Should new-nccluster need cluster already exist?

[AllenChang]

If I want to create a new cluster by using new-nccluster,

should the cluster must be already exist and the nodes must already in the cluster?

[Ontapforrum]

should the cluster must be already exist and the nodes must already in the cluster?

No. Cluster will be created later using the "new-nccluster".  But, to achieve that, Node must first have their IP setup and Admin Password configured.

Following article covers this: (step by step)
https://netapp.io/2017/03/17/automate-cluster-setup-12-steps-with-ontap-powershell-toolkit-4-1/

Prerequisites for this example are:
1) The latest NetApp PowerShell Toolkit (4.3) has been installed
2) Node setup has been run on each node (Basically, Node IP is configured and the admin password is set).
3) The same admin password has been assigned to each node of the intended Cluster (security login password).
4) ONTAP 9.1 GA release (but this should work with 8.3 and higher).
5) A cluster base license is required.

In short:
1) Setup Node(s) first (Configure IP).
2) Set Admin Password on the Node.
3) Connect to Node - Connect-NcController $nodeA_IP
4) Now try to create cluster using "New-NcCluster" cmdlet.

Related community thread also discusses this:
https://community.netapp.com/t5/Software-Development-Kit-SDK-and-API-Discussions/ZAPI-is-not-enabled-in-pre-cluster-mode/m-p/134287

[AllenChang]

after I do the step 'Connect to Node - Connect-NcController $nodeA_IP'

it appear the error

Connect-NcController : Could not connect to 10.1.13.2 on port 80 for protocol HTTP.

have any idea?

[Scott0123]

I don't know if this is a bot response or what but "The latest NetApp PowerShell Toolkit" is NOT 4.3 when the above post was made on 2023-03-29.

In short, the "In Short" is not working.  I've placed IPs on the nodes and given a password to the node's admin account.  Rebooted a few times and still when trying to connect via PowerShell I get this error:

Connect-NcController: database cluster_id_rdb is not open

The linked netapp.io article is way out-of-date and I'm guessing this solution doesn't work any longer with 9.12.1x.  Anyone else have a solution?

[Ontapforrum]

Try to connect, by explicitly using https switch.

PS C:\> Connect-NcController -Name 10.1.13.2 -HTTPS

Let us know.

[AllenChang]

with '-HTTPS', it appear another messages,

just like it must the cluster should already exist

Connect-NcController : database cluster_id_rdb is not open

[Ontapforrum]

I don't know what's going on here.

Some suggestions:
1) Could you check each Nodes health ? Is there any message that says - System not fully operational as root volume recovery is required ? Is it Simulators or Physical Nodes (What is the Model) ?

To further isolate, enable HTTP on the NetApp

>system services web modify -http-enabled true

2) Try to connect again using http and check what's the error.

[AllenChang]

Hi  Ontapforrum

it's Simulator.

Is simulator have any limitation ?

[Ontapforrum]

I am not aware of any such limitation. Could you share the screenshot of the Simulator Node's root volume space and overall status.

[AllenChang]

the only parameter with 'volume' is 'file'

I can't see the root volume's information

I think maybe it's because the node not join the cluster yet!

[Ontapforrum]

Could you share this:

::> network interface show
::> node run -node localhost
> df -hg

[AllenChang]