Replacing 5800 HA ClusterXL with 9200s. Should I convert to ElasticXL?

[Perry_McGrew]

We have pair of 5800's in HA ClusterXL setup in our datacenter.   We have a pair of 9200's on the way.   All our CP GWs and Mgt are currently R82 JHF 39.

I have read a little about ElasticXL but not sure how to get there from our ClusterXL setup -- or if it really will see any benefit.   We are Healthcare and can't afford downtime -- been a long time since we upgraded from 4600 -> 5800. 

Typically, starting with the Passive GW, just do the basic setup on the new appliance, import the config, swap it in, establish SIC and  push policy (unchecking the "for gateway clusters...." option).  Once policy installed, fail over and repeat process to replace the other 5800.  

I have looked around and have not found any postings where anyone has done a conversion on live HA ClusterXL to ElasticXL.   If there is an outage needed, I probably will continue with ClusterXL.   

Any experiences, suggestions???

TIA - Perry

[the_rock]

I could be mistaken when I say this, but I dont believe you can "convert" clusterxl to elasticXL, would need to do fresh install, but maybe someone else can confirm.

Andy

[Chris_Atkinson · Accepted solution]

Currently it would be a parallel build and migrate (with downtime) to arrive at an ElasticXL cluster.

A conversion option is planned but not yet generally available, further details are not yet widely known.

See also: Working with ElasticXL Cluster https://sc1.checkpoint.com/documents/R82/WebAdminGuides/EN/CP_R82_ScalablePlatforms_AdminGuide/Conte...

[matanbe_chkpcp · Accepted solution]

Hello,

ElasticXL provides significant value in scaling, redundancy, day-to-day operations, monitoring, debugging, and more.

Regarding migration from CXL to EXL – we have a tool for that, which is currently in final testing but can be shared privately if needed. Please note that using this tool involves a short downtime, roughly equivalent to a reboot.

If you’d like more details, feel free to reach out here or contact me privately.

Regards,
Matan

[the_rock]

Good to know Matan! I may have a customer that would be interested.

Andy

[Perry_McGrew]

Matam,

Thanks for the reply and I have sent you a PM. Also thanks to @Chris_Atkinson and @the_rock for adding their input.  I will update the post if I do the conversion to let everyone know how it went, 

Perry

[the_rock]

Definitely let us know how it went if you do decide to use it.

Andy

[Perry_McGrew]

Matan,

The 9200's are in route.  Should be here next week.  Very interested to see how to migrate from our 5800 ClusterXL HA to the 9200 ElasticXL HA config.  

Regards,

Perry

[HeikoAnkenbrand]

Hi @matanbe_chkpcp,

I have a question regarding this topic.

When migrating from a ClusterXL to an ElasticXL cluster using the tool, I see the need to properly connect the systems (SYNC, MAGG1, ...). How will this be handled with the upcoming tool?

Does the tool also support VSX to VSNext?

[Perry_McGrew]

@matanbe_chkpcp 

I sent a private message a while back and have not heard back.   The 9200's are not here yet, but I'd like to know if this conversion tool that can convert our 5800 ClusterXL to 9200 ElasticXL is ready.

Regards,

Perry