04-06-2021 09:21 PM
Hello experts,
We have 9500 high-performance model (c9500-48y4c) with SVL configured and need to upgrade from 16.09.04 to 16.12.04.
Per checking the document, high-performance models are not supporting ISSU method in current release of 16.09 yet so we need to do it with traditional upgrade and going to need downtime.
Restrictions and Guidelines for Performing ISSU - On Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series Switches - High Performance, ISSU with Cisco StackWise Virtual is supported starting from Cisco IOS XE Gibraltar 16.12.1. Therefore, ISSU upgrades can be performed only starting from this release to a later release. ref: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst9500/software/release/16-9/configuration_guide/ha/b_169_ha_9500_cg/configuring_issu_on_stackwise_virtual.html#id_68890
My challenge here is to minimize the downtime needed for upgrade during reload both switches. So I'm looking for a solution if I can separate both switches from SVL domain and upgrade them separately. My steps are like below. It can minimize downtime needed for upgrade from ~30mins to only ~5-10mins with some wiring needed.
In the document, while implementing Stackwise Virtual, after configuring SVL link it has mentioned about configuring dual-active-detection links and it's not saying this is optional steps so I wonder if this is required configuration for stackwise to work properly or it's just a mechanism to avoid split-brain scenario.
I'm been completing above steps for Cat6800 VSS once, but not sure if this method would be possible for C9500 Stackwise Virtual or not. So I need you guys to help checking steps and debate if there's any other better method.
Also in step 5.1/5.2, not sure if which one would be better for completing upgrade on Active switch?
Any opinion from you guys are appreiciated.
Thanks.
04-06-2021 09:35 PM
IMPORTANT: Do not forget to read the Release Notes.
IMPORTANT: Investigate if you need to apply SMU or not.
04-06-2021 09:43 PM
I aware that traditional method will need to reboot both units, but as I said, my challenge is to reduce downtime needed to upgrade both switches so it comes to the method like I mentioned.
How do you think if it's possible?
Thanks.
04-06-2021 10:24 PM
Very nice and very complicated process -- Very easy to get things wrong.
Do note that you're going from 16.9.X to 16.12.X. This means a mandatory microcode upgrade with will take between ten to fourteen minutes.
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