Upgrading Cisco UCS Firmware

This steps helps us in upgrading Cisco UCS Firmware from 2.0(5a) to 2.1(3c) following VCE Matrix 4.0.11

1.     Download UCS Firmware:-

UCS firmware has to be downloaded in two bundles.

a.       Cisco Infrastructure software bundle: Includes firmware for all components like Fabric Interconnect, IO Modules & UCS manager.

b.      UCS B-Series Blade servers software bundle: Includes firmware for blade components CNA , CIMC, BIOS and baseboard.

c.       Uploading these bundles in to UCS domain either through TFTP or Local file system.

2.     Prerequisites :-

a.       Taking configuration backup.

b.       Verifying the cluster status of Fabric Interconnect under Equipment TAB à Fabric interconnect

c.        Verifying Eth data path (# show int br)

d.      Verifying FC data Path (#show flogi database , # show flogi-table)

3.     Updating the Server F/W using  Host Firmware Package

By using F/w package, we can upgrade server, adopter, CIMC and BIOS.  This policy enables to choose the set of f/w versions.

1.       Go to Server tabàPolicyàHost firmware

2.       Create the new policy in the name of 2.1(3c)

3.       Select the bios , adopter , CIMC along with blade model (B200 M2 , B230 M2 & B200 M3)

4.       Disassociate the service profile from the server that is going be updated first

5.       Map the host f/w package 2.1(3c) in that service profile and associate it again to the same server.

6.       Monitor the status of FSM and check the updated f/w once FSM is 100% complete

7.       Repeat the steps for other remaining servers.

4.     Updating the Infrastructure components

 Infrastructure components include IOM , UCS Manager and Fabric Interconnect. Below are the steps to followed post server upgrade.

1.       Go to f/w managementà Installed f/w .

2.       Select IOM and select 2.1(3c) in drop down for IOM 2

3.       Right click and select update f/w and select the version 2.1(3c)(check force box)

4.       Right click and select activate f/w and select 2.1(3c) and enable “Ignore Compatibility Check”

5.       Wait for IOM 2 to come online and follow the same steps for IOM 1 also.

6.       Right click the UCS Manager and select “Activate Firmware” and enable “Ignore Compatibility

7.       Once UCS manager comes online upgrade the Fabric Interconnect

8.       Right click the fabric Interconnect B (secondary) and activate Kernel first and System next

9.       FI will reboot

10.   Repeat the step 8 for Primary FI A and during reboot B will become Primary and A will become Secondary after reboot.

11.   Change the cluster Ownership back to A and verify all the components F/w wrt 2.1(3c).

Post to the Upgrade running version of f/w will be 2.1(3c) and backup version will be 2.0(5a)