Updating two 4402 WLCs need advise

[bartosz dworzanczyk]

Hi,

Currenty have (2) - AIR-WLC4402-12-K9 with Software Version: 5.2.193.0 running with (12) - AIR-LAP1252AG-A-K9 Software: 5.2.193.0 IOS: 12.4(18a)JA2. I have couple question hoping you guys could help me out with them.

1. Under Cisco download cisco page I have two options: Early Deployment(ED) or Maintenance Deployment(MD) -  Which one would be safer and which version would you suggest to  install?
2. When I upgrade Software on WLCs do I need to do anything with LWAPs or they will redownload new image from the controller?
3. If the LWAPs get new image from WLC that basically updates their IOS?. Correct me if I'm wrong.
4. Can I jump from Software Version 5.x to 7.x right away OR do I need to do multiple updates?
5. I'm also running WCS Version: 6.0.132.0 and ACS Version : 5.0.0.21. Will any of these will need to be updated as well? If yes how do I know which versions works well with each other?

Thank you in advance.

[Scott Fella]

With the 4402's you should be in v7.0.240.0. The upgrade process can be found here.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/controller/release/notes/crn7_0_240_0.html

Also make sure you upgrade to the latest ER version to. The info is in the release notes.

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[Scott Fella]

Additional notes for you

When upgrading from 5.2.193.0 to 7.0.240.0 release, access points with names that contain spaces will lose their configured name. For example, if an access point was named "APTestName 12," after upgrade, when the access point rejoins the controller, the name is truncated to "APTestName."

5.2.157.0 or later 5.2 release you can upgrade directly to 7.0.240.0.


FUS info
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/controller/release/notes/crn7_0_240_0.html#wp877571

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[bartosz dworzanczyk]

Scott,

Last question, when upgrading WLC do I need to update  APs ios first or It will feed it from the controller? Meaning do I need  to load them with recovery image or wlc will take care of it for me?

[Scott Fella]

The WLC will upgrade the AP's you don't have to worry about that.

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[Scott Fella]

Keep this matrix handy also. This shows you what code is compatible with other code versions

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/controller/5500/tech_notes/Wireless_Software_Compatibility_Matrix.html

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[Sandeep Choudhary]

Hi,

Make sure that last support for 4402 wlc is 7.0.240.0

Under Cisco download cisco page I have two options: Early Deployment(ED) or Maintenance Deployment(MD) -  Which one would be safer and which version would you suggest to  install?

Here is image you should download:

http://software.cisco.com/download/release.html?mdfid=279911193&flowid=7586&softwareid=280926587&release=7.0.240.0&relind=AVAILABLE&rellifecycle=ED&reltype=latest

2.  When I upgrade Software on WLCs do I need to do anything with LWAPs or they will redownload new image from the controller?

You dont need to do anything, they will download the new image from WLC.

3. If the LWAPs get new image from WLC that basically updates their IOS?. Correct me if I'm wrong.

yes they will and also changes some config , but you can cross check later on WLC.(As scott also mention about AP name, so that you can check after AP joins to wlc with new code)

4.  Can I jump from Software Version 5.x to 7.x right away OR do I need to do multiple updates?

Yes you can directly upgarde to 7.0.240.0

Here is the upgrade compatibilty matrix:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/controller/release/notes/crn7_0_240_0.html#wp784882

5.  I'm also running WCS Version: 6.0.132.0 and ACS Version : 5.0.0.21. Will any of these will need to be updated as well? If yes how do I know which versions works well with each other?

make sure you have equal or higher version on wcs then wlc .

Check thsi compatibility matrix:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/wireless/controller/5500/tech_notes/Wireless_Software_Compatibility_Matrix.html#wp99531

Regards

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[Scott Fella]

Bartosz,

You may want to look at Prime Infrastructure... right now as long as you have a support contract on WCS, you can upgrade to PI 1.4.x or PI 2.0 for free!!!! 

ACS version you have is pretty old too, and that you might want to look at upgrading.  The latest release is v5.5, but if it still works fine, then just leave it.

Thanks,

Scott

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[bartosz dworzanczyk]

Scott and Sandee,

Thank you for your feedback I really appreciate it. Question about ACS-if I'll leave it at the current version I shouldn't have any issues with the wireless correct? ACS upgrade is not on the scope but I want to verify before.

Thank you in advance,

Bart

[Sandeep Choudhary]

you dont have to worry about this , it will work with this version. You have ACS 5.0 version so its not so pretty old but as Scott mentioned, If you can then go for higher version.

Regards

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[bartosz dworzanczyk]

Sandee,

One more thing. Is there preference which one should be upgraded first meaning wlc then wcs, the other way or it doesn't matter?

I'm guessing it doesn't matter since two different platforms but want to make sure.

[Scott Fella]

It doesn't matter... you can do it the same time if you want:)

Thanks,

Scott

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[Sandeep Choudhary]

Yes It doesnt matter but make sue that while adding WLC to WCS ,you must have equal or higher version on WCS then

WLC.

Regards

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.

[bartosz dworzanczyk]

Awesome, thank you. 

[bartosz dworzanczyk]

Also,

Sandee you are saying that I will have to readd wlcs once upgraded?