Host4 required another reboot early this morning (around 3:00 AM Eastern Time).

This is the third reboot host4 has required in about 6 weeks or so. So, three strikes and you're out. We've had problems with host4 since it came online, have tried everything (BIOS updates, kernel upgrades, custom hacks/patches, etc).

I'm ordering a replacement machine tomorrow, and I'll announce it here when the swap-out will occur. It should be minimal downtime to swap the hard drives and re-rack the new server in host4's place.

For those that are curious, here's the scenario: We have four machines that are the same model (as host4) -- SuperMicro 6013P-i. None of the other machines in the same class have any problems at all. As it turns out, host4 has an older hardware revision than the rest. I'm going to try and get SuperMicro to replace this machine (or at least send me a new motherboard), but I'm not going to wait around for them to decide. I'll order a new machine, get it setup and tested here, and then ship it off to the data center to replace host4.

Sorry about the downtime!

Thanks,
-Chris

I got curious as to what hardware my linode was running (okay I'm a nerd). Is that suppose to be 6013P-i? I have the research skills of a caveman, but couldn't find the 5013P-i.

kenny

Yup, you are correct. So many machines, so little time.

I just placed the order for the replacement machine for host4, along with another server we'll bring online for more Linodes.

-Chris

I have the new hardware that will replace host4 here, installed, configured and tested, ready to ship out tomorrow or Tuesday.

This will be a "rolling" migration -- I'll shut each Linode down, migrate it to the new host system, reboot it (making sure its up), and then move on to the next Linode. Downtime for each Linode should be around 5-15 minutes, depending on how many filesystems there are to migrate.

It will take about three hours to migrate everyone over in this fashion. So there will be a three hour "window" when your Linode will be down for 15 minutes during the migration.

Your host will change to either host7 or host8. The fate of host4 is undetermined at this point.

I'll be emailing everyone on host4 and update here when I have the schedule.

Thanks,
-Chris

Host7 and Host8 shipped today, arriving in Dallas tomorrow. I expect them to be installed no later than Wednesday afternoon.

For those on host4, I've been working on a migration routine that you will be able to initiate from the Members control panel. That way, you can migrate your Linode off host4 at your leisure.

Those still left on host4 after Friday (let's say) will be migrated automatically.

-Chris

Thank you! Nice to know that we have control over when we'd like to shutdown our Linodes and migrate.

A possibly redundant question, just to make doubly sure: After migration, will my machine still have the same IP address as before?

I thought it was a cool idea, too


Everything moves with you to the new host. The only thing that changes is your host for console access.

Thanks!
-Chris

Hmmm. I can't find anything about migrating in the control panel. It's Friday. Did I miss the window, or did it not get put up yet? (sorry, I'm quite a bit sleep deprived at the moment, and blindness is also an option)

I don't know if the window's been opened yet (unless I missed it too ).

The migration routine is completed and deployed to the site. I just haven't flipped the switch yet. I'm going to be wrapping up my work on host7 and start sending out announcements. The "Friday" above was just for example.

If you're ready to move off host4, send me a support ticket and we can do it ahead of everyone else. This would actually help me, because a few people migrating at the same time would slow the copies down considerably. If we can do them in small groups, that would be best.

Thanks,
-Chris