Looking for documentation regarding upgrading PowerSwitch FTOS from 9.14(1.x) to 9.14(2.x) and OS9 to OS10

Dell Command Line Reference Guide for the S4048–ON System 9.14.2.8

Dell SmartFabric OS10 Installation, Upgrade, and Downgrade Guide

Hello,

I also wanted to add below one

How to Install Dell Networking OS10 or OS9 on Dell Open Networking (ON) Switches

https://dell.to/42CsZ3L 

Hope that helps!

@Chino de Oro​ Thank you, but I've already found those two documents and neither of them address my concerns:

1) upgrading from OS9 to OS10, will I need to create a new configuration from scratch, or can I load the configuration from the prior OS9 environment into an OS10-upgrade switch?

2) How will VLT behave while one switch in a VLT pair is running a different version of the system software?

@DELL-Erman O​

Thank you, but I've already found that document and it doesn't address my concerns:

1) upgrading from OS9 to OS10, will I need to create a new configuration from scratch, or can I load the configuration from the prior OS9 environment into an OS10-upgraded switch?   I can find no documentation that covers migrating/converting/loading a switch configuration from OS9 to OS10.  I'd prefer not to have to create a new configuration for my switches after upgrading to OS10, if the configuration schema is different than for OS9.

2) How will VLT behave while one switch in a VLT pair is running a different version of the system software?  In either scenario: Switch-A running 9.14(1.x) and Switch-B running 9.14(2.x), or Switch-A running 9.14(X.X) and Switch-B running OS10.  I've got a fairly complex configuration on one of my switch pairs (L3, BGP, PVST, VLT, ~30 VLANs, 5 VRFs) and would like to not have to spend time creating a new configuration for OS10.

It would be nice if the OS9-OS10 upgrading documents gave some sort of hint or insight about how to do the upgrade in a production environment (involving VPT pairs) where the known-good running configuration can just be loaded onto the newly-upgraded OS10 switches, rather than crafted from scratch, which would be time-consuming and error-prone.

Hi, The way OS9 and OS10 handle configurations is different, so you can't just load an OS9 setup into OS10 directly. For VLT pairs, it's best to make sure both switches are on the same software version to avoid any problems. There is the document helps translate OS9 commands to their OS10 equivalents.

Hello

ErikSchorr,

Upgrading from FTOS 9.14(1.x) to 9.14(2.x) and migrating from OS9 to OS10 involves careful planning, especially when dealing with configuration compatibility and VLT functionality. I'll address your concerns in detail regarding both the minor version upgrade (9.14(1.x) to 9.14(2.23)) and the major version upgrade (OS9 to OS10).

Upgrading from 9.14(1.x) to 9.14(2.x)

To upgrade from 9.14(1.x) to 9.14(2.x), it is essential to review both the release notes for the specific version you're upgrading to (9.14(2.23)) and any configuration compatibility guides. Typically, FTOS release notes will cover enhancements, bug fixes, and any backward compatibility issues between minor versions. However, for compatibility between 9.14(1.x) and 9.14(2.x), you'll want to ensure the following:

1. Release Notes:

   • Always review the 9.14(2.x) release notes for any major changes in features, protocols, or known issues. While these notes generally cover upgrades within the same train (e.g., 9.14(2.x) to 9.14(2.23)), they may provide useful information on potential changes between 9.14(1.x) and 9.14(2.x).
   • The release notes will specify any configuration or operational changes, so reviewing them closely will give insight into whether certain configurations may need modification.

2. Configuration Compatibility:

   • Configuration changes should be minimal when upgrading from 9.14(1.x) to 9.14(2.x), but some new features or deprecated settings might require attention.
   • Make sure that any custom configurations, especially those involving VLT, MSTP, and VLANs, are cross-checked against the changes in 9.14(2.x). Typically, configuration compatibility issues arise in areas like QoS, security settings, or spanning tree configurations.
   • Backup your configuration before proceeding with the upgrade to avoid any unforeseen issues.

3. VLT (Virtual Link Trunking) Compatibility:

   • If you are running VLT between two switches, check the VLT compatibility matrix to confirm that VLT will continue to function properly across different FTOS versions (e.g., 9.14(1.x) to 9.14(2.x)). In most cases, VLT should work smoothly, but certain enhancements or bug fixes in newer versions might require some tweaks in VLT settings.

Upgrading from OS9 to OS10

The major upgrade from OS9 to OS10 introduces more significant changes, and it's crucial to be aware of the following key points:

1. Upgrade Procedure and Configuration Preservation:

   • OS9 to OS10 is a substantial shift. OS10 introduces a new operating system architecture, so it is important to understand the migration process fully.
   • Dell EMC provides specific migration guides for this transition. Typically, the upgrade procedure includes configuration conversion or translation tools to help transfer configurations from OS9 to OS10. However, not all configurations may be perfectly converted, so manual adjustments or verification may be required.
   • For the S5048F-ON and S6010-ON switches, the conversion will likely involve adapting the configuration to the new OS10 CLI and feature set.
   • Before upgrading, ensure you backup your current OS9 configurations and review the OS10 compatibility guides for configuration conversion steps.

2. VLT in OS10:

   • VLT is supported in OS10, but there are differences in how OS9 and OS10 handle VLT and other features.
   • If you plan to upgrade one VLT peer before the other, ensure that the VLT configuration is still compatible between the two OS versions. Dell recommends upgrading both VLT peers together to avoid any potential issues with VLT behavior.
   • In OS10, VLT configurations are typically migrated but may require additional validation. The process may include ensuring that VLT settings, peer link configurations, and VLAN mappings are consistent post-upgrade.

3. Pre-Upgrade Preparations:

   • Review the OS10 upgrade documentation to understand the specific steps for S5048F-ON and S6010-ON models. Dell provides detailed instructions for each platform to guide the upgrade.
   • Verify software version compatibility with all hardware components (including NICs, modules, and adapters) before proceeding with the upgrade.

4. Testing Post-Upgrade:

   • After upgrading to OS10, perform extensive testing to verify that all configurations, including VLT, are functioning as expected.
   • Monitor system logs and performance metrics after the upgrade to ensure that there are no unexpected issues or regressions in features.

Recommendations:

• Backup configurations and ensure you have a recovery plan in place in case of issues during the upgrade.
• Test the upgrade in a lab environment if possible, especially with VLT configurations, to simulate the effects of upgrading one peer before the other.
• Ensure you have reviewed both the release notes and migration guides specific to your hardware model and OS versions.

Let me know if you need more specific references or additional details for your environment.

Best regards,
Dell Support Executive