Skip to main content

Learn about volume group migration

CAUTION
If you are unsure about whether or not your array(s) contain security-enabled FIPS drives, do not attempt these operations until you have confirmed the FIPS status of the drives. The FIPS status of drives can only be verified by using the datasheet corresponding to each drive model. ThinkSystem SAN OS will not display the FIPS status of the drives. These steps are not necessary if there are no FIPS drives present in the array(s).
Volume group migration lets you export a volume group so that you can import the volume group to a different storage array. You also can export a volume group so that you can store the data offline.
Attention
Possible loss of data access – You must export a volume group before you move the volume group or import the volume group.

Export volume group​

The export volume group operation prepares the drives in the volume group for removal. You can remove the drives for offline storage, or you can import the volume group to a different storage array. After you complete the export volume group operation, all of the drives are offline. Any associated volumes or free capacity nodes are no longer shown in the storage management software.

Non-exportable components​

You must remove any non-exportable components before you can complete the export volume group procedure. You must remove these components:

  • Persistent reservations

  • Mappings

  • Volume copy pairs

  • Remote mirrored pairs

  • Mirror repositories

Basic export steps for a volume group​

Exporting a volume group includes these steps on the source storage array.

  1. Save the storage array configuration.

  2. Stop all I/O.

  3. Back up the data on the volumes in the volume group.

  4. Unmount or disconnect the file systems on the volumes in the volume group.

  5. Locate the volume group, and label the drives with the source and destination storage array names, volume group name, and total number of drives in the volume group.

  6. Place the volume group offline.

  7. To maintain proper airflow within the tray, obtain blank drive canisters or new drives so that you can replace the drives after removing the drives associated with the volume group you export.

Exporting a volume group includes these steps on the target storage array.

  1. Make sure that the target storage array has available drive slots.

  2. Make sure that the target storage array supports the drives that you will import.

  3. Make sure that the target storage array can support the new volumes.

  4. Make sure that the latest version of firmware is installed on the controller.

  5. Make sure the target storage array supports RAID Level 6 if you are exporting a RAID Level 6 volume group.

  6. Make sure that the latest version of the storage management software is installed on the target storage array.

  7. If you are exporting a volume group with Drive Security enabled, make sure Drive Security is enabled on the target storage array.

Import volume group​

The import volume group operation adds the imported volume group to the target storage array. After you complete the import volume group operation, all of the drives have Optimal status. Any associated volumes or free capacity nodes now appear in the storage management software that is installed on the target storage array.

Basic import steps for a volume group​

Note
You must insert all of the drives in the volume group into the tray before the volume group can be imported.
Importing a volume group includes these steps on the target storage array:

  1. Insert the exported drives into the available drive slots.

  2. Review the

    Import Report for an overview of the volume group that you are importing.

  3. Check for non-importable components.

  4. Confirm that you want to proceed with the import procedure.

Non-importable components​

Some components cannot be imported during the import volume group procedure. These components are removed during the procedure:

  • Persistent reservations

  • Mappings

  • Volume copy pairs

  • Remote mirrored pairs

  • Mirror repositories