Cisco UCS Upgrade Guide
1 Upgrade Instructions
When UCS upgrade is divided into two steps to update the firmware and activate firmware, firmware update only as a backup version stored in the UCS , if you want to use the firmware, we have to activate firmware , so we will update the firmware becomes the first running version or as a startup version, wait until the next start into running version. And the old firmware will continue as a backup version stored in UCS , when UCS can not boot from the startup version, it will find the backup version from which to start.
With this firmware management model that allows UCS upgrades and maintenance much easier and convenient, but also reduce the burden of network administrators to improve the maintenance and management efficiency.
This upgrade manuals for reference only, specific upgrade requirements and conditions please refer to the Cisco official documents, such as
"Upgrading Cisco UCS from Release 1.4 to Release 2.0".
2 Upgrade Check
Before upgrading UCS, in order to ensure the success and safety of the system upgrade , we need to check the status of the UCS , the need to ensure each component are in normal working condition , and make the appropriate configuration backup .
Confirm the status of Fabric Interconnects
First, we will confirm each Fabric Interconect are in proper working condition . In the navigation window, "Equipment", and then selecting the Fabric Interconect A and B, in the working window , select the General tab, in the Status area, view the device information , Overall Status should show Operable:
Confirm the status of HA and settings of Cluster
In the cluster model, we also need to make sure the HA state and standby controllers , which we apply when upgrading firmware protection business is crucial steps. Select the Equipment tab in the navigation window, select Equipment → Fabric Interconnects → Fabric Interconnects A, then
In the working window , select General → High Availability Details, and then confirm the status of Ready for YES, State of Up:
Repeat the above steps for the Fabric Interconnect B to confirm.
2.3 Confirm the status of I/O module
Because the I / O modules in the chassis and blades affect the identification and management , in order to ensure the upgrade
Power, need to make sure the system has been able to correctly identify all of the I / O modules. In the navigation window Equipment tab, choose Equipment → Chassis → Chassis 1 → IO Modules → IO Modules1, then select General → Status in the working window , confirm Overall Status Status is operable, Operability is operable:
Follow the above steps to check for all the Chassis I / O module, confirm the normal state.
Confirm the status of Adapters in the server
In the navigation window Equipment tab, choose Equipment → Chassis → Chassis 1 → Servers → Server 1, and then select General → Status in the working window , confirm Overall Status Status is operable, Operability is operable:
Follow the above steps for the rest of the server to confirm the state of the adapter . If there are some cards that display inoperable, it will not affect the entire upgrade progresses, we only need to select the card to upgrade those in the normal state .
Confirm the settings of vNIC and vHBA
If the Fabric Interconnect firmware upgrade process of the need to ensure the continuity of the business , you need to confirm the Service Profiles in vNIC and vHBA settings.
First, make sure Service Profiles in vNIC is set to "Enable Failover".
Secondly, the need to make sure the operating system is installed and configured HBA Multi-path multi-path software that allows multiple server HBA cartoon SAN storage access paths too .
Follow the above steps for all server to configure the vNIC and vHBA
confirmation. The aim is to ensure that one of the Fabric in the firmware upgrade process.
Interconnect restart when activating firmware, server access to Ethernet and storage networks can be connected via another Fabric Interconnect.
2.6 Summary of checkings
Check the status of the various components in the middle , you may experience working condition is not normal circumstances , we should first see the light on the device , and confirm the identification of the equipment , while the choice of the individual components
Re-identify , in accordance with adapters → server → I / O modules → Chassis → Fabric Interconects order to re identification , if you still have problems, please contact Cisco TAC.
