Service Impact of Disconnecting a Cluster Interconnect Link

hojun — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:15:04 GMT

We need to perform a task that involves disconnecting one of the cluster interconnect cables as part of a Failover Test and during the transition from a 2-node switchless configuration to a 4-node switched cluster.

Because this procedure requires maintaining continuous service, the customer is requesting an official NetApp document or guidance confirming that disconnecting a single cluster cable does not cause any I/O interruption or noticeable I/O fluctuations.

In our internal testing, we confirmed that there was no I/O outage; however, we did observe very slight I/O fluctuations. These minor latency spikes appeared to have minimal impact on the virtual machines in the test environment.

We would appreciate any official documentation or recommendations from NetApp regarding the service assurance when a single cluster interconnect link is disconnected, including both I/O continuity and the absence of I/O fluctuation.

Re: Service Impact of Disconnecting a Cluster Interconnect Link

andris — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:57:22 GMT

The switchless -> switched and related switch migration documents have the premise that the procedure is non-disruptive to cluster operations.
https://docs.netapp.com/us-en/ontap-systems-switches/index.html

Cluster resiliency for a cluster link or cluster switch failure is built into the design of the ONTAP cluster.

Redundant cluster ports
Redundant cluster switches
LIFs fail over when necessary

topic Re: Service Impact of Disconnecting a Cluster Interconnect Link in ONTAP Hardware

Service Impact of Disconnecting a Cluster Interconnect Link

Re: Service Impact of Disconnecting a Cluster Interconnect Link