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ACI Multipod | steps to replace and activate the the standby APIC

Ibrahim Jamil
Level 6
Level 6

Hi Freinds

in ACI Multipod , the 1st site has 2 APICs whereas the 2nd site has the 3rd APIC with a Standby APIC  for Quorum matter , lets say the APIC in the 2nd site is corrupted so what are  the steps to replace and activate the the standby APIC

 

Thanks to all

Ibrahim

1 Reply 1

AshSe
Level 1
Level 1

Replacing and activating a standby Application Policy Infrastructure Controller (APIC) in a Cisco ACI MultiPod setup involves additional considerations compared to a single-pod setup. Below are the detailed steps to help you through the process:

 

Preparation

  1. Backup Configuration: Ensure you have a recent backup of your ACI configuration.
  2. Documentation: Document the current configuration and settings of the APIC you are replacing.
  3. Firmware Compatibility: Verify that the firmware version of the new APIC matches the existing APICs in the cluster.
  4. MultiPod Considerations: Understand the topology and inter-pod connectivity to ensure minimal disruption.

 

Physical Replacement

  1. Power Down the Standby APIC: Safely power down the standby APIC that you are going to replace.
  2. Disconnect Cables: Disconnect all network and power cables from the old APIC.
  3. Remove the Old APIC: Physically remove the old APIC from the rack.

 

Install the New APIC (I assume it’s already done in your setup)

  1. Rack the New APIC: Install the new APIC in the rack.
  2. Connect Cables: Connect the network and power cables to the new APIC.
  3. Power On the New APIC: Power on the new APIC.

 

Configuration (I assume it’s already done in your setup)

  1. Initial Setup: Connect to the new APIC via the console port and perform the initial setup. This includes setting the management IP address, gateway, and other basic settings.
  2. Cluster Configuration: Add the new APIC to the existing ACI MultiPod cluster. This can be done through the APIC GUI or CLI.
    • GUI Method: Navigate to System > Controllers > Expand the controller list > Add Controller.
    • CLI Method: Use the acidiag commands to add the new APIC to the cluster.

 

Synchronization and Activation

  1. Synchronization: The new APIC will start synchronizing with the existing cluster. This process can take some time depending on the size of your configuration.
  2. Monitor the Process: Monitor the synchronization process through the APIC GUI or CLI to ensure there are no issues.
  3. Verify Status: Once synchronization is complete, verify that the new APIC is correctly integrated into the cluster and is in a standby state.

 

MultiPod Specific Steps

  1. Inter-Pod Connectivity: Ensure that the new APIC has proper connectivity to other pods. This includes verifying IPN (Inter-Pod Network) configurations.
  2. Pod-Specific Configuration: Verify that the new APIC is correctly configured for the specific pod it is part of. This includes checking pod-specific policies and settings.

 

Post-Replacement Checks

  1. Cluster Health: Check the overall health of the ACI cluster to ensure there are no issues.
  2. Configuration Consistency: Verify that the configuration is consistent across all APICs.
  3. Logs and Alerts: Review logs and alerts to ensure there are no errors related to the new APIC.

 

Final Steps

  1. Backup Configuration: Take a new backup of the ACI configuration after the replacement.
  2. Documentation: Update your documentation to reflect the changes made during the replacement process.

 

Troubleshooting

  • If the new APIC does not join the cluster, check the network connectivity, IP settings, and ensure that the firmware version is compatible.
  • Review the APIC logs for any error messages that can provide clues to any issues.
  • Ensure that the IPN configuration is correct and that there is proper connectivity between the pods.

 

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully replace and activate a standby APIC in your Cisco ACI MultiPod environment. Always refer to the latest Cisco documentation and support resources for detailed instructions and best practices.

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