5.3.9. HOWTO Migrate to a New Puppet Server

5.3.9.1. Creating a new server and migrating clients

The recommended method for upgrading major breaking changes (X bump) is to create a new Puppet Server and migrate your data and clients to it. This process follows the path of least destruction; we will guide you through how to back up the existing Puppet server, create a new server, and transfer your clients.

  1. Set up a new Puppet server that will house your new SIMP environment.

    Note

    You must ensure that this node can be reached by any client that is to be migrated. The new system will not interfere with your existing Puppet system unless you specifically configure it to do so.

    Important

    Do NOT destroy your old Puppet server until everything has been successfully migrated and is in production under the new server.

  2. Consider vital services other than Puppet that are housed on your current Puppet server node (e.g., DNS, DHCP, LDAP, custom kickstart, YUM, NFS, etc.). You may choose to keep many of these services running on your old Puppet server node. Anything not preserved must be migrated to a new system.

5.3.9.2. Back Up the Existing Puppet Server

Prior to any modifications to your infrastructure, we highly recommend following HOWTO Back up the Puppet Server.

5.3.9.3. Create a New Server

Obtain an official SIMP ISO or point your server at the latest YUM Repositories: and follow the ISO Installation (Preferred) or Installing SIMP From A Repository as appropriate.

Follow the Client Management guide, and set up services as needed. Remember, you can opt-out of any core services (DNS, DHCP, etc.) you want your clients or old Puppet server to run! If you want the new Puppet server to run services the existing Puppet server ran, you may be able to use the backup of the rsync directories from the old system.

Warning

Do not blindly drop rsync (or other) materials from the old Puppet server onto the new one. The required structures for these components may have changed.

When you Apply Certificates you may wish to transfer client certs to the new server. If you are using the FakeCA and still wish to preserve the certificates, follow the Installing Official Certificates guidance, and treat the existing Puppet server as your ‘proper CA’.

5.3.9.4. Promote the New Puppet Server and Transfer Your Clients

Follow the HOWTO Move a Client to a new Puppet Server guide to begin integration of your new Puppet server into the existing environment.

Note

You should always start migration with a small number of least critical clients!

5.3.9.5. Retire the Old Puppet Server

Once you have transferred the management of all your clients over to the new Puppet server, you may safely retire the old Puppet server.