IBM Support

Upgrading AIX when node is part of a PowerHA cluster

How To


Summary

When an AIX system is running PowerHA, and there is a desire to upgrade the OS, there are some practices that are best to follow in relation to PowerHA and CAA.

Objective

Upgrade the AIX OS when the host is used to run PowerHA

Environment

AIX OS with PowerHA v7.1.3 SP4 or higher

Steps

Before the AIX OS upgrade, make the following checks:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Confirm all cluster nodes are stable.
On each node, run the lssrc command: 
# lssrc -ls clstrmgrES
Review the output and confirm each shows to be ST_STABLE and no node listed as 'forced down'.
-------------
Confirm there are no outstanding changes that need synchronization.
On each node, run odmget to check the handle value of the node.
If any node shows a value of '0', the cluster is out of sync.
IE: # odmget HACMPcluster | grep handle
Output: handle=0
Run a cluster synchronization on the node where the handle value is zero.
(If both nodes show '0', run it on the node where the resource groups are online.) 
# clmgr sync cluster
When synchronization completes, confirm each node shows a handle value that is different from the other node and is nonzero.
---------------------------------------------

It is recommended to back up both AIX OS (mksysb or alt_disk_copy) and the PowerHA configuration (cluster snapshot). 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
    # smitty mksys
    or
    alt_disk_copy -d hdisk#
    # smitty hacmp --> Cluster Nodes and Networks -> Manage the Cluster
                                 -> Snapshot Configuration
                                 -> Create a Snapshot of the Cluster Configuration
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
When the checks are complete, proceed with upgrading the AIX OS.
Process Begins
1 - move all RGs to the node not being upgraded
----------------

2- On the node where AIX is to be upgraded, stop cluster services, and CAA with clmgr: 
# clmgr offline node (node name) STOP_CAA=yes
IE:
# clmgr offline node halab33 STOP_CAA=yes

You might see some warning messages but that is expected.

When the command-line returns confirm CAA is stopped.
# lscluster -m
Expected output:
1035-153 lscluster: Cluster services are not active on this node because it has been stopped.
------------------
3 - Upgrade AIX
----------------
4 - reboot the node
-----------------
5 - Start cluster services and CAA: 
# clmgr online node (node name) START_CAA=yes
IE:
# clmgr online node halab33 START_CAA=yes
--------------------

6 - Confirm CAA and cluster services are now "UP" and in "ST_STABLE" state. 
# lscluster -m
(Look for both nodes to be 'UP')
And
# lssrc -ls clstrmgrES | grep ST_
(Look for node to be ST_STABLE)
------------------------
7- Repeat steps 1 - 6 on the other node to upgrade AIX and bring cluster services back to "ST_STABLE".
Process Ends
If there are specific questions in relation to upgrading the operating system or problems arise with the upgrade, open a case with the IBM AIX installation support team.

Additional Information

SUPPORT:

If more assistance is required, follow these step-by-step instructions to contact IBM:

Open a case for software under warranty or an active and valid support contract. 

The technical support specialist assigned to your case confirms these steps are completed:

a.  Document and collect screen captures of all symptoms, errors, and messages that occurred

b.  Capture any logs or data relevant to the situation

c.  Contact IBM to open a case:

   -For electronic support, visit the IBM Support Community:
     https://www.ibm.com/mysupport
   -If you require telephone support, visit the web page:  
      https://www.ibm.com/planetwide/

d.  Provide a good description of your issue and reference this technote

e.  Upload all of the details and data to your case

   -You can attach files to your case in the IBM Support Community
   -Or upload to the IBM Enhanced Customer Data Repository
      https://www.secure.ecurep.ibm.com/app/upload_sf

Operating System

AIX:All operating systems listed

[{"Type":"SW","Line of Business":{"code":"","label":""},"Business Unit":{"code":"BU008","label":"Security"},"Product":{"code":"SGL4G4","label":"PowerHA"},"ARM Category":[{"code":"a8m0z0000001gWbAAI","label":"AIX_APARS"}],"ARM Case Number":"","Platform":[{"code":"PF002","label":"AIX"}],"Version":"All Version(s)"}]

Document Information

Modified date:
23 December 2022

UID

ibm16449306

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