upgrading firmware on 3850 via usb

[robertkwild]

hi all,

got a good how to to follow

https://www.rogerperkin.co.uk/cisco/software-upgrade-guides/upgrade-software-cisco-3850-switch/

thing is im upgrading all switches already in stack and just wondering if i upgrade them to all new versions, will it lose stacking as i heard stacking requires a license and obviously for all them to be on the right version

thanks,

rob

edit -

software install file flash-1:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.03.07.SPA.bin new force switch 1-4

"new force" to get past compatibility errors, but do i want to do that?

also

after the upgrade, do i need to do

"software clean" to clean up old files?

[Reza Sharifi]

Hi Rob,

after the upgrade, do i need to do

"software clean" to clean up old files?

Yes, you can do this before or after the upgrade. Usually, it is done before the upgrade so, you have room on the flash for the new IOS.

Also, stacking does not require any license. So, long as all the switches have the same version stacking should work and you should upgrade the entire stack.

HTH

[robertkwild]

thanks Reza,

i know al switches can see eachother, so they must be atm all on the same OS, so im just going to be upgrading them all via the master switch

once the upgrade has happened on all switches do i have to specify what ios to boot from as it coukld boot from the wrong os image?

[robertkwild]

whats the difference between install and bundle mode, i know all switches in the stack need to be the same as the master?

and if i find my switches in stack in budle mode, how do i change them to install mode

[Leo Laohoo]

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@robertkwild wrote:

software install file flash-1:cat3k_caa-universalk9.16.03.07.SPA.bin new force switch 1-4

---

What firmware is the current stack running on?

This command is only valid if the current stack is running 3.X.X. 

If the stack is currently running 16.X.X then the command is different. 

IMPORTANT:  Upgrading from 3.X.X to 16.X.X is a major jump.  There will be a microcode upgrade and this will take around 14 to 22 minutes.

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@robertkwild wrote:

whats the difference between install and bundle mode, 

---

Bundle Mode is when the switch boots the BIN file.  In Bundle Mode, the switch or router extracts the relevant packages files in memory.  This means the boot-up time takes longer while the appliance extracts the files, one-by-one, and reads them in an order.  

Install Mode is when the files are already permanently stored in the flash and the switch or router boots the relevant packages.  Bootup times is quicker and does not consume a lot of memory during this stage. 

For obvious reasons, it is highly recommended to boot routers and switches in Install Mode.

[robertkwild]

Lucky I did my homework before the upgrade

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst3850/software/release/16-3/release_notes/ol-16-3-3850.html#pgfId-1246127

As you said v3 to 16 is different command from v16 to 16

Also it says how to install install mode and bundle mode but I will be installing install mode

Just one question, if I find out my switch master is bundle mode, is there an easy way to convert to install mode

[Leo Laohoo]

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@robertkwild wrote:

if I find out my switch master is bundle mode, is there an easy way to convert to install mode

---

Yes, it can be done.  If it is in Bundle Mode, converting to Install Mode will require a reboot. 

To check, use the command "sh version | | i UNIVERSAL" and it should say if this is Bundle or Install Mode.

[robertkwild]

If its in bundle, is there a quick way you know of converting to install mode?

[robertkwild]

Found it

https://youtu.be/BsYE-ZXtHO4

[Leo Laohoo]

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@robertkwild wrote:

is there a quick way you know of converting to install mode?

---

Yes and I still need to know what firmware is the stack running on. 

• Stacks running on 3.X.X use the command "software install file flash:<IOS_FILENAME> new force verb on-reboot". 
• Stacks running on 16.X.X use the command "request platform software package install switch all file flash:<IOS_FILENAME> on-reboot new auto-copy verbose"

NOTE:  Notice the option is "on-reboot"?  That is a type-o and a bug (CSCve94966 and will not get fixed).  "on-reboot" is actually "NO-reboot" and this instructs the stack not-to-reboot after the package files have been unpacked.

[robertkwild]

As said sorry Leo, I won't know until tomorrow until I do the upgrade

Do I need to change the boot to always boot from this new image instead of the old one?

[Leo Laohoo]

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@robertkwild wrote:

Do I need to change the boot to always boot from this new image instead of the old one?

---

If the switches boot in Install Mode, no need.  However, Install Mode contains a bug where sometimes the process freaks out and does not update the "packages.conf" to point to the new IOS-XE packages.  

To compound the issue, any Cisco Release Notes about Install Mode procedures does not provide any support about this "bug" so I usually encourage people to examine the contents of the "packages.conf" file manually.  

[robertkwild]

What exactly am I looking for if I view that file to see if it has got a bug or issue

[Leo Laohoo]

Please take the time to read Cisco 3850: IOS-XE/Firmware Upgrade

Hope it helps.

[robertkwild]

Thanks Leo

I see on any software install statements you don't specify what switches to install on ie switch 1,2,3,4 or all etc, don't you need to specify this, if you want to install on stack