Updating the system manually

The automatic method is the preferred procedure for updating the code on the nodes; however, to provide more flexibility in the update process, you can also update each node manually.

During this manual procedure, you prepare the update, remove a node from the system, update the code on the node, and return the node to the system. You repeat this process for the remaining nodes until the last node is removed from the system. Every node must be updated to the same code level. You cannot interrupt the update and switch to installing a different level. After all the nodes are updated, you must confirm the update to complete the process. The confirmation restarts each node in order and takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Prerequisites

Start here to update to version 8.1.0 or later from version 7.7.0 or later.

If you are updating from a release before version 7.7.0, follow the instructions in that previous release.

Note: The update might stall if you have hot-spare nodes that are connected via a Fibre Channel adapter and update software level 7.8.1.1 or earlier to software level 7.8.1.2 or later. To avoid this issue, remove each Fibre Channel adapter from the node that is being added to the system and check for the presence of a secure jumper. If the secure jumper is present, remove the secure jumper to allow the firmware update to complete successfully. After the update completes, return the secure jumper to the Fibre Channel adapter. For more information, search for "Upgrade to Spectrum Virtualize software-only v7.8.1.2 requires hardware check" at www.ibm.com/support.
Before you update nodes manually, ensure that the following requirements are met:
  • To find out about releases, restrictions, and compatibility, see the information about concurrent compatibility and code cross-reference at this website:

    http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=ssg1S1001707

  • The latest update test utility was downloaded to your management workstation.
  • The latest system update package was downloaded to your management workstation.
  • Each I/O group has two nodes. Additional nodes can be configured as hot-spare nodes. If hot-spare nodes are configured on the system, these nodes nondisruptively assume I/O operations for nodes as they are updated. After the configuration node completes the update, hot-spare nodes are updated.
  • Errors in the system event log are addressed and marked as fixed.
  • There are no volumes, MDisks, or storage systems with Degraded or Offline status.
  • The service assistant IP is configured on every node in the system.
  • The system superuser password is known.
  • The current system configuration was backed up and saved.
  • You have physical access to the hardware.
    Note: Node hardware must not be updated until the manual update procedure completes and the system is running the new software level.
The following actions are not required; they are suggestions.
  • Stop all Metro Mirror, Global Mirror, or HyperSwap® operations during the update procedure.
  • Avoid running any FlashCopy® operations during this procedure.
  • Avoid migrating or formatting volumes during this procedure.
  • Stop collecting IBM® Spectrum Control performance data for the system.
  • Stop any automated jobs that access the system before you update.
  • Ensure that no other processes are running on the system before you update.
  • If you want to update without host I/O, shut down all hosts before you start the update.
Parent topic: Updating the system