Hi Jonathan,
Depending on your current configuration there are 2 different methods for replacing an appliance. I will include both processes below. In either case you will need to upgrade the appliance so that it is on the same version. You can not transfer a configuration file to another appliance unless they are on the same version nor can you join a new appliance to a cluster configuration unless it is on the same version as those already in the cluster.
You can do an initial configuration using the setup wizard to get your IP address and hostname configured so you have network access, or you can simply connect to 192.168.42.42 and log in as admin to start the upgrade on the replacement appliance.
Notes:
- The old appliance and the new appliance MUST have the same exact AsyncOS version and build.
- This only applies to a stand-alone appliance, not one that is in a cluster.
- This document assumes the use of the Web Interface (GUI) for all steps.
Instructions:
1) Save the configuration from the old appliance to your local machine. From the GUI -> System Administration -> Configuration File -> Download file to local computer to view or save. Be sure to un-check the box “Mask passwords in the Configuration Files”.
2) Get the new appliance up and running on your network. For access by Ethernet, connect to the Management Network Port. Use a browser to access the web-based interface on the default IP address 192.168.42.42 (username: admin, password: ironport). You can also access the command line interface by SSH or terminal emulation software on the same IP address. (The netmask is /24). For Serial access, connect to the Serial Port. Access the command line interface by a terminal emulator using 9600 bits, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (9600, 8, N, 1), flowcontrol = Hardware.
Run the system set up wizard (SSW). If your old appliance is dead or already off the network, then you can use the same IP information. If your old appliance is still on the network, then give the new appliance a temporary IP address.
3) Check to make sure the new appliance is on the same version and build of AsyncOS. From the GUI -> Monitor -> System Status. If they are the same, move on to step 5. If they are not the same, continue to step 4.
4) If the appliances are not on the same build, upgrade the new appliance to match the version of the old one. From the GUI -> System Administration -> System Upgrade -> Available Upgrades. If you see it in the list, please select it. If it is not listed, the specific version may need to be provisioned by Cisco IronPort Customer Support - please call before proceeding.
Note: If the old appliance is at a version that is older than the replacement appliance, you will need to upgrade it (if possible) to match the new appliance.
5) Once the appliances are verified to be at the same version, load the configuration file to the new appliance. From the GUI -> System Administration -> Configuration File -> Load a configuration file from local computer.
6) If the configuration file loads without any errors, then you can proceed to decommission the old appliance and edit the IP settings of the new appliance as desired. From the GUI -> Network -> IP Interfaces. You may also need to edit the routing information as well (Network -> Routing).
7) If you get any errors when loading the new configuration file, you can try and edit the configuration file with an XML editor and look for the section that the error refers to. However, if you are not comfortable with this, please call in for support.
You should expect to receive the return shipping information in your email within 5 business days. Please see the documentation to return the defective unit: http://tinyurl.com/mkr2k
For cluster based appliances:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
There are two methods to replace an appliance that is in a cluster.
The first method is to upload configuration file from the old machine to new machine and then adding back to cluster.
- Log into the old appliance. Type "clusterconfig > removemachine" to pull the machine completely out of the existing cluster. The "administrative disconnect" may not suffice and may require a "removemachine" command.
- Once the old machine is removed from the cluster, follow either of these steps:
- From the GUI interface, go to "System Administration >Configuration File", save the configuration file to your local desktop and uncheck the mask password box
- Or email yourself configuration file with the passwords unmasked also.
WARNING: If you don't unmask the password, the system will not allow you to import the configuration file into the new appliance. - Proceed with going through the system setup wizard and bringing the new appliance up with the basic configuration setup.
- Bring the new system online and upgrade to the same AsyncOS as the existing machine in the cluster. To see the version of the existing machine, type "version" from the command line.
WARNING: Before a machine can be joined to an existing cluster, it needs to be on the same AsyncOS version and build. - After the new appliance is finished upgrading, you can load the configuration file from the old device that was saved earlier. This is done on the System Administration >Configuration File page in the GUI.
- Commit your changes.
- Add the new machine to the cluster and it will inherit the cluster settings while retaining any specific machine setting that it needs (i.e network interface)
The second method is to add the new machine to the existing cluster to inherit the cluster settings while retaining any specific machine setting that it needs (i.e network interface).
Log into any appliance still in the cluster. Type "clusterconfig > removemachine" to remove the faulty machine completely out of the existing cluster. The "administrative disconnect" may not suffice and may require a "removemachine" command.
- Shutdown old appliance that needs replacement.
Bring the new appliance up with the basic configuration setup by going through the system setup wizard and make sure it has same IP as the old appliance.
- Also, make sure the interface and listener names same as the ones in the cluster.
From the new appliance, issue the “clusterconfig†command to join the existing cluster. You can choose to join the cluster over SSH or over CCS (cluster communication service).
ironport.example.com> clusterconfig
Do you want to join or create a cluster?
1. No, configure as standalone.
2. Create a new cluster.
3. Join an existing cluster over SSH.
4. Join an existing cluster over CCS.
[1]> 3
In order to join a host to an existing cluster, you must:
Contact support if you have any questions/concerns.
Christopher C Smith
CSE
Cisco IronPort Customer Support
