IOS upgrade C6506-E modular to no-modular

[James Lasky]

Hi

we had a problem in IOS upgrade on a couple of WS-C6506-E (VSS mode with one supervisor per chassis) using EFSU.

Seems the problem comes from the modular to no-modular IOS we are placing (now s72033-ipservicesk9_wan-vz.122-33.SXI4a.bin à new s72033-ipservicesk9_wan-mz.122-33.SXI5.bin)

Hence the idea is to load the new IOS without EFSU.

Here below the steps we’d like to perform, we have doubts at 3) 5), moreover if anybody can suggest the fastest/secure way to upgrade will be appreciated..

Tks

Steps:

0) Switch2 active

Switch1 standby

1) on switch1 (standby) load the new IOS, switch2 is running without VSS operative

2) when switch1 is running with new IOS, on switch2 (active) we force the switchover (redundancy force-switchover)

3)   Now the switch1 is active and switch2 standby ? or both active with different IOS ?

What happens to the distribution switches connected to the VSS with port-channel with one link to one 6500 and anther link to the other 6500 ?

4) load of the new IOS on switch2

5) when switch2 runs with the new IOS automatically VSS goes up ?

INFO :

On both switch we have supervisor :  VS-S720-10G

IOS working:     s72033-ipservicesk9_wan-vz.122-33.SXI4a.bin

IOS new:          s72033-ipservicesk9_wan-mz.122-33.SXI5.bin

#sh switch virtual redundancy
                  My Switch Id = 2
                Peer Switch Id = 1
        Last switchover reason = active unit removed
    Configured Redundancy Mode = sso
     Operating Redundancy Mode = sso

Switch 2 Slot 5 Processor Information :
-----------------------------------------------
        Current Software state = ACTIVE
       Uptime in current state = 12 weeks, 5 days, 14 hours, 29 minutes
                 Image Version = Cisco IOS Software, s72033_rp Software (s72033_rp-IPSERVICESK9_WAN-VM), Version 12.2(33)SXI4a, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2010 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Fri 16-Jul-10 12:34 by prod_rel_team
                          BOOT = sup-bootdisk:s72033-ipservicesk9_wan-vz.122-33.SXI4a.bin,12;sup-bootdisk:s72033-ipservicesk9_wan-vz.122-33.SXI.bin,1;
                   CONFIG_FILE =
                       BOOTLDR =
        Configuration register = 0x2102
                  Fabric State = ACTIVE
           Control Plane State = ACTIVE

Switch 1 Slot 5 Processor Information :
-----------------------------------------------
        Current Software state = STANDBY HOT (switchover target)
       Uptime in current state = 3 weeks, 13 hours, 54 minutes
                 Image Version = Cisco IOS Software, s72033_rp Software (s72033_rp-IPSERVICESK9_WAN-VM), Version 12.2(33)SXI4a, RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc2)
Technical Support: http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Copyright (c) 1986-2010 by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Compiled Fri 16-Jul-10 12:34 by prod_rel_team
                          BOOT = sup-bootdisk:s72033-ipservicesk9_wan-vz.122-33.SXI4a.bin,12;sup-bootdisk:s72033-ipservicesk9_wan-vz.122-33.SXI.bin,1;
                   CONFIG_FILE =
                       BOOTLDR =
        Configuration register = 0x2102
                  Fabric State = ACTIVE
           Control Plane State = STANDBY

[Giuseppe Larosa]

Hello Riccardo,

read carefully the VSS chapter of last 12.2SX configuration guide

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst6500/ios/12.2SX/configuration/guide/vss.html#wp1169328

I would ask for an extended maintanance window in case the VSS breaks ( split brain scenario)

Reza Sharifi is probably the one with more experience with VSS  in the forums try to contact him.

Hope to help

Giuseppe

[James Lasky]

Tks Giuseppe

I'd try to ping Reza....

Have a nice we

[Matthew Blanshard]

SXI doesn't support RPR mode and since you will have an IOS mismatch when you reload switch2 with the new IOS it will drop into rommon and not form the VSS pair.  You will need to schedule a full reload of the VSS pair in order to perform this upgrade.

HTH,

Matt

[James Lasky]

Hi Matt,

hence at step 4) the switch will drop in rommon at the reload ?

and at step 3) ehat happens ?

Tks

[Bert Gevers · Accepted solution]

It is not supported to run a VSS with a combination of modular IOS on one device and non-modular IOS on the other as they will not be able to sync up.

When it's desired to move from modular to non-modular IOS, you will need to change the boot statement and perform a full VSS reload.

HTH,

Bert

[James Lasky]

Hi

a question, why Cisco has decided to stop developing IOS modular towards monolithic and which are pros and cons of both ?

Tks