HPE MSA 2050 firmware upgrade

[adam900331]

Hello!

I will add 8 pieces of SAS disk to our MSA 2050 storage and I would like to prepare to upgrade firmwares. I followed some supported scenario, like this:

https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=sf000063636en_us&docLocale=en_US

I have some question about firmware process:

1. I see on the ,,Update firmware,, page on Conroller Modules, that the Controller A Bundle Version is ,,No System Bundle,,. What soes it mean? The Bundle Version shows VL270P022-02 on Controller B.

2. What kind of message, warning will I see when required firmware update after adding the 8 disks? Are these disks visible on the dashboard?

3. I have read in the document that I can access the SMU (one of the controller management IP) to update the firmware. The PFU is enabled, so If the frist controller update successfully, will it update the second controller automatically?

4. I have check the tutorial video which is related to the Controller Module firmware update, and said the instructor, that when perform Controller Module firmware upadte, the process will automatically update the Expansion Module firmware. Sorry but I am very new in storage technology, so What is Expansion Module? Is it an another MSA 2050 which has not got controller, so what I can use to extend the original MSA 2050 storage with more disks? If I have only one MSA 2050 (with two controller), does it perform the ,,Expansion Module firmware process,,?

5. If I perform Controller Module firmware update, will not ,,restart,, the entire storage? So can I do, the firmware in online. I mean ,,online,, that there is some VMs that is still being powered on during the update process?

6. Do I understand correctly If I update the disks firmware, do I stop all of the VMs which reside on this MSA storage?

7. There are two Virtual Disk Group (one for SAS disks and one for SSD disks). Can I perform the disks firmware update process twice? One proecess for SAS disks and one process for SSD?

Thanks for reply!

[support_s]

System recommended content:

1. Bulletin: (Revised) HPE MSA 2050 And HPE MSA 2052 SAN Storage - Highly Recommended Critical Firmware Upgrade

2. HPE MSA Firmware Release Notes for MSA 1050 (VE270P005) and MSA 2050/2052 (VL270P005)

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[adam900331]

Thanks, but it is not answer for my questions.

[SUBHAJIT KHANBARMAN_1 · Accepted solution]

@adam900331 

1. I see on the ,,Update firmware,, page on Conroller Modules, that the Controller A Bundle Version is ,,No System Bundle,,. What soes it mean? The Bundle Version shows VL270P022-02 on Controller B.

Ans: It could be reporting issue that Controller A firmware bundle version not showing properly. You can re-verify the same information from Command line by using "show versions detail". You can also restart both management controller together and verify status again. Please note you are only restarting management controllers so no impact in production data. Use command "restart mc both"

This situation also may occur when improper firmware update for that Controller, in that case it's better to reflush or re-update the firmware again.

2. What kind of message, warning will I see when required firmware update after adding the 8 disks? Are these disks visible on the dashboard?

Ans: I don't think any warning will appear. As administrator you need to verify the drives current firmware version and compare with HPE MSA drive firmware latest version from below link and install accordingly.

https://h41111.www4.hpe.com/storage/msafirmware.html

You should try using MSA Health Check to get the report for your MSA and take action accordingly,

1. Download MSA Log File from the MSA Storage Management Utility (SMU)
2. Upload MSA Log File in the MSA Health Check website
3. Review Results by clicking through the tabs and saving the PDF report
4. Take Action and start improving your MSA availability

There is no cost to use the MSA Health Check.   Upload your log file today and check the health status of your MSA.  

YouTube video giving a quick overview of MSA Health Check

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0unPAdh4Ks

3. I have read in the document that I can access the SMU (one of the controller management IP) to update the firmware. The PFU is enabled, so If the frist controller update successfully, will it update the second controller automatically?

Ans: Yes correct.

4. I have check the tutorial video which is related to the Controller Module firmware update, and said the instructor, that when perform Controller Module firmware upadte, the process will automatically update the Expansion Module firmware. Sorry but I am very new in storage technology, so What is Expansion Module? Is it an another MSA 2050 which has not got controller, so what I can use to extend the original MSA 2050 storage with more disks? If I have only one MSA 2050 (with two controller), does it perform the ,,Expansion Module firmware process,,?

Ans: Yes your understanding is correct. Expansion Module is IO module of the attached MSA2050 drive enclosure where additional drives can be installed to increase the system overall capacity. Like Controller in main MSA2050 enclosure, Expansion Module is for additional Drive Enclosure. If you have only one MSA2050 then there is no Expansion Module to update. However, there is something called "Expander Controller Code" which is part of the firmware bundle and it will get updated. This actually required for the Controller SAS output port which may require in future if you go for additional drive enclosure addition.

5. If I perform Controller Module firmware update, will not ,,restart,, the entire storage? So can I do, the firmware in online. I mean ,,online,, that there is some VMs that is still being powered on during the update process?

Ans: Controller firmware update is online activity. Only one Controller gets restart after the firmware update as part of firmware update process and during that time other controller take care of the production. Entire Storage will not restart so no downtime required.

6. Do I understand correctly If I update the disks firmware, do I stop all of the VMs which reside on this MSA storage?

Yes: Yes drive firmware update is offline activity. So plan for downtime before drive firmware update. Never try online when your production is up.

7. There are two Virtual Disk Group (one for SAS disks and one for SSD disks). Can I perform the disks firmware update process twice? One proecess for SAS disks and one process for SSD?

Yes: Yes you can. Drive firmware update video,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jodXVECav8

Hope this helps!
Regards
Subhajit

I am an HPE employee

If you feel this was helpful please click the KUDOS! thumb below!

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[adam900331]

Thanks for your great answears, its clearly all for me.

[adam900331]

@SUBHAJIT KHANBARMAN_1 

This MSA storage controller actual frimware version is: VL270P002-02

Can I verify to the new SAS disk firmware will be compatible with this controller frimware version? If yes, how can I check it?

Thanks.

[SUBHAJIT KHANBARMAN_1]

@adam900331 

You need to go through release notes or Installation Instructions section from the drive firmware download link and refer this

"Installation Notes

Please refer to the READ_ME.TXT file to know about the Installation notes, Supported Drive Models with their applicable firmware bundles and Operating System support for the Windows and Linux Smart Components."

It's expected that you should run the system with latest firmware for all components.

Hope this helps!
Regards
Subhajit

I am an HPE employee

If you feel this was helpful please click the KUDOS! thumb below!

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