ASA Upgrade from 7.0

[Randy Ray]

I need to upgrade one of my firewalls that is on 7.0. What is the best upgrade path for me to follow? Can I just go straight to 8.6?           

[Jennifer Halim · Accepted solution]

You can't upgrade it to version 8.6 because that version only supports the ASA5500-X series.

The latest version you can go up to on your current ASA5500 series is version 8.4.

Depending on which model you have and what memory you have, you would need to possibly upgrade the memory before upgrading the software to the latest version.

Here is the memory requirement to run version 8.3 and above:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/security/asa/compatibility/asamatrx.html#wp48043

[Randy Ray]

Also, can I jump from version 7.0(8) right to 8.4.4.1? We just upgraded the RAM in the 5510 last night.

[Jennifer Halim]

Yes you can jump right to version 8.4.4.1.

But pls be advised of the new major changes of command from version 8.3.1 onwards (particularly the NAT and access-list).

Here is the release notes for 8.3.1 which list the major change:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/security/asa/asa83/release/notes/asarn83.html

[Randy Ray]

Awesome. Thank you, Jennifer for not only catching that but also for replying so quickly. You stopped me from making a bad mistake. It is greatly appreciated.