What exactly is in the configuration and operational backups? Are they independent of node?

[mike0011]

I'm likely overthinking the following note from Cisco:

"Cisco ISE allows you to obtain a backup from an ISE node (A) and restore it on another ISE node (B), both having the same host names (but different IP addresses). However, after you restore the backup on node B, do not change the hostname of node B because it might cause issues with certificates and portal group tags."

[Peter Koltl · Accepted solution]

Secondary PAN node has already the same synchronized configuration so there is no point in restoring a backup file into it. In addition, to restore a file the node must be promoted to primary first. Even more: you cannot change the IP address until you convert the node from primary to standalone.

However, the restore is possible on a nodeC if it is an independent standalone node and not part of the deployment.