Cisco APIC Getting Started Guide, Release 6.2(x)

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Contract APIC nodes using the delete node option

Updated: January 12, 2026

Overview

Use this procedure to contract a Cisco APIC cluster by removing nodes using the Delete Node option, introduced in Cisco APIC release 6.0(2). Ensure the cluster maintains a minimum of three nodes, as a two-node cluster is not supported.

  • Contract a Cisco APIC cluster by removing nodes using the Delete Node option.

Use this procedure to contract a cluster using the Delete Node option which has been introduced in Cisco APIC release 6.0(2). To contract a cluster in APIC releases prior to 6.0(2), see the previous procedure.

The Delete Node option includes two operations—reduces the cluster size, and decommissions the node.

Note

A two-node cluster is not supported. You cannot delete one node from a three-node cluster. The minimum recommended cluster size is three.

Note

Starting from Cisco APIC 6.1(2), you can delete a standby node from a cluster. Once you delete a standby node, you must perform a clean reboot before you add it back to the cluster.

Before you begin

  • Ensure the cluster contains at least three nodes; a two-node cluster is not supported.

  • You cannot delete a node from a three-node cluster.

  • Delete nodes in decreasing order by Node ID (for example, delete Node ID 6 before Node ID 5).

  • If you delete a standby node, which is available starting from APIC 6.1(2), perform a clean reboot before adding the node back to the cluster.

Procedure

1.

On the menu bar, choose System > Controllers . In the Navigation pane, expand Controllers > apic_controller_name > Cluster as Seen by Node .

2.

In the Active Controllers pane, select the controller which you want to delete by selecting the required check-box.

3.

Click the Actions button and select the Delete Node option.

4.

Click OK on the pop-up screen to confirm the deletion.

Selecting the force option has no effect. It is a no operation option, as it is not supported on Cisco APIC release 6.0(2).

Note

You need to delete the nodes in decreasing order, that is, for example, you can not delete a node with ID 5 before deleting the node with ID 6.

Check the Current Size and Target Size in the General pane. The size indicated will be one lesser than it was before. If the earlier cluster size was N , now it will be N-1.

Note

If you are deleting more than node from the cluster, the last node of the cluster is deleted first, followed by the other nodes. Shrink In Progress in the General pane is set to Yes until all the selected nodes are deleted.

The selected nodes are removed from the cluster, and the remaining nodes display the updated cluster size.

What to do next

  • After deleting an APIC from the cluster, power the controller down and disconnect it from the fabric.

  • Wait for a few minutes, and confirm that the Health State of the remaining nodes of the cluster is displayed as Fully fit before further action.