ASA5510 software upgrade

[Tzy Chun Chong]

Hi Security Experts,

I want to upgrade my ASA5510 to higher version but can't sure the compatibility and the upgrade path, can anyone advice? I will rate helpful reply.

I currently using ASA5510 with 256MB RAM, and ASDM "asdm521.bin". Any max version can go without any hardware upgrade?

Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance Software Version 7.2(1) 
Device Manager Version 5.2(1)

Compiled on XXX XX-May-XX XX:XX by root
System image file is "disk0:/asa721-k8.bin"
Config file at boot was "startup-config"

Hardware:   ASA5510, 256 MB RAM, CPU Pentium 4 Celeron 1600 MHz
Internal ATA Compact Flash, 64MB
BIOS Flash AT49LW080 @ 0xffe00000, 1024KB

[Vibhor Amrodia]

Hi,

You can upgrade to the ASA 9.1.x which would be the latest code available for this ASA model.

I think it depends on the current memory usage on the ASA device and accordingly you can plan the upgrade.

ASDM can be upgraded to the latest available code as that is compatible.

Also , look for the changes in the configuration post 8.3 ASA code.

Thanks and Regards,

Vibhor Amrodia

[Tzy Chun Chong]

I read other thread the upgrade path should be follow 7.2 --> 7.4 --> 8.0 --> 8.2 --> 8.4 --> 8.4(4) --> 8.4(6) --> 9.1(2)

But I also read Cisco release note the 1GB RAM is required for 8.3 version above. So i don't think I can go beyond 8.3 version.

I still struggles in finding the information what's the memory requirement for 7.4, 8.0 and 8.2. Not sure how far I can go.

[Dinesh Moudgil]

Referencing Cisco thread :
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/security/asa-5500-series-next-generation-firewalls/product_bulletin_c25-586414.html

Here are the memory requirements depending on the platform:

Looking at this, seems like you might want to upgrade the memory to 1GB for 8.3 code.

Regards,
Dinesh Moudgil

P.S. Please rate helpful posts.

[Tzy Chun Chong]

I got the info you shown, but i don't get the full info. If I upgrade to 7.4 and 8.0 and 8.2 is no required for RAM upgrade? I don't have firm answer on this coz i can't find the related document for minimum memory required at 7.4, 8.0 and 8.2 version.

[Vibhor Amrodia]

Hi,

The minimum RAM which is recommended for the upgrade past 8.3 should be 1 GB although , you can still upgrade but you might run into memory usage issue.

Upto the ASA 8.2 , you don't have to go ahead with the RAM upgrade.

Thanks and Regards,

Vibhor Amrodia

[Dinesh Moudgil · Accepted solution]

Specifically for ASA 5510,  If your current "show memory" output displays less than 20% free, Cisco recommends upgrading the memory on the ASA 5510 from 256 MB to 1 GB before proceeding with the release 8.2 upgrade.

Ref:-
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/security/asa/asa82/release/notes/asarn82.html#wp37821

In essence, you can upgrade to 7.4 and 8.0 on 256MB RAM with no issues.

Regards,
Dinesh Moudgil

P.S. Please rate helpful posts.