Image Upgrade on 5508 - FlexConnect Group Question

[jonathanw84]

Hello,

I have two 5508s that service our remote sites via FlexConnect. In the past, I would use the AP Image Pre-Download feature to push the new code to the APs at once. But I have since moved each remote site into their own FlexConnect Group. What is the process for the image upgrade now that each site is in a FlexConnect Group?  Any information is much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jonathan

[Scott Fella]

In the FlexConnect group, you can specify one master for the pre-download or you can do it the normal way and push the image out to all the AP's.  This depends on the WAN link also. 

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/7-4/configuration/guides/consolidated/b_cg74_CONSOLIDATED/b_cg74_CONSOLIDATED_chapter_010010001.pdf

-Scott 

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[jonathanw84]

Thanks Scott. Just so I'm understanding correctly, here is what I would do:

Upload new primary image to both controllers.
Perform the FlexConnect Image Upgrade by going to Wireless > FlexConnect Groups > Image Upgrade > FlexConnect Upgrade

Would I then reboot the controllers from here? It's still a bit unclear as to the process.

Thanks,

Jonathan

[Scott Fella]

Once the WLC has the new image you want, you then use the pre-download on the FlexConnect group and you will push the new image to one AP in the FlexConnect group. That AP will then push the image to all other AP's in that group. When this is done, you then can reboot the controller and the AP's will join and reboot to the new image. That is all:)

-Scott 

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[dot1x]

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@Scott Fella wrote:

Once the WLC has the new image you want, you then use the pre-download on the FlexConnect group and you will push the new image to one AP in the FlexConnect group.

Could this be done from WLC GUI >> Wireless >> FlexConnect Groups?

That AP will then push the image to all other AP's in that group.

The APs won't reboot after the image is pushed to all APs?

When this is done, you then can reboot the controller and the AP's will join and reboot to the new image. That is all:)

When we would reboot the controller(s), would APs reboot automatically? Reason I'm asking because the APs are working on FlexConnect Local switching.

-Scott 

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[Paul Manniex]

Hi Scott,

I am due to perform an image upgrade for a large customer this Saturday, 2 8510 WLCs (HA) and 2 5508 WLCs (HA)

I am comfortable with the upgrade process but am trying to set up as much as I can prior to the work taking place as there are over 350 APs to upgrade throughout the environment.

Each site is in its own Flexconnect group and I know that if I do not elect a master AP then it will auto select on the lowest MAC address.  I do not want this to happen as the master could be spending quite sometime upgrading the 'slaves' at some sites so I will be identifying the APs with the least priority (ie Canteen) to become the master for each site.

My question is, when I set an AP as a master within a Flexconnect group on the controller and hit 'apply' does that result in the AP rebooting?

Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated

-Paul .

[Scott Fella]

Paul,

Setting an AP as the master in a FlexConnect group will not reboot the AP. You should be fine there. Depending on the wan link, I have at times never used the master and used the pre-image upload during the late night hours.  Either way can work for you.

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