I've heard it's possible to install multiple versions of f5 VE ( Virtual Edition ) on a single instance , where each version is installed in a separate partition , so that all versions fall under a single license.
If this is true , what are the exact install / config steps ?
Thanks.
Employee
I guess you are talking about Multi-Tenant. In any BIG-IP (VE or not), you can create Routing Domain and Partitions in order to separate all objects (VS, Pool, Nodes ...) and separate the routing domain (like VRF). But everything run on the same VE (the same OS and the same license).
The other solution is Virtualisation (vCMP) on some hardware platforms (5200v, 7200v, 10200v and viprion). In that case, you have one license and you can create several GUESTs in your platform. Each guest hosts its own OS.
Hope this help. Let me know.
Matt
Thanks for the response Matt.
Here is my use-case :
I have an instance of f5 BIP-IP VE 10.2.4 that I am using for dev/test , which of course is a licensed instance ( during install/config , I entered base + add-on reg keys ).
I now need to also do some dev/test on 11.4.0 -- but I don't want to update my 10.2.4 because I still need it.
Is it somehow possible to run both 10.2.4 and 11.4.0 under the same license ?
Employee
You can have v11.2, v11.3 and v11.4 on three different volumes and boot on the one you want. But v10 and v11 don't use the same volume concept. May works, but not advised.
The best solution for you is to request a demo license so that you can test 11.4 on a brand new instance. Duration license is 45 days. Your local F5 contact will provide you with this license. Else, drop me an email and I will provide you with one.
Take care.
Matt
Employee
Mail : m.dierick@f5.com
EmployeeI now need to also do some dev/test on 11.4.0 -- but I don't want to update my 10.2.4 because I still need it.
Is it somehow possible to run both 10.2.4 and 11.4.0 under the same license ?
just wondering if you do not need 10.2.4 and 11.4.0 at the same time, can we just install 11.4.0 in another volume (e.g. HD1.9)? since both are on the same hardware, same license is applied. please be noted that you may have to re-activate license before installing 11.4.0.
sol7727: License activation may be required prior to software upgrade
http://support.f5.com/kb/en-us/solutions/public/7000/700/sol7727.html
Employee
root@ve10(Active)(tmos) install sys software hotfix Hotfix-BIGIP-11.4.0-2405.0-HF2.iso volume HD1.1
root@ve10(Active)(tmos) show sys software
Sys::Software Status
Volume Product Version Build Active Status
--------------------------------------------------
HD1.1 BIG-IP 11.4.0 2405.0 no complete
HD1.9 BIG-IP 10.2.4 817.0 yes complete
root@ve10(Active)(tmos) reboot volume HD1.1
The system will be rebooted momentarily
[root@ve10:Active:Standalone] config tmsh show sys version|grep -iA 4 main\ package
Main Package
Product BIG-IP
Version 11.4.0
Build 2405.0
Edition Hotfix HF2
[root@ve10:Active:Standalone] config tmsh show sys soft
--------------------------------------------------
Sys::Software Status
Volume Product Version Build Active Status
--------------------------------------------------
HD1.1 BIG-IP 11.4.0 2405.0 yes complete
HD1.9 BIG-IP 10.2.4 817.0 no complete
by the way, are you using vmware?
sol14220: Change in Behavior: Supported hypervisors for upgrading BIG-IP Virtual Edition systems
http://support.f5.com/kb/en-us/solutions/public/14000/200/sol14220
How exactly would I go about installing 11.4.0 to a volume separate from 10.2.4 but covered under a single license ?
Employeejust normal installation procedure. by default, configuration and license of current active volume will be rolled forward to software in a new volume. anyway, please make sure you re-activate license before installing 11.4.0.