Summary

Question

Customer Environment

Resolution

Use cases

1. Issue with current SmartZone cluster
2. Maintenance of the SmartZone
3. Customer moving from physical SZ cluster to virtual or vice-versa
4. Re-using the devices on different customer/location managed by different SmartZone cluster.

Important points to consider before switchover the devices to another cluster

1. Depending upon the use-case, you may want to pre-configure your target cluster in advance to avoid downtime.
2. If you are moving the devices to a new controller with zero configuration, you may wish to configure domains, zones, device groups and can use device registration rules to move the devices to their appropriate Domain/Zone, Device Groups and Switch Registration rules.
3. For maintenance purpose or if target cluster configuration is going to be same as source cluster, make sure configuration backup or cluster backup is restored on the target cluster before using Switchover feature.
4. There might be instances where the same SSID is broadcasted by both existing APs and those moved to a target controller. This can affect client connectivity because the APs managed by the source controller and those moved to the target controller are not part of the same Wi-Fi setup. Consequently, roaming and other features may not function properly. To prevent this issue, it is recommended to migrate all APs for a specific location together.

Follow these steps to move APs or ICX switches from one RUCKUS SmartZone Cluster to another using the "Cluster Switchover" and "Switchover" options:

Preparation

• It is recommended that both the source and target SmartZone clusters are running the same software version to avoid any compatibility issues.
• Verify network connectivity between the APs/ICX switches and the target SmartZone cluster.
• If controller discovery is enabled using, DHCP Option 43, DNS, or RUCKUS Device Registration Service (DRS) pointed to the old cluster IPs/FQDN, it is possible, that after performing cluster switch over, AP's may fall back to old cluster. Hence it is recommended to update the DHCP Option, DNS or DRS Options with the new cluster information to avoid fall back situations.
• If you are using Radius Authentication for Clients in Proxy mode, make sure you add the new Cluster's Nodes IP addresses to the "Radius Client" settings, on the Radius Server. For more details, refer RUCKUS SmartZone AAA Interface Reference Guide.
• Cross verify any DNS/DHCP configuration which may impact Client or controller communication on target cluster.
• If you are using RUCKUS SCI or RUCKUS AI, you must cross verify its configuration on target SmartZone and on RUCKUS SCI or RUCKUS AI. If target system is not using the cluster or Configuration backup of the source Cluster, then you must re-configure the settings.
  • Configuring Northbound Data Streaming Settings (For SCI)
  • RUCKUS Cloud Services (For RUCKUS AI)
• License Requirements
  • Ensure that the target SmartZone cluster has sufficient licenses to accommodate the APs/ICX switches being migrated. Licenses are required for each AP and switch managed by the SmartZone cluster.
  • To verify licenses on your existing SmartZone, refer Viewing Installed Licenses.
  • If additional licenses are needed, they can be purchased and assigned through the RUCKUS licensing portal.
  • Exceptions: Temporary licenses can be provided in case of exceptions, with a proper business justification and advance approvals. Contact RUCKUS Support if temporary licenses are required.
  • For license related help, refer RUCKUS SmartZone Software Licensing Guide.

Backup Configuration

• Backup the current configuration of the source SmartZone cluster to avoid any data loss. Customer can choose configuration backup or cluster backup, or both.

Cluster Switchover (for Access Points)

1. From the main menu of source controller cluster, go to Network > Wireless > Access Points and locate the zone/APs (multiple selection is allowed) that you want to switch.
2. Click More and select Switch Over Clusters. The Switch Over Clusters dialog box is displayed.
3. For Switch Over Clusters, enter the IP address or the FQDN of the target controller.
   1. Enable/On "Delete selected Access Point after switchover" option if you wish to delete the device entry after the switchover. Default setting is "OFF".
4. Click OK. A message stating the APs are moved to the new cluster is displayed.
5. Click OK.
6. The AP can be viewed in the source controller under the default zone.

Switchover APs/ICX Switches

Pre-validation

1. Configuration only send to ICXs which firmware version ? 08.0.95b.
2. Make sure target switch has no pending configuration.
3. Make sure target switch is NOT firmware upgrading.
4. Multi-selected up to 250 Switches per request.
5. The Control IP is only supported IPv4.

1. On the menu, click Network > Switches > Switches to display the Switches window.
2. From the system tree, select a Domain > Switch Group and select the Switch.
3. Click More. Select Switch Over Cluster from the list.
4. The Switch Over Cluster dialog box is displayed.
5. In the Control IP field, enter the control IP address of the switchover target cluster.
6. Click OK. A Confirmation dialog box is displayed.
7. Click YES to confirm.

Post-Migration Verification:

• Verify the configuration and operational status of the APs/ICX switches on the target SmartZone cluster.
• Ensure all services are running as expected.

Additional Information

Tips:

• Schedule the migration during a maintenance window to minimize impact on users.
• Keep a record of all configurations and changes made during the migration process.
• Test the connectivity and performance of the APs/ICX switches after migration.