ASA 5550 failover configuration

[James Martinez]

I have two identical ASA 5550 firewalls that I need to set up for Active/Standby failover so I can then upgrade them with zero downtime.  I am running them in single, routed mode so I would have to configure failover for Active/Standby.  Can I do a cable-based configuration? The documentation states that is only available on the PIX 500 Security Appliance.  Going through the Support Community forums it appears I can.  Who is right?  If I can do cable-based configuration do I have to turn off the secondary ASA to do the inital configuration?  Thanks much.

[Julio Carvajal]

Hello James,

Yes, you can do cable-based (if you mean connect the devices via a cable without a switch.. That will not be a problem)

Cisco recommends use a switch between the units for troubleshooting purposes but it's not a MUST.

Configuration wise, same procesure nothing different so just follow the regular process.

For more information about Core and Security Networking follow my website at http://laguiadelnetworking.com

Any question contact me at jcarvaja@laguiadelnetworking.com

Cheers,

Julio Carvajal Segura