This chapter explains how to replace the serial cables that connect the nodes in an IRIS FailSafe cluster. It also explains how to replace the batteries used in the remote power control unit that is used in clusters with CHALLENGE S nodes.
The sections in this appendix are as follows:
To replace the serial cable to the remote power control unit (CHALLENGE S) or to the system controller port (any other system), follow these steps on the node whose serial port is connected to the cable:
If IRIS FailSafe is running, stop the automatic communication on the serial line by entering this command:
# /usr/etc/ha_admin -m stop hostname ha_admin: Stopped monitoring the serial connection to hostname |
Replace the defective serial cable.
To verify that the new cable is functioning, enter this command:
# /usr/etc/ha_spng -i 10 -f reset-tty -d sys-ctlr-type -w password |
reset-tty is the value of the reset-tty parameter for this node in the configuration file /var/ha/ha.conf. sys-ctlr-type is the value of the sys-ctlr-type parameter for this node in /var/ha/ha.conf. The -d sys-ctlr-type option is omitted if there is no sys-ctlr-type parameter or it is set to CHAL. password is the unencrypted password for this node's system controller. The -w password option is omitted if the node is a CHALLENGE node or if it is an Origin node with the default system controller password.
Check the return code from the command in step 3 by entering the first command if you are using csh and the second command if you are using sh:
# echo $status # echo $? |
The output 0 indicates normal operation.
To turn back on automatic monitoring of the serial connection, enter this command:
# /usr/etc/ha_admin -m start hostname ha_admin: Started monitoring the serial connection to hostname |
If the configuration parameter hb-public-ipname is set, heartbeat messages that normally use the private network use the public network instead when the Ethernet cable that provides the private network connection is defective. When heartbeat messages are using the public network instead of the private network, use this procedure to replace the defective private network cable:
Replace the private network cable.
Follow the procedure in the section “Moving Heartbeat Messages to the Private Network” in Chapter 6 to switch the heartbeat messages back to the private network.
If hb-public-ipname is not set (heartbeat messages do not use the public network when the private network is defective), follow these steps to replace the defective private network cable:
Get the state of each node by entering these commands on one node:
# /usr/etc/ha_admin -i ha_admin: Node controller state standby # /usr/etc/ha_admin -i hostname ha_admin: Node controller state degraded |
hostname is the hostname of the other node.
If the nodes aren't in standby and degraded states, move them to these states by following an appropriate procedure in Chapter 6, “Administering IRIS FailSafe.”
Replace the private network cable.
Move the node that is in standby state to normal state by entering this command:
# /usr/etc/ha_admin -r |
Verify that both nodes are in normal state by entering these commands:
# /usr/etc/ha_admin -i ha_admin: Node controller state normal # /usr/etc/ha_admin -i hostname ha_admin: Node controller state normal |
hostname is the hostname of the other node.
The remote power control unit accepts inlet power from a standard 12 VDC-AC wall adapter. It uses eight AA alkaline batteries as an on-board uninterruptable power supply to power the unit and sustain it for up to five hours during a power outage. The batteries are in a removable battery tray, which is accessed from the front of the unit.
An LED on the battery tray alerts you that the batteries have lost sufficient power to drive the remote power control unit. This LED also lights up immediately after you power on the remote power control unit.
If the batteries fail and are not replaced, the unit retains all configuration settings in the absence of power for ten years, although it cannot control the power control units.
You can replace batteries in the remote power control unit with the unit powered on and the IRIS FailSafe cluster running (the battery tray is hot-pluggable). To install fresh batteries, follow these steps:
Have ready eight fresh AA alkaline batteries. Do not mix fresh and used batteries.
Unlock the battery tray by turning the lock screw from the LOCK to the UNLOCK position. Pull out the battery tray using its handle.
Remove the three screws on the outer part of the battery holder cage; slide the holder cage off. The two inner battery holders are exposed; each holds four batteries.
With your fingers, carefully pry the used batteries out of one holder. Replace the batteries, following the correct orientation. (Use the other holder as a guide if necessary.) Repeat the process for the second holder.
When you have replaced the batteries, slide the outer battery holder cage back onto the battery tray, and replace the screws.
Replace the battery tray in the remote power control unit and turn the lock screw back to the LOCK position.