Can I upgrade a FAS3200 to add an I/O Expansion Module (IOXM) after a system has been installed at the customer site?

[russg]

Can I upgrade a FAS3200 to add an I/O Expansion Module (IOXM) after a system has been installed at the customer site?

The Solution Center has received multiple requests to upgrade an existing or recently shipped FAS3200 system that did not ship with an IOXM module to add it in the field, the answer below will hopefully answer this question for everyone.

[russg]

Answer:

No. It is not supported. Adding in a IOXM module to either any system in the field is not supported. If an Expansion module is required then a chassis (box) swap will have to take place. If you need today or you think the customer will need in the future the expandability of the IOXM then order the system with the IOXM module with the initial order. The only systems that can not use a IOXM module are the FAS3210 and FAS6210 systems. These are either ordered with Single Controllers (FAS3210/FAS6210) or dual controllers (FAS3210A/FAS6210A). The FAS3240 / FAS3270 are available in three configurations, first, a single controller solution with 1 controller and 1 IOXM module per chassis (FAS3240E/FAS3270E). If you want dual controllers then you have the option of installing both controllers in 1 chassis which doesn’t allow for future PCIe expansion since the IOXM modules are not included or finally using two of the FAS32X0E to make a FAS32X0AE which will require 2 chassis.

If the customer has a FAS3240A and needs the additional expansion capabilities then they can upgrade the FAS3240A by purchasing an Upgrade to the FAS3240AE, this will entail the return of the FAS3240A solution and replacing that 1 chassis with the FAS3240AE which will be shipped in 2 chassis. This will require the REPLACING of the single chassis with a dual chassis solution. This will also require more rack / cabinet space sine the FAS3240AE will be in 2 chassis instead of just one. The same holds true for the FAS3270A systems.

Also note that upgrading a FAS3210A to a FAS3240A or FAS3270A will require a chassis (box) swap. You can not pull the controllers from one type of FAS32X0 system and replace them with another type.

[aborzenkov]

So this implies that in MetroCluster I am forced to either use IOXM or use two cluster pairs? Somehow this was not made very obvious in available docs.

Does it mean that FAS3200 chassis has hard coded system type including presence of IOXM?

[scottgelb]

Shipping another system and trading in the existing one ... instead of just adding the parts needed in the field doesn't sound reasonable unless there is a support issue that isn't apparent.  Any competent PSE could add a new chassis and separate the controllers...  We have been configuring mostly AE systems anyway but this is not great news for non E customers that need an upgrade.  Hopefully the upgrade will be an even trade for controller and licenses.

Is there a technical reason for the hard line on this??  Is the chassis tied to the installed controllers from the factory and can't be moved for some reason?  If a customer trades in a FAS3240A for a FAS3240AE, will they only have to cover the cost of the additional chassis and 2x IOXM modules or is it not an even trade for like controllers?

[russg]

I understand your concern.  I have forwarded your question to our technical resources. 

[russg]

Scott,

I acknowlege your concern and have forwarded it to our responsible NetApp team.   .  

[scottgelb]

Thank you. Technically should be no issue.. Otherwise an rma for a failed controller module would also require a chassis swap.

I am more interested in the upgrade quote if like-for-like credit is given for controller and licenses, or if there is an added cost to trade a 3240 for a 3240.

Typos Sent on Blackberry Wireless

[aborzenkov]

Technically should be no issue.

This will. I just had chance to ask NetApp guy about it. A and E versions use physically different chassis which are not interchangeable. Pity

[scottgelb]

I don't see a difference in the chassis...but could be wrong.  Parts finder shows one chassis option if we RMA a standalone, A or AE model... Maybe I am missing something or we are all being told different things.  http://now.netapp.com/eservice/partDetails.do?partNumber=FAS-V32XX-CHASSIS-INT-R6&productGuid=4C20A78EBB24009EE10080000A63AE6B&rohsCompliant=R6

[aborzenkov]

My question was explicitly whether I can reuse the same chassis to add IOXM or not. Answer was - you need different chassis, it is not marketing trick, they are physically different. It is quite possible that the only difference is EEPROM where type is recorded and it is programmed for specific configuration before sending replacement to customer. Of course the guy could just repeat what he was told.

In any case as long as this is not officially supported by NetApp it is rather academical question.