This topic provides an overview of how to resolve problems with the SAN File System cluster.
The master metadata server manages system metadata for the entire cluster. It controls all operations involving system metadata, such as allocation of storage space, coordination of most administrative operations, and access to the global namespace. In addition, the master metadata server can also perform the same tasks that are performed by subordinate metadata servers, managing file metadata and workload for one or more filesets.
One metadata server at a time can act as the master in a cluster.
To obtain access to the user data in a specific fileset, clients communicate with the metadata server that manages that fileset.
When a subordinate metadata server becomes unresponsive or fails, such as when the operating system crashes or hangs, the engine is automatically restarted. In addition, if you have enabled the automatic restart service (enabled by default), the metadata server is also automatically restarted.
When the master metadata server becomes unresponsive or fails, any clients attempting to access filesets managed by the master experience the same results as clients attempting to access filesets managed by subordinate metadata servers. In addition, subordinate metadata servers can be affected by the unavailability of the master. Metadata servers in the cluster rely on a heartbeat mechanism to verify availability. Depending on the length of time that the master metadata server is unavailable, subordinate metadata servers may detect the loss of the heartbeat mechanism and cease all activity until the master is available again (or you set a new master).
Troubleshooting a metadata server
Use the information in this topic to troubleshoot problems that you are having with a metadata server.Troubleshooting the local network
Use the information in this topic to troubleshoot problems that you are having with the local network.Shutting down an engine from the RSA Web interface
This task describes how to shut down an engine from the RSA Web interface.Recovering from a lost RSA II adapter password
This topic provides the procedure for modifying the RSA II adapter settings when you have lost the password.Taking a metadata server offline
This task describes how to take a metadata server offline.Reassigning filesets to metadata servers
This task describes how to change the assignment of a fileset to another metadata server.Bringing a metadata server online
This task describes how to bring a metadata server online.Recovering metadata servers in the Not Running or Not added state
This topic describes how to resolve the problem of a metadata server that is in the "Not running" or "Not added" state.Adding a metadata server to an existing cluster
This topic lists the steps required to add a metadata server to an existing cluster.Repairing metadata
This task describes how to repair metadata.Metadata server does not start and no master disk is found in the standard log
This topic explains how to identify when lost LUNs are preventing the metadata server from starting correctly.Backing up system metadata
This task describes how to back up system metadata.
Parent topic: Troubleshooting
Related reference
Commands