Download firmware bundles
Firmware bundles Versions
Before upgrading to confirm the upgrade required software bundles, which for the B -Series Blade Servers , you need Cisco UCS Infrastructure Software Bundle and UCS B-Series Blade Server Software Bundle two Bundles, are required to upload UCSM in and step by step in accordance with the Upgrade Guide upgrade , log Cisco website , firmware download :
Upload firmware
In cluster mode, the firmware package will be downloaded to both Fabric Interconnects, either primary or backup using the Fabric Interconnect initial download, Cisco UCSM will be in the middle of all the fabric interconect firmware package and mirror synchronization. Fabric Interconnect If one fails, then download the firmware will still be successful, when the fault of Fabric Interconnect recovery and back on line, UCSM will automatically synchronize the firmware package and image.
UCS upgrade version used name ucs-k9-bundle-b-series.xxxx.B.bin and
ucs-k9-bundle-infra.xxxx.A.bin, in this note, the best two firmware versions have the same, that are xxxx.
At the same time hoping to timely information on Cisco official website of concern, due to a Cisco UCS as being to promote the product, so all the information and resources to update quickly, need immediate attention in order to ensure more complete and stable system.
On the local computer to download the firmware needs can be uploaded after.
In the navigation window, select the Equipment tab, select the Equipment in the navigation tree, in the working window, select
Firmware Management→Installed Firmware→Download Firmware, Click “Download Firmware”:
In the Download Firmware window, we select Local File System, and then click Browse, select to upload Firmware:
You will be prompted to create a successful download task, UCSM GUI interface will display the download firmware bundle to the Fabric Interconnect process , when the process to 100% on the download is complete .
Follow the steps above to upload all of the firmware , firmware bundles when the image file has finished downloading, you can start the firmware upgrade .
3.3 Check the local storage space
When you download a firmware image bundle, Fabric Interconnect need at least two times the firmware image bundle of available space, if there is not enough space bootflash , delete the old image files.
4 Firmware upgrade steps
4.1 Upgrade order
When we upgrade, need to look at the sequence of steps:
- Call Home (optional)
If you do not wish to receive unnecessary warnings UCSM restart the process, you can cancel the first Call Home.
- Adapter
If you plan to upgrade directly to the card, it is best to carry out this step, but when you are not sure whether you need, we can omit this step, the final step in the host firmware package to upgrade.
- CIMC
- Cisco UCS Manager
- I / O module
Just to I / Omodule set to startup version.
- Fabric Interconnect (subordinate)
If you are using a cluster model, you should activate secondary Fabric Interconnect.
- Fabricinterconnect (primary)
If you are using cluster mode, then activate the main Fabric Interconnect.
- Host firmware package must be configured in the last step of the upgrade steps recommended in this step to upgrade the firmware of the main control to avoid unnecessary server restart. The following must also upgrade the firmware in the host firmware package: BIOS
Storage controller Gen 2 adapters
- Call Home (optional)
If you cancel the Call Home in the previous step, then it starts Call Home.
Disabling Call Home(Optional)
This step is optional . When we upgrade the Cisco UCS, UCSM need to reboot to complete the upgrade procedure. But the restart will result in service interruptions and component fails, then an alarm will be triggered Call Home . If you do not cancel Call Home, you will receive a warning in the upgrade upgrade.
In the navigation window, select the Admin tab, then select Admin → All → Communication Management → Call Home, in the working window , select the General tab:
In the Admin area , State option to select off ( Note ; if the state has been set off, UCSM
The tab will be hidden in other areas ) , click on "Save Changes".
Update Adapters,CIMCs，IOMs’s Firmware
During the update process , please do not move any terminal hardware or perform any operation , otherwise it will cause the upgrade to fail , while failure could affect regional backup.
