topic Re: How to upgrade hardware from NetApp FAS2720 to FAS8300 in ONTAP Hardware

How to upgrade hardware from NetApp FAS2720 to FAS8300

wwetsx — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:48:35 GMT

Hello.

I have a simple question.

Our customers are currently using the FAS2720 equipment. I'm trying to convert my equipment into a FAS8300 because I can't expand my 460C Shelf anymore.

So we're going to use all of the disks on the existing FAS2720 on the FAS8300, and we want to make the data operational without a separate migration.

That's how I found the hardware upgrade documentation.

However, the NetApp support document 'Decide where to use the aggregate relocation procedure' does not indicate whether the FAS2720 -> FAS8300 can be supported.

It was only mentioned that it was possible to upgrade from the old 8000 series to the 8200 and 8300 series.

I would like to know if hardware upgrade support from FAS2720 to FAS8300 is possible, and if not, I would like to know if migration is required using 'snapmirror' or 'snapvault'.

Thank you.

Re: How to upgrade hardware from NetApp FAS2720 to FAS8300

elementx — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 07:40:00 GMT

FAS2720 is mentioned on this page:

> If you have a system with internal storage, the recommended upgrade method is upgrading by moving volumes.

https://docs.netapp.com/us-en/ontap-systems-upgrade/upgrade/upgrade-considerations.html

Workflow for moving volumes (aggregate-related step is one of the steps required):

https://docs.netapp.com/us-en/ontap-systems-upgrade/upgrade/upgrade-by-moving-volumes-parent.html

I think that implicitly says FAS2720 -> FAS8300 is supported, but maybe someone can point to a more explicit source.

Re: How to upgrade hardware from NetApp FAS2720 to FAS8300

wwetsx — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 08:32:31 GMT

Hello.

I checked the document you gave me and it looks like you're using Switch to join the cluster and then move the volume.

I think this is the ideal way, but the customer says they don't want to spend on buying a Switch.

Therefore, it seems difficult to use the volume migration method after joining the cluster using the Switch.

Re: How to upgrade hardware from NetApp FAS2720 to FAS8300

elementx — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 08:55:55 GMT

I'll let others comment whether it's feasible to loan a them switch, and remove it later.

If that's not an option, then maybe storage replication as you mentioned.

Re: How to upgrade hardware from NetApp FAS2720 to FAS8300

andris — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 06:00:05 GMT

If a disruptive workflow works for the customer, you can use this process and convert the FAS2720 into a DS212C shelf, too. You can order a conversion kit that has 2 x IOM12B modules and some cables (X899B, IIRC).

https://docs.netapp.com/us-en/ontap-systems-upgrade/upgrade/upgrade-by-moving-storage-parent.html

Re: How to upgrade hardware from NetApp FAS2720 to FAS8300

wwetsx — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 00:22:32 GMT

Hello.

I checked the document you sent me.

If you remove the disk Ownership from ADP during the workflow process, the DATA stored on the existing disk appears to be erased.

Customers are looking for a way to change the FAS2720A to the FAS8300 controller only, with data still stored.

If there is no way to change the controller without losing data during a hardware upgrade, it seems most effective to turn on both equipment, configure it, and then use Snapmirror.

Thank you.