workloads need to be shut down?
3. Cabling. I think this is straight forward. one cable form out to in on both sides of the existing enclosure to the new enclosure....
4. Adding the new disks to the existing disk pool.  Any concerns here?
5. Anything else I am missing.

[JonPaul · Accepted solution]

@Keith D Parker 
Great step to involve HPE support.  A.  You should get the right information   B.  HPE gets information about missing documentation details
In earlier generations of the MSA there was a Best Practices guide that would show 'Hot-Add' of disk enclosures but I think that has been truncated out.

The 'hot-add' procedure is fairly simple.  Connect the Expansion Enclosure (EBOD) to the end of the line.  The system will detect new devices and away you go,  no need for downtime.  PLEASE follow instructions from HPE support.
Some areas which can cause you problems:
  - Added drives have MSA Metadata on them,  this would be if you were moving an EBOD from one array to another and did not delete the pool before moving
  - Existing backend cabling is not following the 'straight-thru' cable method and is confusing,  you should not have to remove any cables to add a new one

Make sure to verify the enclosure numbering after installing a new enclosure.  If the numbering is not sequential then a RESCAN will re-order the enclosures,  rescan is recommended with little to no I/O.

Adding new disks to the pool can be seen in the MSA 2060 Best Practices Guide and MSA Gen6 Virtual Storage Technical Reference
BP:  https://www.hpe.com/psnow/doc/a00105260enw
Virtua Storage:  https://www.hpe.com/psnow/doc/a00103247enw

[Keith D Parker]

Jon,

We have opened the ticket with support.

This is a brand new tray so their shouldn't be any meta data on it.

As you mentioned the cabling is all ready straight thru so cabling should be simple.

Glad to hear there is no down time.  That was my biggest concern.

Thanks again for the reply.

[ArunKKR]

Hi,

Consider upgrading controller firmware before attaching new disk enclosure as new enclosure IO module would probably come with newer version firmware. You might see an invalid bundle alert if there is a firmware mismatch.

You may also shut down one controller at a time and connect back end SAS cable in the specific controller path and restart it to reduce any risks.