In the navigation window, select the Equipment tab, then select the Equipment, in the working window , select the Firmware Management → Installed Firmware Click "Update Firmware":
In the Update Firmware window, first detects the entire UCS system firmware version , this step may take several minutes , depending on the amount of time spent in the chassis and blades may be :
a) other testing is complete, first select ALL in the Filter drop-down menu ( because not immediately update firmware as running version, so you can choose to update ) , if you only want to upgrade step by step , you can choose Filter in need components.
b) From the Set Version drop-down menu , choose to include the need to upgrade the firmware version.
c) Click Apply to start the upgrade , do not close the window, so you can monitor the upgrade process for each component :
update ucs-k9-bundle-b-series.x.x.xx.B.bin and ucs-k9-bundle-infra.x.x.xx.A.bin ：
Then if there is one or more terminals can not directly upgrade components , Cisco UCSM will display a notification message , we can confirm that this notice of information , Cisco UCSM will upgrade other parts of the terminal can be upgraded.
Cisco UCSM firmware image will be copied to the backup storage area , and verify that the image is available. Before we activate the release , the firmware version is still used as a backup version , UCSM will simultaneously start the update , but the completion time of each update will vary.
This time will be prompted to update started successfully, at the same time will be displayed in the Update Status updating , when all of the updating both become ready, then update the work is complete.
Here we need to pay attention to the firmware update takes a relatively long time, and update different parts are not the same , so the update process requires patience to wait for all the parts to complete the update :
When the Update Firmware window after each Upadate Status bar displays ready, update work is complete . Then click "OK".
If the blade 's service profile includes a host firmware package, so that the blade can not be upgraded UCSM adapter firmware. That Cisco UCSM able to host firmware package that is not associated with a blade upgrade , if you want a direct upgrade blade adapter, you must remove all host firmware package from the associated service profiles . Cisco UCS copy the selected firmware image to the backup storage area , and make sure image is available. When we want to activate the backup version of this image began to work .
Active Adapters,CIMCs firmware
Upload the updated firmware version exists only as a backup , if we need to use the appropriate firmware when the firmware required for activation. This step may cause a brief interruption of traffic . Be careful not to select ALL and then Filter drop-down menu in the dialog window Activate firmware , avoid going to activate all of the components. Only to excitement firmware and patches through specific activation sequence in order to ensure the success of the firmware upgrade . Because all components simultaneously activated and can not guarantee the correct order to upgrade , but also may be interrupted blade , Fabric Interconnect, UCSM communications.
In the navigation window, select the Equipment tab, then select the Equipment, then in the working window , select the Firmware Management → Installed Firmware → Activate Firmware, click "Activate Firmware":
If one or more components are not configured as a backup version of the desired version , then the version information will not be displayed in the Set Version drop-down menu in the Startup Version we have to select the appropriate version for each component.
Next we will be upgraded according to the order Adapeters, CIMCs of :
Adapters
If you do not use an adapter firmware service profile in the host firmware package to upgrade, then we can follow the steps below to activate a window in the Activate Firmware adapter firmware:
a) In the Filter drop-down menu, select Adapter (Interface Cards):
b) From the Set Version drop-down menu, select 2.0 (4d) version of the firmware bundle.
c) Check the "Ignore Compatibility Check" option box. (Must be selected to ensure that the activation of success)
d) Check the "Set Startup Version Only" option box.
Note: In a direct upgrade process, we should configure the "Set Startup Version Only" in an adapter in this setting is activated firmware enter a pending-next-boot state, and the server does not restart immediately. And after this firmware only restarted in order to become running version of firmware. But we can not for an adapter in the host firmware package configuration "Set Startup Version Only"
e) Click Apply. Activate Status displays activating, when Activate Status column displays all adapters are "pending-next-boot" or "ready", continue to the next step.
When the activation is complete , all of the adapters Activate Status column will display "pending-next-boot", need to wait until after restarting the blade server to run properly.
If all of the blade servers are now running , you can upgrade to the next step , until the appropriate time window and then restart the blade server , while the use of the recommended upgrades Adapter for host firmware package , so you can have a plan to upgrade .
