DN1-HW-APL EoL cluster replacement

[JP10]

Hello forum,

as our DN1-HW-APL 3 node cluster is reaching last milestone of EoL process, we are investigate our options for potential replacement. Depending of shipment / delivery date, we may end up waiting for gen 3, instead of going for gen 2 which has been already announced for end of sale for end of this year. 

Does anyone know if option to migrate for one gen-3 node from 3-node gen-1 cluster is possible? And what would be potential drawback of doing such, excluding redundancy and load-balanced performance of the cluster?

Any input appreciated!

[Torbjørn]

This is difficult to answer since the Gen 3 hasn't been released been released. The HA guide states the following about mixing node generations(between gen 1 and gen 2):

"Your cluster consists of three Cisco DNA Center appliances with the same number of cores (three 56-core appliances, for example). With regard to 44-core appliances, your cluster can consist of both the first-generation 44-core appliance (Cisco part number DN1-HW-APL) and the second-generation 44-core appliance (Cisco part numbers DN2-HW-APL and DN2-HW-APL-U)."

I have performed cluster upgrades from gen 1 44 core nodes to gen 2 56 core appliances following the procedure for replacing failed nodes in the HA guide without issues. My guess is that the same will be possible for gen1 to gen 3 appliances.

Here is the HA configuration guide: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/cloud-systems-management/network-automation-and-management/dna-center/2-3-4/ha_guide/b_cisco_dna_center_ha_guide_2_3_4.html 

[Tomas de Leon]

This Attached Document should help with answering your DN3 Appliance Questions.

Cisco Catalyst Center DN3 Appliance FAQ

[JP10]

Do you know if similar was possible with gen-2? Meaning changing the gen-1 cluster for a standalone single gen-2 node.

[Tomas de Leon · Accepted solution]

Yes, moving from Gen1 to GenX should be the same in regards to backup and restore (as long as you follow the Restore guidelines posted in the Admin Guide).

The only thing that you need to review and make sure that you are in compliance is with Scale.  Use the Data Sheet as a guide for Scale.

Cisco Catalyst Center - Data Sheet