Maintaining Control Module Firmware; Control Module Handling Requirements - Dell EqualLogic PS4100 Hardware Maintenance Manual

PS4100 Hardware Maintenance Guide
Note: The management ports on the control modules do not fail over if one control module fails.
Therefore, if you are using a dedicated management network, make sure the management ports on both
control modules are connected to the management network.
A PS series array provides two types of network failure protection:
• Network connection failover. If multiple network interfaces are configured and one network interface
fails, iSCSI initiators that were connected to the failed interface can reconnect to the group IP address
and be redirected to a functioning interface. For example, in a single control module array, if Ethernet
0 and Ethernet 1 are connected to a network, and Ethernet 0 fails, initiators that were connected to
Ethernet 0 can be redirected to Ethernet 1.
• Control module failover. In a dual control module array, if the active control module fails, the
secondary automatically takes over and becomes active. If a cable is connected to the port on the newly
active control module, network I/O can continue through that interface. Control module failover is
transparent to applications, but iSCSI initiators must reconnect to the group IP address.

Maintaining Control Module Firmware

A Type 12 control module has a microSD card running the array firmware. You should run the latest
firmware version to take advantage of new product features and enhancements.
Caution: In a dual control module array, both control modules must be running the same firmware ver-
sion; otherwise, only one control module will be functional. When you update the array firmware, both con-
trol modules are updated to the same firmware version.
Group members should run the same firmware version; otherwise, only the functionality common to all
versions will be available in the group. See the PS Series Release Notes for information about mixed-
firmware groups.
If you are adding a second control module, upgrading a control module, or replacing a failed microSD card,
contact your PS Series support provider for a replacement. Inform your provider of the current PS Series
firmware version on your system. If you are replacing a failed control module, remove the microSD card
from the failed control module and install it in the replacement control module. This will make sure that you
keep the correct firmware.
To display the firmware version running on an array, examine the GUI Member Controllers window or use
the following CLI command:
member select show controllers
If the firmware on a microSD card does not match the firmware running on an array, do not install it. Instead,
contact your array support provider.

Control Module Handling Requirements

Follow these control module handling requirements:
• Protect control modules from electrostatic discharge. Always wear an electrostatic wrist strap when
handling a control module, as described in
• Do not remove a control module from an array while the control modules are synchronizing.
When synchronization completes, a console message will appear. Also, the ACT LED on the secondary
control module will be orange.
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Protecting Hardware on page
Maintaining Control Modules
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