topic Re: ONTAP Select MetroCluster SDS deployment in ONTAP Discussions

ONTAP Select MetroCluster SDS deployment

chr1s — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:54:49 GMT

I have a few questions about to deploy a SDS Metro Cluster. So the documentation is not clear to me.

1. Is there any difference between deploying an 2 Node HA-Pair or an SDS Metro Cluster from the Deployment Appliance?

2. Because there is no Metro Cluster configuration done when a 2 Node HA-Pair is deployed.

3. Do I have to setup a Mediator? From the documentation, the Deployment Appliance is the Mediator.

4. In the 2 Node HA-Pair Deployment, the Mediator is not configured. But in the Deployment Appliance there is the Mediator State green.

5. Is there more to do manually to get an Metrocluster? Or is it completely different?

Thank you!

Re: ONTAP Select MetroCluster SDS deployment

DominikHaeringer — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:09:49 GMT

Hi chr1s,

From the perspective of ONTAP Select Deploy Engine, there is no difference between an HA system and a metrocluster. However, there is a difference on the licensing side, as well on the requirements for network. Ask your account team, if you need more information on that.

The deploy engine will work as the mediator, so there is no need to configure anything special. (https://docs.netapp.com/us-en/ontap-select/reference_plan_ots_mcc_sds.html, section, section mediator service.)

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Dominik

Re: ONTAP Select MetroCluster SDS deployment

chr1s — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:24:27 GMT

Hi Dominik,

but the configuration in the SystemManager it looks like a normal 2-Node HA Pair and not like a MetroCluster. I know there is the need of a premium license, but for testing I started with an evaluation license. The requirements for the network looks the same from my perspective, 3 Sites, L2 connection, <10 ms between nodes and <125 to the mediator. So this does not differ to the 2-Node HA Pair except the lower RTT to the Mediator who is not on a 3rd Site.

Re: ONTAP Select MetroCluster SDS deployment

DominikHaeringer — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 13:36:02 GMT

Hi chr1s,

For us an ONTAP select HA-pair uses the same uplinks to the same network switch or set of network switches conntecty by an Inter-Switch Link.

Metrocluster SDS uses seperate network switches.

But you are right, the requirements regarding network are the same.

And yes, from SystemManager the configuration will looks like a 2-node HA Pair because metrocluster SDS is a streched HA cluster. I would recommend to use a 3rd site for the ontap select deploy engine (mediator) to avoid unpleasant experiences.

Re: ONTAP Select MetroCluster SDS deployment

chr1s — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:08:35 GMT

Ok, thank you!

How about the 4-Node Stretched Cluster? A HA-Pair in each site. Would it be a 4-Node Deployment or a two times a 2-Node HA-Pair with manual configuration of MetroCluster Service? ONTAP Select is documented by far not as detailed as the normal Systems.

Re: ONTAP Select MetroCluster SDS deployment

DominikHaeringer — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:48:16 GMT

Metrocluster SDS (ONTAP Select) is only supported in two-node configurations. Please contact the Account Team if you require a 4-node metrocluster configuration. They may be able to provide you with more detailed assistance.