replace nexus supervisor module?

[Herman2018]

hi, we have one nexus 7700 with single supervisor, now we need to replace with this supervisor module with a new one because of hardware issue. Can someone please advise the procedure to replace this module? Thanks in advance!

[AshSe]

Hello @Herman2018 

Replacing a supervisor module in a Cisco Nexus 7700 switch requires careful planning to ensure minimal disruption to the network. Below is the general procedure for replacing a faulty supervisor module with a new one. Since you are working with a single supervisor module, the process will involve a system reload, as the switch cannot operate without a supervisor module.

Procedure to Replace the Supervisor Module

1. Backup Configuration:

   1. Before proceeding, back up the current configuration of the switch to an external server or local storage. Use the following command to save the configuration:

      copy running-config startup-config
      copy startup-config tftp://<TFTP_SERVER_IP>/<FILENAME>

   2. This ensures you can restore the configuration if needed.

2. Check the Current Supervisor Status:

   1. Verify the status of the current supervisor module using the following command:

      show module

   2. This will display the status of all modules, including the supervisor module.

3. Power Down the Switch:

   1. Since you have only one supervisor module, the switch will lose control when the module is removed. To avoid any issues, gracefully shut down the switch using the following command:

      reload

   2. Confirm the reload when prompted.

4. Physically Remove the Faulty Supervisor Module:

   1. Once the switch is powered down, locate the faulty supervisor module.
   2. Loosen the screws or latches securing the module in the chassis.
   3. Gently pull the module out of the chassis.

5. Install the New Supervisor Module:

   1. Unpack the new supervisor module and ensure it is compatible with your Nexus 7700 switch.
   2. Align the module with the slot and gently slide it into place until it is fully seated.
   3. Secure the module using the screws or latches.

6. Power On the Switch:

   1. Power on the switch and wait for the new supervisor module to boot up.

7. Verify the New Supervisor Module:

   1. Once the switch is operational, verify that the new supervisor module is recognized and functioning correctly:

      show module

   2. Check the status of the supervisor module to ensure it is online and active.

8. Restore Configuration (if necessary):

   1. If the configuration was not automatically restored, copy the saved configuration back to the switch:

      copy tftp://<TFTP_SERVER_IP>/<FILENAME> startup-config
      reload

9. Test the Network:

   1. Verify that all network services are functioning as expected after the replacement.

Important Notes:

1. Ensure the replacement supervisor module is running the same NX-OS version as the previous one. If not, you may need to upgrade or downgrade the software to match.
2. If you have a dual-supervisor setup in the future, the process will be less disruptive, as the secondary supervisor can take over during the replacement.

Cisco Documentation:

For detailed and official instructions, refer to the Cisco documentation for the Nexus 7700 series supervisor module replacement. 

This link provides hardware installation and replacement procedures for the Nexus 7000 and 7700 series switches. Ensure you follow the specific steps for your supervisor module model.

Hope This Helps!!!

AshSe

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[Herman2018]

hi @AshSe , thanks for your kind advice. one question about the command to power down the switch, is it "reload" to gracefully shutdown the switch? I thought the command "reload" is to reboot the switch? I don't know how to gracefully shutdown nexus 7700. There are a few vdc created on this nexus, should we shutdown all vdc with Using the command  the system mode maintenance shutdown first? please advise, thanks. 

[AshSe]

Hey @Herman2018 

---

one question about the command to power down the switch, is it "reload" to gracefully shutdown the switch? I thought the command "reload" is to reboot the switch? I don't know how to gracefully shutdown nexus 7700. 

---

You are absolutely correct to question the use of the reload command in this context. The reload command is used to reboot the switch, not to gracefully shut it down. Cisco Nexus switches, including the Nexus 7700 series, do not have a specific command to "gracefully shut down" the switch. Instead, the switch is powered off by physically disconnecting the power supply after ensuring that all configurations are saved and the network impact is minimized.

---

There are a few vdc created on this nexus, should we shutdown all vdc with Using the command  the system mode maintenance shutdown first? please advise, thanks. 

---

Yes, when replacing the only supervisor module in a Cisco Nexus 7700 switch with multiple Virtual Device Contexts (VDCs), it is a best practice to gracefully shut down all VDCs by placing the system into maintenance mode before proceeding with the hardware replacement. This ensures that all VDCs are properly shut down, and the system is prepared for the supervisor module replacement, minimizing the risk of configuration or state corruption.

