Guides administrators through the process of upgrading Cisco APIC software and associated leaf and spine switches using the graphical user interface for release 5.1 and later versions.
Ensure that you check and follow these guidelines:
Starting from release 5.1, ACI firmware upgrade using the GUI does not provide an option to set a scheduler for the upgrade. Instead, the benefits from using a scheduler such as image pre-download on switches are all built-in the native workflow.
You must decommission an unsupported leaf switch that is connected to the Cisco APIC and move the cables to the other leaf switch that is part of the fabric before you upgrade the image.
When you upgrade from releases 5.2(5) through 5.3(2) to release 6.0 or later, all users will be prompted to change their password the next time they log in. To avoid users needing to change the password, either enable or disable both Password Strength Check and Password Strength Profile before you upgrade.
Password Strength Profile is always enabled after the upgrade and you can no longer disable it. If you have already upgraded, you must manually uncheck the Password Update Required box for all users.
Access the dashboard
Access the firmware status dashboard to view APIC nodes and switches in your fabric.
Download APIC and switch images on APICs
Configure firmware image downloads for Cisco APICs and Cisco ACI-mode switches from external file servers or local machines into the firmware repository.
Upgrade or downgrade the Cisco APIC from releases 5.1x or later
Configure the upgrade or downgrade process for Cisco APIC software from releases 5.1x or later using the GUI-based procedures.
Leaf and spine switch upgrades and downgrades through APIC running release 5.1x or later
Describes the process of upgrading or downgrading leaf and spine switches using APIC running release 5.1x or later versions.
App installation behavior
Describes how app installation, upgrade, and downgrade behavior varies depending on app type and installation method on APICs.