Nexus 9k upgrade from 6.1 to 7.0(3)

[shaharshad]

Hi, 

Preparing for Nexus 9k upgrade from 6.x to 7.0(3).l7.4. However i have read due to few caveats, it is good in two stage upgrade i.e. from 6.x to 7.0.(3).l3-l6 etc. and then instal 7.0(3).l7(4). 

best regards 

[balaji.bandi · Accepted solution]

you can upgrade from 6.1X  to 7.X directly ( but make sure you read the release notes before upgrade)

below documents for reference :

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/datacenter/nexus9000/sw/7-x/upgrade/guide/b_Cisco_Nexus_9000_Series_NX-OS_Software_Upgrade_and_Downgrade_Guide_Release_7x.html

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/datacenter/nexus9000/sw/7-x/release/notes/70374_nxos_rn.html#Upgrade_Instructions

[shaharshad]

one caveats 

■        When upgrading to Cisco NX-OS Release to 7.0(3)I7(4) from 7.0(3)I2(x) or before and running EVPN VXLAN configuration, an intermediate upgrade to 7.0(3)I4(x) or 7.0(3)I5(x) or 7.0(3)I6(x) is required. For further details, please refer to CSCvh02777.

■        When upgrading to Cisco NX-OS Release 7.0(3)I7(4) running EVPN VXLAN and redistributing BGP EVPN into OSPF, match the route-type internal under the relevant route-map configured.

Is there any other while  upgrading from 6.1. In case we are not using VXLAN than this shouldn't be a problem? 

[balaji.bandi]

yes correct, as long as you are not using that features, you are good.

[Darian O'Dirling - TCE]

Hi @shaharshad ,

Yes, you are correct. Cisco recommends upgrading Nexus 9k switches from 6.x to 7.0(3).l7.4 in two stages:

This is because there are a few caveats associated with upgrading directly from 6.x to 7.0(3).l7.4. For example, if you are using vPC, you may experience Layer 2 connectivity issues. Additionally, some features may not be available in 7.0(3).l7.4 if they were not present in the previous version of NX-OS.

By upgrading in two stages, you can avoid these issues and ensure a smooth upgrade process.

For future reference here is the issu matrix tool.
https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/dcn/tools/nexus-9k3k-issu-matrix/index.html

Here are two videos made by some of my peers:

Here is the upgrade proceedure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IE1vmg8Q7M

Here are the upgrade types: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vagAc4N7wyw