Q:
What is the operational difference between various format commands available on the Mobility Controller?
A:
The various commands available to perform a format on the Mobility Controller are listed below
1. Writer Erase
2. Write Erase All
3. Wipe Out Flash (This command is available only from AOS: 6.4.4.x onwards)
1. Writer Erase:
This command reset the controller's configuration only to default. We need to enter enable mode or above and type the following command:
(Aruba-Controller)#write erase
Once this command is executed we will get the following caution message
All the configuration will be deleted. Press 'y' to proceed :
Proceed either by typing "y" to proceed with the format or "n" to cancel the operation.
2. Writer Erase All:
This command reset the controller's configuration and all databases to default, including the license database. We need to enter enable mode or above and type the following command:
(Aruba-Controller) #write erase all
Once this command is executed we will get the following caution message
Switch will be factory defaulted. All the configuration and databases will be deleted. Press 'y' to proceed :
Proceed either by typing "y" to proceed with the format or "n" to cancel the operation.
3. Wipe Out Flash:
Starting from ArubaOS 6.4.4.0, the wipe out flash command was introduced. This command erases all data including configuration, logs, license keys, flash backup files and formats only the flash file system in the controller. We need to enter enable mode or above and type the following command:
(Aruba-Controller) #wipe out flash
Once this command is executed we will get the following caution message
Flash filesystem will be formatted.
Configuration, databases and all the files will be deleted. Press 'y' to proceed :
Proceed either by typing "y" to proceed with the format or "n" to cancel the flash wipe out.