Replacing networks and network interfaces
You can only protect your applications from downtime due to a network failure if you configure more than one IP network. If no backup network is configured, the cluster will be inaccessible to all but directly connected clients.
About this task
You can replace network cabling without taking PowerHA® SystemMirror® off line. You can also replace hubs, routers, and bridges while PowerHA SystemMirror is running. Be sure to use the correct IP addresses when reconfiguring a router.
You can use the DARE swap_adapter function to swap the IP address on the same node and network. Then, you can service the failed network interface card without stopping the node.
If the hardware supports hot-pluggable network interfaces, no cluster downtime is required for this procedure.
If you cannot use the swap_adapter function, use this procedure:
Procedure
- Move resource groups to another node using the Resource Group Management utility.
- Use the hotplug mechanism to replace the card.
- Assign IP addresses and netmasks for interfaces if they were undefined.
- Test IP communications.