Hardware

Hello:

I have a Sun 6140 SAN that is apparently having a NIC flapping problem (according to our network team) on the Controller B IP connection - which is causing network problems on the entire subnet. Controller A connection is working fine. Our network team is asking if it's okay to unplug that controller B NIC.

Since I'm a relative NEWBIE on SAN technology, I wanted to confirm that unplugging the NIC will not cause any dire consequences to users accessing their SAN-based data (servers connect to the SAN via FC HBA's connected to IBM32B-3 SAN switches). I assume that the TCP/IP-based NICs are used only for CAM access for SAN management.

Since I have two controllers, each with IP addresses, I assume I would still retain CAM and management/notification access via the Controller A NIC, even if the Controller B NIC is unplugged (until I can get Sun on-site to perhaps swap out the supposedly "bad" NIC or at last do some additional 6140 troubleshooting).

So - my question is: Can I unplug the Controller B NIC for a few days without any significant consequences for end user data access or SAN control, assuming Controller A NIC works fine?

I'm pretty sure the answer is "no problem" - but it never hurts to ask those who have more experience, in case there are unexpected consequences/issues.

Many thanks.