C9500-24Y4C and switch-stack virtual upgrade

[ScottDawson2051]

Hi All,

I have a pair of C8500-24Y4C's running in switch-stack virtual mode , the current IOS is Gibraltar 16.12.4 and the "supported version is Amsterdam 17.3.3, can I just upgrade direct from Gibraltar to Amsterdam ?, and if so what is the best method for a switch-stack virtual upgrade (I have seen many posts but all seem slightly different so I am a bit confused)

Regards

[ilay]

Yes, you can direct upgrade switch software to Amsterdam.

You can refer to the corresponding version of ReleaseNotes to operate, in the "Upgrading the Switch Software" section

for 17.3.3 you can find here:

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst9500/software/release/17-3/release_notes/ol-17-3-9500.html

[Leo Laohoo]

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@ScottDawson2051 wrote:

can I just upgrade direct from Gibraltar to Amsterdam

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NOTE:  17.3.4 will be released on July 2021. 

Yes, direct upgrade to 17.3.X is supported, however, be aware there will be a micro-code upgrade involved and this will take around 10 minutes. 

It is highly important if someone takes the time to read the Release Notes properly. 

The instructions on how to do the upgrade, in Install Mode, in standalone or VSS is explained in the Release Notes.

[balaji.bandi]

Your subject mentioned "C9500-24Y4C" and your content mentioned "C8500-24Y4C"

Hope you mean by "C9500-24Y4C"  - then yes you can go upgrade directly current to new version, required micro code upgrade.

as basic guide lines, read the relase notes and understand the caveats.

[ScottDawson2051]

Hi All - Thanks for the feedback. This 10 minute outage while the microcode is updated is this per switch and not at the same time (as in would cause a complete outage or staggered one switch first then the other) ?

Regards 

[balaji.bandi]

10min per switch when the Micro code upgrading taking place.

ROMMON Upgrades

In case of a Cisco StackWise Virtual setup, upgrade the active and standby switch.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst9500/software/release/17-3/release_notes/ol-17-3-9500.html#concept_ycv_jdf_3mb

[Leo Laohoo]

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@ScottDawson2051 wrote:

This 10 minute outage while the microcode is updated is this per switch and not at the same time (as in would cause a complete

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Since the two units will reboot simultaneously, then ROMMON upgrade will take down both switches for 10 minutes and the IOS-XE packages will get loaded. 

So think about a 17 minute outage for both units.  

[ilay]

I agree with Leo. The current ios version does not support ISSU, and it will restart at the same time during the upgrade process.

I have not encountered an IOS-XE microcode upgrade before, and I am not sure about the time consumed.

[ScottDawson2051]

Hi All - Again many thanks for updates - Unfortunately my request to upgrade has been denied by my employer because of the total outage downtime , assume its reasonably safe to stay on Gibraltar ?.

[balaji.bandi]

it what it is - if business and employer looking less downtime or no downtime, need to invest more high availability setup, is this good to invest for business  ?

i am sure network need some downtime to keep the lights on and keep the security patch.

cisco dev team yet to come up with patching hot without any reboot. on the roadmap for now i guess.

[Leo Laohoo]

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@ScottDawson2051 wrote:

assume its reasonably safe to stay on Gibraltar

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16.12.4 is not a stable release.  

If the owner wants "proof", I have a very long list of TAC Cases all about 16.12.4 -- And I am just putting this "mildly".