[Herman2018]

Thanks @AshSe for your advice. After replacing Supervisor module, the configuration including all vdcs are gone, right? Need to console in to reconfigure mgmt ip? please advise, thanks. 

[AshSe]

Dear @Herman2018 

No, it is not correct to say that the configuration, including all VDCs, will get wiped out after replacing the supervisor module. The configuration is stored in the bootflash or compact flash memory of the switch, which is not tied to the supervisor module itself. When you replace the supervisor module, the configuration, including VDCs, should remain intact as long as the following conditions are met:

---

Key Points to Consider:

1. Configuration Persistence:

   1. The configuration of the switch, including all VDCs, is stored in the non-volatile memory (NVRAM or bootflash) of the switch. This memory is not part of the supervisor module hardware itself.
   2. When you replace the supervisor module, the new module will read the configuration from the stored files during the boot process.

2. NX-OS Version Compatibility:

   1. The new supervisor module must be running the same NX-OS version as the previous one. If the NX-OS version on the new supervisor module is different, the configuration may not load properly, and you may encounter issues.
   2. If the NX-OS version on the new supervisor module is different, you may need to upgrade or downgrade the software to match the version used previously.

3. Management IP Address:

   1. The management IP address (used for out-of-band management) is part of the configuration. If the configuration is preserved, the management IP address will also be restored automatically.
   2. However, if the configuration is lost for any reason (e.g., the new supervisor module is blank or the configuration is corrupted), you will need to console into the switch and manually reconfigure the management IP address.

4. Backup Configuration:

   1. As a precaution, always back up the configuration before replacing the supervisor module. Use the following commands to save the configuration:

      copy running-config startup-config
      
      copy startup-config tftp://<TFTP_SERVER_IP>/<FILENAME>
      

   2. If the configuration is lost, you can restore it from the backup.

5. VDCs:

   1. The VDC configurations are part of the overall system configuration. If the configuration is preserved, the VDCs will also be restored automatically after the new supervisor module boots up.
   2. If the configuration is lost, you will need to recreate the VDCs and restore their individual configurations from the backup.

---

What Happens After Replacing the Supervisor Module?

1. Boot Process:

   1. When the new supervisor module is installed and the switch is powered on, it will boot up and attempt to load the configuration from the stored files in the bootflash or compact flash memory.

2. Configuration Restoration:

   1. If the NX-OS version matches and the configuration files are intact, the switch will restore the configuration, including all VDCs and their settings.

3. Manual Intervention (if needed):

   1. If the configuration is not restored automatically (e.g., due to a mismatch in NX-OS versions or corrupted configuration files), you will need to console into the switch and manually restore the configuration from the backup.

---

Steps to Follow After Replacing the Supervisor Module:

1. Console into the Switch:

   1. Connect to the switch using a console cable to monitor the boot process and verify that the configuration is restored.

2. Verify Configuration:

   1. After the switch boots up, check if the configuration, including VDCs, is intact:

      show running-config
      
      show vdc
      

3. Restore Configuration (if needed):

   1. If the configuration is missing or incomplete, restore it from the backup:

      copy tftp://<TFTP_SERVER_IP>/<FILENAME> startup-config
      
      reload
      

4. Reconfigure Management IP (if needed):

   1. If the management IP address is not restored, configure it manually:

      interface mgmt0
      
      ip address <IP_ADDRESS> <SUBNET_MASK>
      
      no shutdown
      

5. Verify VDCs:

   1. Check the status of all VDCs to ensure they are operational:

      show vdc
      

6. Test the Network:

   1. Verify that all network services are functioning as expected.

---

Important Notes:

1. Configuration Loss is Rare: The configuration is typically preserved during a supervisor module replacement. However, issues such as a blank or incompatible supervisor module can result in configuration loss.
2. Backup is Critical: Always back up the configuration before replacing the supervisor module to ensure you can restore it if needed.
3. Maintenance Window: Perform the replacement during a maintenance window to minimize the impact on the network.

---

Cisco Documentation:

For more details on supervisor module replacement and configuration management, refer to the Cisco Nexus 7000 Series Hardware Installation and Reference Guide.

This guide provides detailed steps for handling hardware components and managing configurations.

Wish you all the best and do your best to achieve successful and subtle change!

Hope This Helps!!!

AshSe

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