Cisco 2504 Software upgrade

[Irakli Gvishiani]

Hello,

We have 2 Cisco 2504 WLC which are configured in N+1 HA mode. I would like to upgrade the firmware. As I assume firstly I need to upgrade secondary unit reboot it and then upgrade primary because there is no auto-synchronization between units?

[balaji.bandi]

Technically that should work :

what is exciting version, and what version are you looking to upgrade to, read the release notes ;

follow below guide :

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

[Irakli Gvishiani]

Correct me if I am wrong but Cisco 2504 supports only N+1 HA without AP-SSO.

Do I need to upload firmware to the both units? 

[Arshad Safrulla]

Yes, you need to upload the new AireOS image/FUS image to both WLC's.

[balaji.bandi]

You need to reload Primary first , then it fail back to seconday. then later secondary (active) will be reloaded.

[Arshad Safrulla · Accepted solution]

Hi Upgrades are well documented in Cisco official documentation, you may follow the below

Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) Software Upgrade - Cisco

However points to keep in mind;

1. Upgrade the secondary WLC first, make sure it is up and running

2. Upload the new image to primary WLC and pre-download the image to all the AP's.

3. Reboot the primary WLC and it will boot with new AireOS.

Things to make sure (prerequisites);

1. Read the release notes to check

 - FUS upgrade is required Release Notes for Cisco Wireless Controller Field Upgrade Software for Release 2.0.0.0 - Cisco

 - AP model compatibility in new AireOS Cisco Wireless Solutions Software Compatibility Matrix - Cisco

 - Any recommended upgrade path from the existing code to the new code. 

 - AP flash issues (certain AP's require flash repair to be done before the upgrade) Understanding Various AP-IOS Flash Corruption Issues - Cisco

2. Read the TAC recommended AireOS to choose the new code

Recommended AireOS Wireless LAN Controller Releases - Cisco

[Irakli Gvishiani]

I just want to summarize steps:

First I need to upload firmware to the second unit, reload it, wait while it is up and running. Then upload firmware to the primary unit, do pre-download of firmware for AP-s and then reload re primary unit, correct?

Do I need reload AP-s after pre-download or it will be done automatically?  

[Arshad Safrulla]

When you reload the active wlc it will fall back to the standby wlc (provided that your ap’s have primary and secondary wlc wmi’s configured) at this point of time ap’s will reload and join the standby wlc on until primary wlc comes back online.

[Irakli Gvishiani]

@Arshad Safrulla  Am I correct?