To add a new node to the existing WAS ND cell, the first step is to install WAS ND 8.5.5 to the new system.
Please make sure that the Deployment manager is at the same fixpack level or higher than the new node.
The next step is then to create on the new node a custom profile. This can be done via UI or script.
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/was-nd/8.5.5?topic=interface-creating-custom-profiles
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/was-nd/8.5.5?topic=systems-manageprofiles-command
I would recommend that you create the profile with the option federateLater as this makes sure that the profile is fully created even if the Deployment Manager cannot be reached.
After the profile has been created, you then use the addNode command to federate the new node into the cell.
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/was-nd/8.5.5?topic=tools-addnode-command
Once your node has been federated into the cell, you can expand the cluster by adding new cluster members onto the new node.
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/was-nd/8.5.5?topic=workloads-adding-members-cluster
Depending on the ports that will be assigned to the new cluster member, you might have to add the new port to the virtual host.
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/was-nd/8.5.5?topic=hosts-virtual-host-collection
If you want to add another web server to your WAS ND cell, you can use the Administration Console.
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/was-nd/8.5.5?topic=in-setting-up-local-web-server
Existing applications can be mapped to the new web server via mapping.
https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/was-nd/8.5.5?topic=files-mapping-modules-servers
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Lars Besselmann
Application Modernization Specialist, IBM Technology Sales, EMEA
IBM
Düsseldorf
Lars.Besselmann@de.ibm.com
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Original Message:
Sent: Tue November 11, 2025 07:14 AM
From: Muhammad Faisal Syed
Subject: Adding a New Node to IBM WebSphere Application Server ND 8.5.5 Cluster
Hi,
I am trying to add a new node with a WebSphere profile to an existing cluster on IBM WebSphere Application Server Network Deployment (ND) 8.5.5. The cluster currently consists of 6 other nodes, each with an associated IHS instance.
I need guidance on how to properly add this new node to the cluster. I have already installed the application server and IHS on the new node and placed them in the same location as on the other nodes.
I'm especially unsure about updating the deployment manager profile and syncing the changes to the new node, generating and propagating plug-ins. Could anyone please provide detailed steps or suggestions on how to achieve this, based on their experience?