Cisco WAAS vCM Software Update Process

[Jonathan Bekkers]

Hi,

I've been having some problems understanding the process I am meant to follow in order to upgrade a vCM to the latest software. My first comment is that I am very green to WAAS in general but have been doing a lot of work over the last week getting our lab setup. I've upgraded our lab gear to latest software on the WAEs but have found the lab CM has started collecting errors claiming that the WAEs are running software (4.4.7) that is higher than the CM (4.3.3). Understandable since the deployment guides suggest the CM should be on eqaul/greater software version as the WAEs it manages.

Cisco's deployment guides suggest upgrading the CM is like the WAEs, you make an FTP server and point the box to it and off you go... I thought the CM used the same software as the WAEs... but it doesn't look to be the case. I've seen other forum posts suggesting you get the vCM OVA file through Cisco accounts/partner channels rather than through support/web channels. I'm not really after an OVA as that would mean building the CM from scratch from what I understand.

Summarily, does anyone have any experience with this or some guidance on how to approach this?

[Jonathan Bekkers]

Finally managed to get a TAC case open (they really didnt want to take a TAC case on vCM). I will see how I go and will let you know if they provide clear guidance.

[Daniel Arrondo Ostiz · Accepted solution]

Hi Jonathan,

You will surely get the same answer from your TAC case, but, after the OVA has deployed, you can upgrade it as you would do with any physical box.

You just need to be careful when downloading the software from cisco.com because there are two kinds of images. The ones labeled as "accelerator" can only be used to upgrade normal WAEs, while the ones labelled as "universal" can be used to upgrade either normal WAEs or a central manager.

I hope this helps

Daniel

[Jonathan Bekkers]

Exactly the issue I encountered! I was going to say that Cisco need to make it clearer what image is used for what deployment type... then I started thinking "where would I put that info". I checked the release notes for the software release and there it is. I still think Cisco should have some sort of notice in the deployment guide under "updating central manager" that specifies that certain software is required for central managers and to read the release notes to find the correct version required.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/app_ntwk_services/waas/waas/v447/release/notes/ws447xrn.html

Standard Image Files
WAAS software Version 4.4.7 includes the following standard primary software image files for use on WAAS appliances and modules:
•waas-universal-4.4.7.x-k9.bin—Universal software image that includes Central Manager and Application Accelerator functionality. You can use this type of software file to upgrade either a Central Manager or an Application Accelerator device.

Hopefully my mistake and this forum post will help others find the resolution required quicker. Thanks for your assistance.