Converting the Device Mode for a QFabric System Component

When you convert a device from standalone mode to Node device mode, the software prepares the device to be configured automatically by the QFabric system. However, changing the device mode erases all configuration data on the device.

Caution: We recommend that you back up your standalone device configuration to an external location before converting a device to Node device mode.

1. Connect to your standalone device through the console port and log in as the root user.
2. Upgrade the software on your standalone device to a QFabric system Node and Interconnect device software package that matches the QFabric system complete software package used by your QFabric system. For example, if the complete software package for your QFabric system is named jinstall-qfabric-11.3X30.6.rpm, you need to install the jinstall-qfx-11.3X30.6-domestic-signed.tgz package on your standalone device. Matching the two software packages ensures a smooth and successful addition of the device to the QFabric system inventory.
   root@switch# request system software add software-package-name reboot
3. Back up your device configuration to an external location.
   root@switch# save configuration-name external-path
4. Check the current device mode by issuing the show chassis device-mode command.
   root@switch> show chassis device-mode

   Current device-mode : Standalone
   Future device-mode after reboot : Standalone
   

5. Issue the request chassis device-mode command and select the desired device mode.
   root@switch> request chassis device-mode node-device

   Device mode set to 'node-device' mode.
   Please reboot the system to complete the process.

6. Verify the future device mode by issuing the show chassis device-mode command.
   root@switch> show chassis device-mode

   Current device-mode : Standalone
   Future device-mode after reboot : Node-device

7. Reboot the device.
   root@switch> request system reboot

   Reboot the system ? [yes,no] (no) yes 
   
   Shutdown NOW!
   [pid 34992]
   
   user@switch>                                                                                
   *** FINAL System shutdown message from user@switch ***              
   System going down IMMEDIATELY 
   

8. Verify that the new device mode has been enabled by issuing the show chassis device-mode command.
   root@switch> show chassis device-mode

   Current device-mode : Node-device
   Future device-mode after reboot : Node-device

9. To enable a converted device to participate in the QFabric system, locate the applicable network cables for your device and connect the device ports to the control plane and data plane.
10. (Optional) If you change the device back from Node device mode to standalone mode, restore the saved backup configuration from your external location.
    root@switch# load configuration-name external-path