Upgrading Clustered Data ONTAP 8.3x to ONTAP 9.1 Using Automated Nondisruptive Upgrade Method

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One of the methods available for upgrading between 8.3x to 9.1 is the Automated Nondisuptive Upgrade (ANDU) method.  This method simplifies the upgrade process and removes much of the burden of the process.  There still remains a few items that need to be reviewed and performed prior to using the ANDU method.  Following is an outline of the manual checks that the ANDU requires.  For the complete documentation on the process use the Upgrade Express Guide.

1. Decide if the ANDU method is the correct method to use for your cluster.  Follow this flowchart.
2. Watch this video on the process.
3. Ensure compatibility of your cluster and infrastructure with ONTAP 9.1.
   • Check that the model of the cluster nodes are supported in ONTAP 9.1 and verify limits using the Hardware Universe
   • Review the ONTAP 9.1 Release Notes.  In particular review the Upgrade Cautions.
   • Verify compatibility of cluster switches, external clients, infrastructure, software, etc. using the Interoperability Matrix.
4. Confirm the cluster is ready for ANDU.
   • Verify that NFS clients are using hard mounts.
   • Do not issue commands to alter configurations while in mixed version state.
5. If your cluster contains at least 8 nodes then disable automatic LIF rebalancing.
6. Use a PowerShell script to verify additional cluster health.  Add the following parameter to the script to perform the following checks:  "-RunSection Sysstat,SAN,Jobs"
   
   • CPU and disk.
   • SAN configuration.
   • Running jobs.

Remember you can also create an Upgrade Advisor report at the My AutoSupport Site.