Help with MetroCluster

[bob212189]

Hi Guys

I am quite new to NetApp Filers having previously working on EMC/DELL/3PAR, so the concept of MetaClusters is a new one. I have recently inherited 4 x FAS Filers in two MetaClusters - 2 in a Stretched  MetaCluster and 2 in a Fabric MetaCluster. All are located in the same site, and I am looking to change this setup to a single fabric metacluster utilising 2 x  HA controllers on each site. I was wondering if someone could point me to a document on the implications of doing this? Will all data be lost on all SAN's? Is it possible?

What is the maximum distance for a Fibre Metrocluster? Am I better off converting the metrocluster type to a fibre metrocluster if this is possible on the existing systems?

I have found numerous documents on creating and best practices for MetroCluster, but nothing on destroying and recreating.

Any help is greatly appreciated

[aborzenkov · Accepted solution]

Shared switches are supported for selected configurations. Assuming yours is qualified, the actual task is pretty boring. There is no data loss and existing FMC can remain online.

I do not see any advantage (from NetApp side) in doing it. Distance limit is several hundred kilometers to my best knowledge, but there are other considerations as well.

I would not do it if you are new to NetApp - it is not rocket science, but having some experience helps. If possible, try to involve professional services from NetApp or partner.

[bob212189]

Thanks Radek

Just to make sure I have it right,

I would keep the current NetApp metro clusters as is, simply migrate the stretched to fabric, making sure that I have qualified FC Switches between sites. I would then simply ship the second units to the DR site and reconnect and synch once they are up? Is that correct?

So in essence, I can have two seperate Fabric Metro Clusters replicating from Primary to DR using the same infrastructure (10GB, 40KM distance sub 1ms ping).

I will get a pro to come and do the work, I just want to get an idea of the design myself.

[radek_kubka]

Yes, it sounds right - all subject to checking compatibility matrices, etc.

[aborzenkov]

Yes, you got the picture right.

[radek_kubka]

I am looking to change this setup to a single fabric metacluster utilising 2 x  HA controllers on each site

Not doable - you can have two MetroCluster setups sharing (potentially) back-end FC switches, but it will be still two HA pairs *spanning* sites. MetroCluster-type setup linking local HA pair to a remote HA pair is hinted in Clustered ONTAP 8.3.

What is the maximum distance for a Fibre Metrocluster?

Up to 200km depending on speed, cabling, and the number of connections.

Regards,
Radek