Best Practice for WLC upgrade

[mahjouboi11]

Hi,

I have two 8540 wlc in HA mode with 800+AP, and one 5508 wlc as anchor for guest access, I'm going to upgrade all of them to the latest version.

I'm looking for the best practice to complete this upgrade smoothly, if possible in steps will be much appreciated.

Thanks,

[jagan.chowdam]

Have you looked at the section - Upgrade Procedure in HA Setup from the following document.

https://community.cisco.com/t5/wireless/best-practice-for-wlc-upgrade/td-p/4528101

CJ

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[Arshad Safrulla]

TAC recommended AireOS images are below.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless/wireless-lan-controller-software/200046-tac-recommended-aireos.html

For 8540 - 8.10.162 

For 5508 - 8.5.171.0

(above is subjected to change based on the feedback by TAC and BU)

I personally like to make sure the below before the upgrade.

1. CIMC access for each box.

2. Service port access to each box.

3. Console access using a terminal server or access to the DC/MDF with proper documentation. 

4. All the image files downloaded to a network location where it can be uploaded to WLC and if required verify the MD5 hash. 

5. Read the release notes, specifically supported AP models, resolved and still open bugs.

6. Document the plan (MOP) and share it with your peers who will be part of the activity.

For 8540 - Make sure that the CIMC us upgraded first. 

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/release/notes/crn810mr6.html#:~:text=under%20Controller%20Summary.-,CIMC%20Utility%20Upgrade%20for%205520%20and%208540%20Controllers,-The%20AIR%2DCT5520

For 5508 - Upgrade the FUS is required.

Upgrading to certain new images from an existing image will require you to follow a path (incremental upgrade). Make sure that to refer to the release notes and follow the guidelines to avoid any issues.

Some useful links for you to learn more information.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/7-5/High_Availability_DG.html#pgfId-43571

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/wireless-mobility/wireless-lan-wlan/68835-wlc-upgrade.html#anc10

[mahjouboi11]

Thanks a lot for your valuable advices 

[Leo Laohoo]

---

@mahjouboi11 wrote:

Hi,

I have two 8540 wlc in HA mode with 800+AP, and one 5508 wlc as anchor for guest access, I'm going to upgrade all of them to the latest version.

I'm looking for the best practice to complete this upgrade smoothly, if possible in steps will be much appreciated.

---

What versions are the controllers currently on and what versions are they meant to be upgraded to? 

If the controllers are 8.2.X.X (and below) and going to be upgraded to 8.5.X.X (and above) and the APs are 2700/3700, let us know.  

NOTE:  8.10MR7 is scheduled to be released next week.  

[mahjouboi11]

Hi Leo,

the current version is 8.5.135.0, and I'm planning to 8.10, the AP model which I have is (2700,1800 and 1560), I hope these info is Ok.

I have anther question if you dont mind, I have 5508 wlc in DMZ as anchor, as you know for 5508 i cant upgrade to 8.10, so it there any issues when the internal 8540wlc has 8.10 ios and the dmz wlc 5508 has 8.5? issues related to the communication between them and Guest access.

thanks,

[marce1000]

            >...so it there any issues when the internal 8540wlc has 8.10 aireos (not ios) and the dmz wlc 5508 has 8.5

   Should work fine : https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/compatibility/matrix/compatibility-matrix.html#ircm_aireos_rls

 M.

[mahjouboi11]

Hi marce,

thanks a lot for your valuable advice, if you don't mind is there any bugs or any issues in version 8.10 still exist?

[marce1000]

 - FYI  : https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/release/notes/crn810mr6.html#open-caveats  , that  should not stop you from using the recommended 8.10 release https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286284728/type/280926587/release/8.10.162.0 , unless you notice an item that would be a showstopper for your wireless environment.

 M.

[Leo Laohoo]

5508 can only support up to 8.5.X.X.