Periodically, there will be software upgrades for the controlling bridge (CB) and bridge ports extenders (BPEs).
Note
Starting with ExtremeXOS 30.2, the diagnostic image is in a separate xmod file (example: onie-30.2.2.x-vpex_bpe_diag-1.0.0.1.xmod) that is not included in the regular BPE xmod or combined list files, but is installed on the BPE at the factory. We anticipate that you will not generally need to update this image.For complete information about how to perform a software upgrade, see the Software Upgrade and Boot Options chapter.
Upgrading automatically uses .lst files, so that the CB and BPEs are upgraded together to ensure that all hardware is up-to-date.
When the upgrade is performed, the CB is upgraded (requires a reboot), and when the BPE boots up, it performs a version check. If the BPE image is up-to-date, the BPE progresses to the operational state. However, if the BPE image needs to be upgraded, the BPE retrieves the software image file from the CB, upgrades itself, and then reboots.
When using redundant CBs, if a BPE image upgrade is needed, reboot both CBs simultaneously. Rebooting each CB sequentially (waiting for each to come fully operational before proceeding to reboot the other) maintains BPE connectivity, and since the BPE does not re-attach, it is not upgraded if needed.
After an upgrade occurs, the log shows messages similar to the following indicating that the BPE has been upgraded:
08/04/2017 17:57:25.69 <Info:HAL.Card.Info> Slot-1: VPEX BPE slot 100 Active image VER 1.1.0.41 08/04/2017 17:53:44.52 <Info:HAL.Card.Info> Slot-1: Upgrading VPEX BPE slot 110 image from ver 1.1.0.40 to 1.1.0.41 08/04/2017 17:53:43.70 <Info:HAL.Card.Info> Slot-1: VPEX BPE slot 120 Active image VER 1.1.0.40
For manual upgrading, you can perform in-service software upgrades (ISSU) by upgrading the CB and BPE images in a “rolling” fashion, such that network level redundancy (redundant CBs, MLAGs) provides uninterrupted network connectivity during the upgrade.
Note
To determine which CB is the master, use the show vpex ports {ports_list} command. The switch with the M flag is the master CB.Note
Rebooting a BPE tears down the connection to any additional BPEs that are cascaded from that BPE, so proper redundancy planning is required.