APIC CIMC version upgrade

[suryakant.chavan]

We are planning to upgrade the APIC from 3.2(1m)--> 3.2.10-->4.2. Currently we are running CIMC version 2.0(3i) on APIC. Can we upgarde the APIC without upgrading CIMC version? Or Do we require to upgrade the CIMC version then to what version or is there recommended path that needs to be follow.

[a12288]

I always upgrade CIMC to the recommended release according to the ACI release notes, and normally I will upgrade CIMC at first then ACI upgrade on a different maintenance window, last time CIMC (4.1.1g) upgrade took 3 hours on each APIC.

[Robert Burns]

***Note: I'm assuming you're running Gen1 APICs (APIC-L1/M1)

Looks like your IMC is already outdated for what you're running currently.  (2.0(3i) was only support on APIC 2.x and lower)
I'd upgrade your IMC first to the proper version to match your existing APIC version [3.0(4l)], which will cover you for both the current and upgrade to 3.2(10) & 4.2. 
After that:

Upgrade Fabric 3.2(1) > 3.2(10)

Then 3.2(10) > 4.2(x)
(IMC version doesn't change between 3.2(10) & 4.2 for Gen1 APICs)

Robert

[suryakant.chavan]

Thanks you for your reply !!

We are using APIC-L2. 

Per documentation we should go for 4.1(2b) ri support 4.2 (x).

Will 41(2b) support to both 3.2(x) and 4.2 (X).Also is there any upgrade path we have to follow for CIMC version like APIC version.

[Robert Burns]

Always follow the support matrix.  Even for multi-hop upgrades.
https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/Website/datacenter/apicmatrix/index.html

Robert

[tkuehner1]

Hi Robert,

I know this is an old thread but I'm having trouble finding documentation on upgrade path for APIC CIMC.  We are currently on 2.0(9c) and we are wanting to get to the recommended version 4.1(2m) in preparation for ACI upgrade to 6.0(2h) as we are currently on 4.2(6d).

Can we go straight to 4.1(2m) or do we have to go to 3.0(4r) and then to 4.1(2m)

Thanks!

[Robert Burns]

You should be able to upgrade the IMC firmware directly to the latest.  Unlike the APIC OS, there's no mandated upgrade path.

Obviously do the first APIC, then bring it back online and test and confirm everything is functional as expected before proceeding to the next.

Robert

[tkuehner1]

ok great thanks Robert!!