POAP Multi_Step installation failure

[madhukumar.basavaraja@fmr.com]

Looking for help for the POAP - Multi_Step installation 

we are in the process of using poap.py script for nexus TOR to build the configuration and also do the code upgrade 

Single step upgrade works fine from 9.3.9 to 9.3.13 however we want to do multistep approach 9.3.9-->9.3.13>---10.3.4aM
we encounter the issue , i have gone through the code and explain based on the feedback if anyone has done multistep approach and what Git repo code have they used. 

we are using 

set_next_upgrade_from_user() with options defining the below options 

options = {

    "username": "aabbcc",

    "password": base64.b64decode("xxyyzzz=").decode("utf-8"),          

   "hostname": "xx.xx.xx.xx",

   "transfer_protocol": "scp",

   "mode": "serial_number",

   "target_system_image": "nxos64-cs.10.3.4a.M.bin",

   'destination_midway_system_image': 'nxos.9.3.13.bin',

   'midway_system_image': 'nxos.9.3.13.bin'

}

[AshSe]

Hello madhukumar.basavaraja@fmr.com 

The issue you're encountering with the multi-step upgrade process using the poap.py script for Nexus switches is likely related to how the script handles intermediate upgrades and the transition between the different NX-OS versions. Multi-step upgrades can be tricky because they require careful handling of the intermediate image and ensuring the system transitions properly between versions.

Here are some steps and considerations to help you troubleshoot and implement the multi-step upgrade process:

---

1. Understand the Multi-Step Upgrade Process

1. In a multi-step upgrade, the switch must first upgrade to an intermediate version (e.g., 9.3.13) before proceeding to the final target version (e.g., 10.3.4aM).
2. Each step in the upgrade process must be completed successfully before moving to the next step.
3. The poap.py script must handle the reboot and reinitialization after the intermediate upgrade.

---

2. Key Parameters in Your Code

1. The options dictionary you provided includes the following key parameters:
   1. target_system_image: The final target image (nxos64-cs.10.3.4a.M.bin).
   2. destination_midway_system_image: The intermediate image to be used during the upgrade (nxos.9.3.13.bin).
   3. midway_system_image: The same intermediate image (nxos.9.3.13.bin).

Ensure that:

1. The intermediate image (nxos.9.3.13.bin) is compatible with the current version (9.3.9).
2. The final target image (nxos64-cs.10.3.4a.M.bin) is compatible with the intermediate version (9.3.13).

---

3. Check the poap.py Script

1. The poap.py script must support multi-step upgrades. If it doesn't, you may need to modify the script or use a different version.
2. Look for the function set_next_upgrade_from_user() in the script. This function should handle the logic for setting the next upgrade step.
3. Ensure that the script properly handles the reboot and reinitialization after the intermediate upgrade.

---

4. Common Issues with Multi-Step Upgrades

1. Reboot Handling: After upgrading to the intermediate version, the switch must reboot and reinitialize. The script must detect when the switch is ready to proceed with the next step.
2. Image Verification: The script must verify that the correct image is loaded after each step.
3. Configuration Persistence: Ensure that the configuration is preserved across reboots.
4. Timeouts: The script may encounter timeouts if the switch takes too long to reboot or reinitialize.

---

5. Debugging Steps

1. Enable Debugging in the Script: Add logging or debugging statements to the poap.pyscript to track the progress of the upgrade process.
2. Check Logs on the Switch: Look at the switch logs to see if there are any errors during the upgrade process.
3. Test Each Step Separately: Test the upgrade from 9.3.9 to 9.3.13 and from 9.3.13 to 10.3.4aM separately to ensure that each step works correctly.

---

6. GitHub Repositories

1. The poap.py script is often customized for specific environments. If you're using a version from a GitHub repository, ensure that it supports multi-step upgrades.
2. Some popular repositories for POAP scripts include:
   1. Cisco DevNet Code Exchange
   2. Cisco NX-OS GitHub
3. If the script you're using doesn't support multi-step upgrades, you may need to modify it or look for an alternative script.

Hope This Helps!!!

AshSe

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