IBM FlashSystem A9000/R - IB Port Fencing for Failed Grid Controllers

Mitigation

IBM has developed a new mechanism to enhance the internal interconnect network monitoring to detect a grid controller failure that didn’t shut down its IB ports as required. The mechanism automatically restarts the ports and fences the malfunctioned grid controller’s traffic, thus preventing an impact to the hosts or system. To benefit from this solution,  contact your Technical Advisor (or IBM Representative).

For IBM FlashSystem A9000R rack configuration systems (machine types 9835 and 9837):
This enhancement was added to the 12.3.2.b code version for IBM FlashSystem A9000R rack configuration systems. The mechanism is automatically enabled for systems that are upgraded to 12.3.2.b (or higher) from December 21, 2020. For systems that are already running the 12.3.2.b code and haven't yet enabled the mechanism, a concurrent support action is required to enable the mechanism. Your Technical Advisor or IBM Representative can assist.

For IBM FlashSystem A9000 pod configuration systems (machine types 9836 and 9838):
This enhancement was added to the 12.3.2.d code version for IBM FlashSystem A9000 pod configuration systems (released March 29, 2022).

Release Notes reference – Enhanced internal interconnect network monitoring, in the “What's new in version 12.3.2.b” section of the IBM FlashSystem A9000R Release Notes, and in the IBM FlashSystem A9000 12.3.2.d Release Notes as fixed issue SYS-316442.

For A9000/R code recommendations - please refer to: IBM FlashSystem A9000/A9000R Code Update Recommendation

For any question about this communication, contact your IBM Technical Advisor, should you have one assigned, or your IBM Representative.