This process describes the steps to upgrade or downgrade the Cisco ACI fabric, including actors, prerequisites, and workflow stages for a successful operation.
Cisco APIC centrally manages the upgrade and downgrade for the entire fabric. The Cisco APIC acts as the repository of the image (for example, the firmware repository) and as the booting server. Leaf switches and spine switches have connectivity to the Cisco APIC through the ACI infra network, and when upgrading or downgrading, the switches download the firmware from the Cisco APIC . This section provides the recommended steps for a successful upgrade or downgrade.
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Ensure that all components are compatible and connected to the ACI infra network before starting the upgrade or downgrade process.
Summary
Actors and components involved in this process include the Cisco APIC, leaf switches, spine switches, App Center apps, and UCS HUU server components.
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Cisco APIC : Manages the upgrade/downgrade, acts as firmware repository and boot server.
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Leaf and spine switches: Download firmware from APIC and participate in the upgrade/downgrade.
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App Center apps: Must be disabled except pre-packaged ones (unless deprecated).
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UCS HUU server components (CIMC, BIOS, network adapters, RAID controller, disks): Upgraded/downgraded as needed.
This process ensures that all fabric components are upgraded or downgraded in a coordinated manner, following compatibility and backup guidelines.
Workflow
These stages describe the workflow for upgrading or downgrading the Cisco ACI fabric.
- Determine target APIC and ACI switch releases and verify compatibility.
- Upgrade/downgrade APICs and switches to the same release.
- Check compatibility in release notes and support matrix.
- Review open caveats or defects for the target release.
- Consult the APIC Upgrade/Downgrade Support Matrix for supported paths.
- If releases are far apart, upgrade/downgrade to intermediate release first.
- Identify required UCS HUU release for target APIC release.
- Review the ACI upgrade architecture and understand expectations and restrictions.
- Refer to upgrade architecture documentation for guidance.
- Export configuration for backup and ensure AES encryption is enabled.
- Backup configuration using Cisco ACI Configuration Files: Import and Export.
- Disable all App Center apps except pre-packaged ones on APICs.
- App Center deprecation applies from APIC release 6.1(2).
- Refer to guidelines for App Center apps.
- Download APIC and ACI switch firmware to APICs.
- Follow instructions for downloading images for each release.
- For release 6.0(2) or later, download both 32-bit and 64-bit switch images after APIC upgrade.
- Download ACI switch firmware from APICs to each switch.
- Switches running release 14.1(1) or later can download images prior to upgrade/downgrade.
- Refer to guidelines for ACI switch upgrades.
- Perform pre-upgrade validations.
- Use pre-upgrade checklists to validate readiness.
- Upgrade or downgrade all server components using HUU as suggested by the Support Matrix.
- Upgrade CIMC software through APIC for release 6.2(1) or later.
- Otherwise, upgrade CIMC through CIMC user interface.
- Upgrade or downgrade APICs.
- Follow instructions for upgrading APIC for each release.
- Perform pre-upgrade validations (repeat as needed).
- Use pre-upgrade checklists to validate readiness.
- Upgrade or downgrade ACI-mode switches.
- Wait until all APICs become Fully Fit .
- Follow instructions for upgrading leaf and spine switches for each release.
- If this is a Multistep Upgrade , repeat the steps above to upgrade/downgrade from intermediate to target release after completion and APIC cluster status is Fully Fit .
- Ensure both APICs and switches are upgraded/downgraded to the target release.
Result
Upon completion, the Cisco ACI fabric and all associated components will be running the target release, with configuration backed up and validated for compatibility.
What’s next
If the Cisco ACI fabric deployment includes Cisco AVS/AVE, upgrade or downgrade the Cisco AVS/AVE to the release compatible with the APIC. To upgrade or downgrade Cisco AVS/AVE, see the section Recommended Upgrade Sequence for Cisco APIC, the Fabric Switches, and Cisco ACI Virtual Edge in the Cisco ACI Virtual Edge Installation Guide .