Controllerless Networks

I am struggling to determine the correct procedure for upgrading our IAPs that are managed by AirWave (8.2.8.1). I am trying upgrade from firmware 6.5.3.4 to 6.5.4.12. The IAPs tunnel to controllers running 6.4.4.17 or 6.5.4.8. I do not want to upgrade all our IAPs at once, rather do them in chunks, in case there is a problem.

What I did was create a new group on Airwave, with 6.5.4.12 firmware and 6.5.4 configuration version. The group works fine when an IAP is sent directly to it via Activate or if the IAP is already running 6.5.4.12 and is moved into the group.

My problem occurs when the IAP starts with 6.5.3.4 firmware and is moved to the 6.5.4 group; it does not go smoothly. The 6.5.4 group mysteriously changes to 6.5.3 configuration version and the IAP -- when it connects after the firmware upgrade -- shows Error status.

I have been able to complete the upgrade by changing the configuration version back to 6.5.4, but I have done this only one IAP at a time. I do not know what would happen if I tried to move multiple IAPs. We must not end up with IAPs all over the state that need to be factory reset!

I have searched unsuccessfully for the best-practice procedure to upgrade IAPs managed by AirWave. Can somebody point me to it or spell it out for me? Thanks.

Hello,

Based on your explanation, I assume that you have IGC enabled on the 6.5.4.x group. I see that you mentioned, if you add a new device that is already on 6.5.4.x code to a group, you have no issues. You are seeing some issues only with 6.5.3.x devices going into 6.5.4.x group.

In this case, i would recommend you to do, group --> firmware enforce to 6.5.4.x code, to match with rest the of the VC's in the group.  Meaning, when the new device, comes into this group, with 6.5.3.x version, Airwave will check that it is not running on 6.5.4.x code, It will do the firmware upgrade automatically, before pushing the config. For this you need to check few things:

1. Make sure, you upload 6.5.4.x firmware code, for all the IAP device types you are planning to ADD, on Airwave GUI, Device setup --> Upload firmware files

2. On the Group's list page, Hover the mouse on the tool option beside the group in question, select Firmware. then select the "Enforce Group firmware version" to Yes and you could also select "Allow Downgrade of devices" to Yes, if you plan to add any new device, that has most updated version, that can also be downgraded to match the firmware version of the group.

lastly, select the "Aruba Instant Virtual Controller ", drop down to select the 6.5.4.x version that you want to enforce, save and apply.

This should ensure that all the devices comming into this group have the same firmware version, you will not need to do edit manaully.  Hope this helps.

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