CIMCs
If the CIMC firmware does not pass in the service profile management firmware package to upgrade , then the Activate Firmware window to activate the following steps :
a) In the Filter drop-down menu, select the CIMC.
b) From the Set Version drop-down menu , select 2.0 (4d) version of the firmware bundle. If one or more of the endpoint is not configured with the desired version as a backup version , then UCSM GUI interface will not display them in the Set Version drop-down menu in the Startup Version we have to select the appropriate version for each endpoint.
c) Check the "Ignore Compatibility Check" option box.
d) Select Apply.
CIMC firmware activation does not affect data traffic , but this action will interrupt all KVM session , all associated with the server will be disconnected vMedia .
When all of CIMC 's Activate Status displays are ready, we can see the CIMC 's Running Version is correct, continue to the next step.
Activate Board Controller
Here there will be a Board Controller option , mainly on the high-performance Cisco UCS B440 Blade and UCS B230 blade upgrade. Board controller firmware blade control many functions, including eUSBs, LEDs, and I / O connections.
After the upgrade is complete, view the Activate Status displays are ready, we can see the Board Controller 's Running Version is correct, continue to the next step.
Then we will activate UCSM the firmware:
1. From the Filter drop-down menu, select the UCS Manager.
2. Select the Activate Firmware, select the Startup Version drop-down menu , select the desired upgrade 2.0 (4d) version of the firmware .
3. Select the "Ignore Compatibiliy Check".
4. Click "OK".
This time the system will prompt UCSM will disconnect the connection, click "Yes":
Activate Status will appear on the scheduled:
Cisco UCSM will disconnect all active sessions , all the user exits and then activate firnware. When the upgrade is complete before they can log on again , this process will take some time , so please be patient :
After re-login , we can see that the system has been upgraded to version V2.0 (4d):
Activate IOMs
Next, you need to activate the IOM firmware, followed Activate Firmware window:
a) In the Filter drop-down menu, select the IO Modules.
b) From the Set Version drop-down menu, select 2.0 (4d) version of the firmware bundle. If one or more of the endpoint is not configured with the desired version as a backup version, then UCSM GUI interface will not display them in the Set Version drop-down menu in the Startup Version we have to select the appropriate version for each endpoint.
c) Check the "Ignore Compatibility Check" option box.
d) Check the "Set Startup Version Only" option box.
Note: When we an I / O module configuration "Set Startup Version Only", when the data path Fabric Interconnect restart, I / O modules can be restarted.
If you do not configure the "Set Startup Version Only", then the I / O module will restart and interrupted traffic, in addition, if Cisco UCSM detect the Fabric Interconnect and I / O modules in a protocol and firmware versions do not match, then the UCSM will automatically upgrade the firmware version of I / O modules to match the Fabric Interconnect Firmware, followed by activation of the firmware and restart the I / O modules.
a) Click Apply. All state Activate Status bar show "pending-next-boot", click "OK" to continue to the next step :
Activate Cluster mode Faric Interconnect Firmware
When Faric Interconnect cluster mode activates the firmware, need to pay attention to the activation order , we must first activate the secondary Fabric Interconnect, and then activate the main Fabric Interconnect, we should make sure standby Fabric Interconnect then activated .
Activate Secondary Fabric Interconnect
1 In the navigation window, select the "Equipment" tab.
2 Select Equipment, and then in the working window , select the "Firmware Management" tab.
3 Under "Installed Firmware" tab, select Acticate Firmware.
4 Select Filter Fabric Interconnects from the drop-down menu.
5 Select "Ignore Compatibility Check".
6 In the secondary fabric intrerconnect the Activate Firmware window:
a) In the Kernel row option , select 2.0 (4d) version of the firmware in the drop-down menu in the Startup Version option .
b) a line item in the System , select 2.0 (4d) version of the firmware in the drop-down menu in the Startup Version option .
c) Click "Apply".
The system will prompt you to activate the Fabric Interconnect will cause the restart, select "Yes" :
This time , Activate Status will display activating:
Cisco UCSM firmware upgrade and activate , and then restart the Fabric Interconnect and connected I / O modules , and the interruption of the chassis to the Fabric Interconnect data traffic. However, if Cisco UCS has been configured failover or system with NIC Teaming, then the data traffic will failover to the primary Fabric Interconnect without interruption.
