Replace a node with an active standby node

A failed node on an Enterprise Mode database can be replaced with an active standby node automatically, or manually.

Important

A node must be down before it can be replaced with an active standby node. Attempts to replace a node that is up return with an error.

Automatic replacement

You can configure automatic replacement of failed nodes with parameter FailoverToStandbyAfter. If enabled, this parameter specifies the length of time that an active standby node waits before taking the place of a failed node. If possible, Vertica selects a standby node from the same fault group as the failed node. Otherwise, Vertica randomly selects an available active standby node.

Manual replacement

As an administrator, you can manually replace a failed node with ALTER NODE:

Connect to the database with Administration Tools or vsql.
Replace the node with ALTER NODE...REPLACE. The REPLACE option can specify a standby node. If REPLACE is unqualified, then Vertica selects a standby node from the same fault group as the failed node, if one is available; otherwise, it randomly selects an available active standby node.