Patching Cisco Switch on Oracle Exadata
Oracle Database 19c represents a dedicated and enduring support release, prioritizing optimal performance, scalability, reliability, and security across operational and analytical workloads. The primary focus of version 19c is on stability, laying the groundwork for forthcoming autonomous database enhancements. Notable among these enhancements is the database's capacity to autonomously generate indexes, fostering self-optimization and sustained optimal configuration.
Furthermore, Oracle Database 19c introduces advancements like real-time statistics for all operations and the automatic isolation of problematic SQL queries. It also presents distinctive innovations tailored for core enterprise functions. Noteworthy for users with standby databases, Oracle 19c allows updates to these standbys, transforming them from read-only to read-mostly assets. To address streaming data and accommodate Internet of Things (IOT) workloads, 19c introduces a new in-memory row store and API, delivering exceptionally high-speed and high-volume data ingestion capabilities.
Patching the Cisco switch on an Oracle Exadata machine is an important task for maintaining the health and performance of the system. Cisco switches are used in Exadata machines for both the management network and the RoCE network fabric. Patching these switches helps to fix security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and add new features.
There are two ways to patch Cisco switches on an Exadata machine:
- Using the Patch Manager utility: This is the recommended method for patching Cisco switches on Exadata machines. The Patch Manager utility is a command-line tool that automates the patching process. It downloads the latest patches from Oracle, applies them to the switches, and verifies that the patches were applied successfully.
- Using the Cisco NX-OS software: This method can be used to patch Cisco switches on Exadata machines, but it is not recommended. It is more complex and time-consuming than using the Patch Manager utility, and it requires more technical expertise.
To patch Cisco switches on an Exadata machine using the Patch Manager utility, follow these steps:
- Log in to a server that has SSH access to the switch and the Patch Manager utility installed.
- Download the latest RDMA Network Fabric patch ZIP file from Oracle.
- Unzip the patch ZIP file and change directories to the location of the patchmgr utility.
- Run the following command to start the Patch Manager utility:
patchmgr -f patchmgr.conf
- The Patch Manager utility will start and display a list of available patches. Select the patch that you want to apply to the switch and click "Next."
- The Patch Manager utility will download the patch and apply it to the switch.
- The Patch Manager utility will verify that the patch was applied successfully.
To patch Cisco switches on an Exadata machine using the Cisco NX-OS software, follow these steps:
- Connect to the switch using SSH.
- Download the latest Cisco NX-OS software for the switch.
- Save the Cisco NX-OS software file to the switch.
- Run the following command to upgrade the switch firmware:
install nxos bootflash:///nxos.bin
- The switch will reboot and upgrade the firmware.
Once you have patched the Cisco switches on your Exadata machine, it is important to verify that the patches were applied successfully. You can do this by running the following command on the switch:
show version
The output of the "show version" command should show the version of the Cisco NX-OS software that was installed.
It is important to patch Cisco switches on Exadata machines on a regular basis. Oracle releases new patches for Cisco switches on a regular basis to fix security vulnerabilities, improve performance, and add new features. By patching your Cisco switches on a regular basis, you can help to keep your Exadata machine secure and running efficiently.
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