We can pass on the secondary Fabric Interconnect FSM view the upgrade status :
This time , the secondary Fabric Interconnect restart, and each corresponding chassis I / O module
Block also restarted , since the Fabric Interconnect restart a long time, please be patient. When the activation is successful Activate Status will display ready, and can view the correct version Running Version :
7 Check the HA state has completed the upgrade of Fabric Interconnect and check all the data link is normal.
NOTE: If you do not display the following status in High Availability Details area , you do not continue to upgrade the main Fabric Interconnect.
Activate Main Fabric Interconnect
1 In the navigation window, select the "Equipment" tab.
2 Select Equipment, and then in the working window , select the "Firmware Management" tab.
3 Under "Installed Firmware" tab option Acticate Firmware.
Cisco UCSM GUI opens the Update Firmware dialog box and search system firmware version , this step will be based on the chassis number of blades for a few minutes .
4 Select Filter Fabric Interconnects from the drop-down menu.
5 Select "Ignore Compatibility Check".
6 in the main fabric intrerconnect the Activate Firmware window:
a) In the Kernel row option , select 2.0 (4d) version of the firmware in the drop-down menu in the Startup Version option .
b) a line item in the System , select 2.0 (4d) version of the firmware in the drop-down menu in the Startup Version option .
c) Click "Apply".
This time , Activate Status will display activating:
Cisco UCSM firmware upgrade and activate , and then restart the Fabric Interconnect and connected I / O modules , and the interruption to the Fabric Interconnect data traffic. However, if Cisco UCS has been configured failover or system with NIC Teaming, then the data traffic will failover to the standby Fabric Interconnect without interruption.
Because when we are directly connected to upgrade the main Fabric Interconnect port for management control , so there will be a session interrupted phenomenon , this time to re- login after we wait a little longer :
At the same time , we can see that when the main Fabric Interconnect reboot, due to the role of cluster HA , cluster in the standby role has switched , the original master controller now switches to the secondary controller :
We can use command line login UCS, through the command line to modify the standby cluster :
UCS-B# show cluster state
B: UP, PRIMARY
A: UP, SUBORDINATE
HA READY
UCS-B# connect local-mgmt
UCS-B# (local-mgmt)# cluster lead a
UCS-B# (local-mgmt)#
So far, the basic work of the upgrade has been completed.
4.9 Enable Call Home
1. In the navigation window, select the "Admin" tab.
2. In the Admin tab, expand ALL → Communication Services.
3. Click Call Home.
4. In the working window , select the General tab.
5. In the Admin area, select on of the State .
6. Click Save Changes
5 Configure host firmware package
We need to update the blade server BIOS and storage controller firmware via host firmware package, if there is no update these packages , then there is a communication problem between the blade and UCSM will .
Here's how to create a host firmware package or how to update an existing version. Before you start the update before a host firmware package , follow the steps below to prepare:
- upgrade Cisco UCSM and Fabric Interconnects.
- choose an appropriate time to reduce the environmental impact of disruption after a server restart when data traffic caused .
- confirm the firmware version and UCS blade PID.
1. In the navigation window, select the "Servers" tab.
2. In the Servers tab , select policies.
3. If the system does not include multi- organizational structure, then expand root node.
4. Expand Host Firmware Packages and select the policy needs to be updated or click to create a new policy.
5. Under each sub- tab General tab , and for each firmware you need to add the following operations:
6. Select Save Changes.
7. Then we select the appropriate Service Profile, in the working window , select Policies → Firmware Policies → Host Firmware, we just created a good choice Host Firmware package. Then click Save Changes.
8. Then pop-up window asking to restart the Server. If you can confirm the restart , click Yes.
After the restart , the corresponding blade server will be upgraded accordingly .
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