Expert Guide To Nutanix AHV Cluster Shutdown And Startup

Shutting down or stopping a Nutanix AHV cluster is a rare but essential process for maintenance, hardware relocation, or scheduled downtime. It is crucial to follow the best practice procedure to avoid data loss or system instability.

In this guide, I will guide you through the step-by-step shutdown and startup procedures for a Nutanix Acropolis cluster using Nutanix Prism Web Console and ACLI commands.

Why Shutdown a Nutanix AHV Cluster?

Before initiating the shutdown process, understand the scenarios where shutting down a Nutanix AHV cluster may be required:

• Periodic Maintenance – For software updates, hardware upgrades, or infrastructure changes.
• Hardware Relocation – When moving physical hardware to another data center or location.
• Power Outage Preparation – Before a scheduled power cut to prevent unplanned failures.
• Other Downtime Needs – Any planned downtime for business operations.

Related: How to Shutdown / Stop / Start Nutanix vSphere Cluster

How to Shutdown / Stop a Nutanix AHV Cluster

Step 1: Log into Nutanix Prism via SSH

1. Open a web browser and log in to Nutanix Prism.
2. Check Data Resiliency Status:
   • Ensure the Data Resiliency status is OK.
   • If it is NOT OK, wait until it becomes OK or contact Nutanix Support.

Step 2: Pre-Check Cluster Health

• Option 1: Using Nutanix Prism Web Console
  • Navigate to Menu > Health > Action > Run NCC checks > All Checks (*) > Run.

• Option 2: Using Nutanix CLI Command

Important: If there are critical alerts, you should contact Nutanix Support before proceeding.

Step 3: Shutdown All Guest VMs | Except CVM

Important: Do NOT shut down Nutanix CVMs (Controller VMs) at this step.

Option 1: Using Nutanix Prism Web Console

• Navigate to Prism > Home > VM and select the Guest VM.
• Click on Power Off.

Option 2: Using Nutanix ACLI Command

• SSH into any Nutanix CVM and execute:

Note: Ensure all guest VMs are powered off before proceeding.

Step 4: Shutdown the Nutanix Cluster

• SSH into any Nutanix CVM and following cluster stop command

Step 5: Shutdown Nutanix CVMs

• SSH into each Nutanix CVM one by one and run following command:

• This command properly notifies to the cluster before shutting down the CVM.

Step 6: Shutdown Nutanix AHV Hosts

Option 1: Using IPMI Web Interface

1. Open the IPMI Web Console.
2. Navigate to Remote Control > Power Control > Power Off Server – Orderly Shutdown.

Option 2: Using SSH Command

• SSH into each Nutanix AHV host and run

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How to Start a Nutanix AHV Cluster

Step 1: Power On Nutanix Hosts

• Option 1: Press the physical power button on each Nutanix node.
• Option 2: Use IPMI Web Console to power on the nodes.
• Wait 10-15 minutes for all Nutanix AHV hosts and CVMs to boot.

Step 2: Start the Nutanix Cluster

• SSH into any Nutanix CVM and run

• Verify the cluster status using:

Step 3: Power On Guest VMs

Option 1: Using Prism Web Console

• Navigate to Prism > Home > VM and select the Guest VM.
• Click Power On.

Option 2: Using Nutanix ACLI Command

• SSH into any Nutanix CVM and run:

• Confirm that all guest VMs are running through Nutanix PRISM console

By following this guide, you can confidently shutdown, stop, and start your Nutanix AHV cluster without issues.

Tips

• Always follow the best practices to prevent service disruptions.
• Ensure the Nutanix cluster health status is OK before proceeding.
• Never power off Nutanix CVMs before shutting down the cluster.
• If any issues arise, contact Nutanix Support for assistance.

Still Need to Discuss

Have any doubts, queries, or questions about shutting down or starting a Nutanix AHV cluster? Feel free to drop your questions in the comment section, and we’ll be happy to assist you!

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