Catalyst 9400 Stackwise Virtual OS upgrade

[JY]

Hello.

We are running a Stackwise Virtual configuration with two 9407s.
I am currently using Version 16.09.02 and want to upgrade to 17.09.05.
This is the method I found, and I'm looking for advice from those with experience.

OS upgrade Step

1. Copy the image to flash: on switch 1 & 2

2. Verify if the image copied properly and also the md5 values
dir bootflash: | in bin
verify /md5 bootflash:cat9k_iosxe.17.09.05.SPA.bin

3. Check the boot config values if not pointing to packages.conf and save the configuration
show boot

4. Perform the upgrade procedure by install command
install add file flash:cat9k_iosxe.17.09.05.SPA.bin activate commit

5. When requests for reload, press “y” and switch will automatically reload
This operation requires a reload of the system. Do you want to proceed? [y/n]y
--- Starting Activate ---

6. Post the device comes up verify the version via 'show version'

Thank you for your help.
J.Y Lee

[Flavio Miranda]

@JY  

Step 1 - Take a few hours to read carfully the release notes, specially the part related with rommon.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst9400/software/release/17-9/release_notes/ol-17-9-9400/rommon_versions.html 

[JY]

I will refer to the release notes.
Thank you for your help.

[Leo Laohoo]

Step 2 is un-necessary. 

I do not enter "Y" in Step 5 because I want to reboot the switch in a later time and date (aka One-Hit-Wonder).

There is another reason why I enter "N" in Step 5:  There is a bug that causes the switch to boot the old firmware.  If I enter "N", I am able to determine what version the router, switch or WLC will boot.  And because of this, I am 100% guaranteed the switch, router or WLC will boot the intended firmware version.

[JY]

Thank you for your help.

[shambhu.kumar · Accepted solution]

Hello

If you are planning to upgrade catalyst 9407 Stack-Wise Virtual from 16.09.02 to 17.09.05,
Please upgrade first 17.03.x and then go for 17.09.05.

This is not documented but if you go for upgrade 17.09.05 from 16.09.02 directly, it would fail.
Before upgrade make sure

Check boot variable and manual boot variable status
Boot variable should be pointed to "packages.conf" and manual boot variable should be "No"

C-***-CSW-C9407-1-***#sh boot system
BOOT variable = bootflash:packages.conf;
MANUAL_BOOT variable = no
BAUD variable = 9600
ENABLE_BREAK variable does not exist
BOOTMODE variable does not exist
IPXE_TIMEOUT variable does not exist
CONFIG_FILE variable =

Standby BOOT variable = bootflash:packages.conf;
Standby MANUAL_BOOT variable = no
Standby BAUD variable = 9600
Standby ENABLE_BREAK variable does not exist
Standby BOOTMODE variable does not exist
Standby IPXE_TIMEOUT variable does not exist
Standby CONFIG_FILE variable =

Also verify if Switches are in SSO Mode
C-***-CSW-C9407-1-***# sh redundancy
Redundant System Information :
------------------------------
Available system uptime = 1 year, 7 hours, 51 minutes
Switchovers system experienced = 2
Standby failures = 0
Last switchover reason = active unit removed

Hardware Mode = Duplex
Configured Redundancy Mode = sso
Operating Redundancy Mode = sso
Maintenance Mode = Disabled
Communications = Up

Current Processor Information :
-------------------------------
Active Location = Switch 1
Current Software state = ACTIVE
Uptime in current state = 1 week, 5 days, 10 hours, 31 minutes
Image Version = Cisco IOS Software [Dublin], Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT9K_IOSXE), Version 17.12.4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc3)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2024 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Tue 23-Jul-24 09:40 by mcpre
BOOT = bootflash:packages.conf;
CONFIG_FILE =
Fast Switchover = Enabled
Initial Garp = Enabled

Peer Processor Information :
----------------------------
Standby Location = Switch 2
Current Software state = STANDBY HOT
Uptime in current state = 1 week, 5 days, 10 hours, 18 minutes
Image Version = Cisco IOS Software [Dublin], Catalyst L3 Switch Software (CAT9K_IOSXE), Version 17.12.4, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc3)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2024 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Tue 23-Jul-24 09:40 by mcpre
BOOT = bootflash:packages.conf;
CONFIG_FILE =