Firepower 4112 ASA multiple Context mode

[gaigl]

Hello,

we've a FPR4112 with an ASA as logical Device.

now i thought i could add another logical Device, unfortunately this is only possible with FTD.

Now I want to change the existing ASA from single to multiple Context mode with "mode multiple".

Question 1: does this erase the config of the ASA? Or does after Reboot everything keep working?

Question 2: this is a active/standby Pair, does this command replicate or does this command break the Cluster.

Thank you

Karl

[Sheraz.Salim · Accepted solution]

Switching an ASA from single to multiple context mode with the "mode multiple" command will indeed impact the device, so it's crucial to plan and execute this change carefully. Let's address your questions:

Impact on Configuration: When you switch an ASA from single to multiple context mode, the existing configuration will be overwritten. The device essentially undergoes a reset, and you'll have to reconfigure everything from scratch within the context(s). It's like starting with a clean slate. Ensure you have a backup of the existing configuration before making this change so that you can restore any necessary settings afterward.

Effect on Active/Standby Pair: When you have an active/standby failover configuration, converting to multiple context mode can indeed disrupt the failover setup. After the conversion, the two ASAs will be treated as individual devices with their own configurations. The failover configuration will need to be reestablished within the context(s) on both devices. It's essential to plan for downtime during this transition, as failover configurations will need to be reconfigured and tested to ensure proper functionality.

In summary, switching an ASA from single to multiple context mode is a significant change that requires careful planning and consideration of potential downtime. Be sure to backup your existing configuration and thoroughly test the new setup before deploying it in a production environment.

Hope provided information will help you to plan your migration work.

[gaigl]

Hello Sheraz,

many thanks to you