Learn About Array Migration

Array migration lets you export an array so that you can import the array to a different storage subsystem. You also can export an array so that you can store the data offline.


Attention:

Possible loss of data access – You must export an array before you move the array or import the array.

Export Array

The export array operation prepares the disk drives in the array for removal. You can remove the disk drives for offline storage, or you can import the array to a different storage subsystem. After you complete the export array operation, all of the disk drives are offline. Any associated logical drives or free capacity nodes are no longer shown in the storage management software.

Non-Exportable Components

You must remove any non-exportable components before you can complete the export array procedure. You must remove these components:

Basic Export Steps for an Array

Exporting an array includes these steps on the source storage subsystem.

  1. Save the storage subsystem configuration.
  2. Stop all I/O, and unmount or disconnect the file systems on the logical drives in the array.
  3. Back up the data on the logical drives in the array.
  4. Locate the array, and label the disk drives.
  5. Place the array offline.
  6. Obtain blank disk drive CRUs or new disk drives.

Exporting an array includes these steps on the target storage subsystem.

  1. Make sure that the target storage subsystem has available disk drive slots.
  2. Make sure that the target storage subsystem supports the disk drives that you will import.
  3. Make sure that the target storage subsystem can support the new logical drives.
  4. Make sure that the latest version of firmware is installed on the controller.
  5. Make sure that the latest version of the storage management software is installed on the target storage subsystem.

Import Array

The import array operation adds the imported array to the target storage subsystem. After you complete the import array operation, all of the disk drives have Optimal status. Any associated logical drives or free capacity nodes now appear in the storage management software that is installed on the target storage subsystem.

Basic Import Steps for an Array


Important:

You must insert all of the disk drives in the array into the enclosure before the array can be imported.

Importing an array includes these steps on the target storage subsystem:

  1. Insert the exported disk drives into the available disk drive slots.
  2. Review the Import Report for an overview of the array that you are importing.
  3. Check for non-importable components.
  4. Confirm that you want to proceed with the import procedure.

Non-Importable Components

Some components cannot be imported during the import array procedure. These components are removed during the procedure: