Replacing an SMI agent for block storage systems, fabrics, and switches

You can replace the SMI agent for storage resources without interrupting the collection of performance data or losing historical data.

Before you begin

Attention: Before you begin, check whether a probe job is already in progress for the resource or is scheduled to occur while you replace the SMI agent. Plan the replacement during a time when the probe job is not occurring.

About this task

You might want to replace a SMI agent for a storage resource for the following reasons:

  • The SMI agent might need to be upgraded to support data collection for the storage resource.
  • The SMI agent might run on a different operating system, network, or with a different IP address.

You can replace an SMI agent on a third-party block storage system, such as a Dell EMC storage system. You cannot replace an SMI agent on IBM System Storage DS8000 (the DS8000 uses a native API (NAPI) connection, rather than an SMI-S provider).

To replace an SMI agent, follow these steps:

Procedure

  1. Using the instructions that came with your SMI agent software, install the new SMI agent and add the storage resource that it manages. The procedure varies, depending on the type of storage resource.
  2. Choose one of the following procedures:
    Type of storage resource Procedure for adding a storage resource to the SMI agent configuration
    To add a storage system See Adding storage systems
    To add a fabric or a switch See Adding fabrics and switches
  3. In IBM Spectrum Control, run the Add Device Wizard for the new SMI agent.
    After the wizard discovers the storage resource, a message is displayed to confirm that the data source (SMI agent) was added for monitoring. Close the window.
  4. In the IBM Spectrum Control GUI, right-click the storage resource and click Connections > Test Connection > [IP address of the new SMI agent].
    Verify that the test was successful.
  5. Remove the storage system or fabric switch from the old SMI agent.
  6. Optional: Shut down the old SMI agent services or the device that runs the old SMI agent.
  7. Restart the probe to continue the collection of asset, capacity, and configuration data for the resource.
  8. Check the status of the probe and performance monitor to ensure that the data is being collected for the storage resource.

Results

The SMI agent is replaced. Depending on your resource or SMI agent, the old association of storage resource and SMI agent might continue to display with the new association in the Connections menu. The old SMI agent does not interfere with operation. It cannot be selected as an SMI agent for the storage resource.

What to do next

For more information, see SMI-S providers in the IBM Spectrum Control Knowledge documentation.