Switch replace

To replace a failed switch, use the following procedure:

Switch with ZTP support

Available since 6.3.2. Currently only supported on Dell Enterprise SONiC switches.

1. Navigate to Fabric Manager.
2. Go to the failed switch page Network Devices > Failed Switch > Advanced.
3. Set the failed switch in failed mode by clicking Mark as failed.
4. Remove the existing switch from the rack.
5. Add the new switch in and reconnect all cables.
6. MetalSoft registers the new switch automatically via the ZTP process, or you can register it manually via the UI/CLI like any other switch. Make a note of the new switch ID.
7. Go to the failed switch page Network Devices > Failed Switch > Advanced.
8. Select the new switch from the Replace dropdown.
9. Click the Replace button.
10. MetalSoft verifies the new switch has the same parameters as the failed one, then moves all connections from the failed switch to the new switch.
11. Click the Reprovision button (ensuring the Reprovision type is set to Full) on the page of the new switch to recreate the configuration on the new switch.

The new switch is now fully functional and registered in MetalSoft. The old switch record remains in failed state and can be decommissioned or deleted.

Switch without ZTP support

1. Go to the failed switch page Network Devices > Failed Switch.
2. Retrieve the credentials from the top of the page (MGMT internal user and MGMT password).
3. Remove the existing switch from the rack.
4. Add the new switch in and reconnect all cables.
5. Manually configure the new switch using the console so it uses the failed switch credentials.
6. Upload a backup of a running config or configure the minimum configuration required (BGP sessions, etc.).
7. Go to Network Devices > New Switch > Advanced and click the Reprovision button (ensuring the Reprovision type is set to Full) to recreate the configuration on the new switch.

The new switch is now fully functional and registered in MetalSoft.