Relocate Secure Workload Cluster

Introduction

This document describes the best practices to relocate a Tetration (CSW) cluster with steps for a smooth transition and to minimize potential issues.

Precheck Procedures

Upload a Classic Snapshot

Before you start the relocation process, you must upload a classic snapshot to the TAC case. This snapshot helps you document the current status of the cluster and assess the health of the hardware and services. If any issues with services or hardware issues are observed from the snapshot, create a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) and fix the hardware issues and services.

Execute the Cluster Health Checks Through Upgrade Precheck 

Upgrade prechecks verify the operational status of services and the condition of hardware components.

1. Navigate to Upgrade Precheck.
   Navigate to the Tetration UI and follow these steps:

   • Click Platform.

   • Select Upgrade/Reboot/Shutdown.

   • Click Start Upgrade Precheck. 
     

Wait a few minutes for the output of the upgrade prechecks. If everything is successful, then you can proceed with the next action plan for the cluster relocation. 

Cluster Shutdown Procedure

Shut Down the Cluster

Before relocating the Tetration (CSW) cluster, it is crucial to shut it down properly.

1. Access the Shutdown Option.
   Navigate to the Tetration UI:

   • Click Platform.

   • Navigate to Upgrade/Reboot/Shutdown.

   • Choose the Shutdown option.

2. Importance of Proper Shutdown. Shutting down the cluster correctly helps to prevent data loss and ensures a clean stop of all active services.
   After completion of cluster shutdown through UI as shown in this image, wait for 5 mins and then power off all the UCS servers and move the entire rack to the new datacenter.
   
   
   

Relocation Procedures

Subnet and IP Addresses Remain Unchanged

When you move the cluster to a new data center rack, it is important to ensure that the subnet, IP addresses, and network configurations remain the same on the new data center uplink router or uplink switch. This avoids network issues and maintains connectivity for all services.

These ports and traffic must be allowed through the firewall when deploying Cisco Secure Workload (Tetration) behind a firewall. Proper configuration of firewall rules is essential to ensure uninterrupted functionality.

Ensure Cabling Integrity

Make sure that the cabling remains undisturbed during the relocation. If you are moving the entire Tetration rack, ensure all cables are accounted for so that nothing gets disconnected or damaged.

Post-Relocation Steps

Powering On the Servers

After you power on the server in the new location, log into the Tetration UI. You notice that many Tetration services show up as unhealthy (red).

Handling Unhealthy Services

If you see that some services are unhealthy, contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for support in resolving these issues. Quick engagement with TAC can help restore full functionality.

To fix the unhealthy services, the TAC engineer can restart some of the services or VMs,s and, in some cases, the TAC engineer can reboot the cluster through the Tetration UI.

It is strongly recommend running the Cluster Upgrade Precheck to make sure your cluster has no hardware failures before proceeding with a reboot.

Access the Reboot Option in the Tetration UI:

• Click Platform.

• Navigate to Upgrade/Reboot/Shutdown.

• Choose the Reboot option.

Conclusion

Summary of Best Practices

The successful relocation of a Tetration (CSW) cluster requires careful planning and execution of the outlined prechecks, shutdown procedures, and post-relocation steps. Using these best practices can help prevent issues and ensure the cluster runs smoothly after the move.