Forum Discussion

Thiyagu_163984's avatar
Thiyagu_163984
Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus
Oct 05, 2017

Code upgrade from 11.6 to 12.1.1 HF1

Hello All, I'm planning to do the code upgrade from 11.6 to 12.1.1 HF1 of all our LTM devices.

 

I have few queries on the installation procedure, Could you please clarify on that:

 

1- After choosing the image from the image list and install, Does the system do the self evaluation and choose the correct HF version?

 

Or 2- Do I need to install the HF from the HF list of the system once after the image installation? If this is the case does the current HF installed on the system will support new image?

 

Could you please help me on this?

 

If any of you upgraded the LTM from 11.6 to 12.1.1 HF1, could you please share the steps you have followed?

 

Regards, Thiyagu

 

2 Replies

  • Hi Thiyagu,

    1- After choosing the image from the image list and install, Does the system do the self evaluation and choose the correct HF version?

    When you navigate to "System ›› Software Management : Hotfix List" you need to select which HF you want to install (sure you need to upload it before) then when you click on "Install" it will only show you boot locations (partitions) that has already the base image installed.

    Or 2- Do I need to install the HF from the HF list of the system once after the image installation? If this is the case does the current HF installed on the system will support new image?

    You should first finish the base image install, then proceed to the HF install. Each base image has its own HFs. So base image 12.1.2 has different hotfixes from 11.6.1. You need to connect to https://downloads.f5.com to see available HFs for each version.

    Hope it helps

    Regards

  • Check this article that summarize in 7 steps what you need to do before upgrading:

     

    https://devcentral.f5.com/codeshare/7-steps-checklist-before-upgrading-your-big-ip-1053

     

    For the upgrade process follow these steps:

     

    1- If you are in Active/Standby cluster mode, start with the Standby Unit. Click on the "Boot Location" that has the newer version from "System ›› Software Management : Boot Locations" for example HD1.2

     

    2- From "System ›› Software Management : Boot Locations ›› HD1.2" for the "Install Configuration" choose "Yes" and verify the "Source Volume" from which the system will copy the config to the destination boot location HD1.2. Normally it will automatically copy the configuration from the running Boot Location to the selected boot location (example from HD1.1 to HD1.2)

     

    3- After that, click on "Activate" to start the upgrade process. For an appliance it takes around 15 to 20 min. For a Virtual appliance it takes less (5 to 10 min).

     

    4- Once the upgrade is finished, you will be prompted to login... Validate that all your VSs are running and they have the same state as the "Active" unit. You can compare the network map to get a quick view on the system "Local Traffic ›› Network Map". If it is identical you can force the failover and apply your test plan to validate that critical services (VSs) are responding same as before the upgrade...

     

    5- Only upgrade the active unit after the standby upgrade is satisfactory.

     

    Hope it helps

     

    Regards