Skip to main content
Cluster and storage switches

Upgrade a Cisco Nexus 3232C storage switch

Contributors netapp-yvonneo netapp-jolieg

Follow these steps to upgrade the Cisco NX-OS software and reference configuration files (RCF) on Cisco Nexus 3232C switches.

Review requirements

What you'll need

Ensure that the following conditions exist before you upgrade the NX-OS software and RCFs on the storage switch:

  • The switch is fully functioning (there should be no errors in the logs or similar issues).

  • You have checked or set your desired boot variables in the RCF to reflect the desired boot images if you are installing only NX-OS and keeping your current RCF version.

    If you need to change the boot variables to reflect the current boot images, you must do so before reapplying the RCF so that the correct version is instantiated on future reboots.

  • You have referred to the appropriate software and upgrade guides available on the Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches page for complete documentation on the Cisco storage upgrade and downgrade procedures.

  • The number of 10 GbE and 40/100 GbE ports are defined in the reference configuration files (RCFs) available on the Cisco® Ethernet Switches page.

Replace the switch

About the examples

The examples in this procedure use the following switch and node nomenclature:

  • The names of the two storage switches are S1 and S2.

  • The nodes are node1 and node2.

The examples in this procedure use two nodes; node1 with two storage ports and node2 with two storage ports. See the Hardware Universe to verify the correct storage ports on your platforms.

Note The procedure requires the use of both ONTAP commands and Cisco Nexus 3000 Series Switches commands; ONTAP commands are used unless otherwise indicated. The command outputs might vary depending on different releases of ONTAP.

Step 1: Check the health status of switches and ports

  1. If AutoSupport is enabled, suppress automatic case creation by invoking an AutoSupport message: system node autosupport invoke -node * -type all - message MAINT=xh

    x is the duration of the maintenance window in hours.

    Note The AutoSupport message notifies technical support of this maintenance task so that automatic case creation is suppressed during the maintenance window.
  2. Check that the storage switches are available:

    system switch ethernet show

    Show example
    storage::*> system switch ethernet show
    Switch                      Type               Address          Model
    --------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- ---------------
    S1
                                storage-network    172.17.227.5     NX3232C
         Serial Number: FOC221206C2
          Is Monitored: true
                Reason: None
      Software Version: Cisco Nexus Operating System (NX-OS) Software, Version
                        9.3(3)
        Version Source: CDP
    
    S2
                                storage-network    172.17.227.6     NX3232C
         Serial Number: FOC220443LZ
          Is Monitored: true
                Reason: None
      Software Version: Cisco Nexus Operating System (NX-OS) Software, Version
                        9.3(3)
        Version Source: CDP
    
    2 entries were displayed.
    storage::*>
  3. Verify that the node ports are healthy and operational:

    storage port show -port-type ENET

    Show example
    storage::*> storage port show -port-type ENET
                                          Speed                       VLAN
    Node               Port Type  Mode    (Gb/s) State    Status        ID
    ------------------ ---- ----- ------- ------ -------- ----------- ----
    node1
                       e3a  ENET  storage    100 enabled  online        30
                       e3b  ENET  storage      0 enabled  offline       30
                       e7a  ENET  storage      0 enabled  offline       30
                       e7b  ENET  storage    100 enabled  online        30
    node2
                       e3a  ENET  storage    100 enabled  online        30
                       e3b  ENET  storage      0 enabled  offline       30
                       e7a  ENET  storage      0 enabled  offline       30
                       e7b  ENET  storage    100 enabled  online        30
  4. Check that there are no storage switch or cabling issues:

    system health alert show -instance

    Show example
    storage::*> system health alert show -instance
    There are no entries matching your query.

Step 2: Copy the RCF to Cisco switch S2

  1. Copy the RCF on switch S2 to the switch bootflash using one of the following transfer protocols: FTP, HTTP, TFTP, SFTP, or SCP.

    For more information on Cisco commands, see the appropriate guide in the Cisco Nexus 3000 Series NX-OS Command References.

    Show example

    The following example shows HTTP being used to copy an RCF to the bootflash on switch S2:

    S2# copy http://172.16.10.1//cfg/Nexus_3232C_RCF_v1.6-Storage.txt bootflash: vrf management
    % Total    % Received % Xferd  Average  Speed   Time    Time     Time                          Current
                                   Dload    Upload  Total   Spent    Left                          Speed
      100        3254       100    3254     0       0       8175     0 --:--:-- --:--:-- --:--:-   8301
    Copy complete, now saving to disk (please wait)...
    Copy complete.
    S2#
  2. Apply the RCF previously downloaded to the bootflash:

    copy bootflash:

    Show example

    The following example shows the RCF file Nexus_3232C_RCF_v1.6-Storage.txt being installed on switch S2:

    S2# copy Nexus_3232C_RCF_v1.6-Storage.txt running-config echo-commands
  3. Verify that the RCF file is the correct newer version:

    show running-config

    When you check the output to verify you have the correct RCF, make sure that the following information is correct:

    • The RCF banner

    • The node and port settings

    • Customizations

      The output varies according to your site configuration. Check the port settings and refer to the release notes for any changes specific to the RCF that you have installed.

      Note

      In the banner output from the show banner motd command, you must read and follow the instructions in the IMPORTANT NOTES section to make sure the proper configuration and operation of the switch.

      Show example
      S2# show banner motd
      
      ******************************************************************************
      * NetApp Reference Configuration File (RCF)
      *
      * Switch   : Cisco Nexus 3232C
      * Filename : Nexus_3232C_RCF_v1.6-Storage.txt
      * Date     : Oct-20-2020
      * Version  : v1.6
      *
      * Port Usage : Storage configuration
      * Ports  1-32: Controller and Shelf Storage Ports
      * Ports 33-34: Disabled
      *
      * IMPORTANT NOTES*
      * - This RCF utilizes QoS and requires TCAM re-configuration, requiring RCF
      *   to be loaded twice with the Storage Switch rebooted in between.
      *
      * - Perform the following 4 steps to ensure proper RCF installation:
      *
      *   (1) Apply RCF first time, expect following messages:
      *       - Please save config and reload the system...
      *       - Edge port type (portfast) should only be enabled on ports...
      *       - TCAM region is not configured for feature QoS class IPv4 ingress...
      *
      *   (2) Save running-configuration and reboot Cluster Switch
      *
      *   (3) After reboot, apply same RCF second time and expect following messages:
      *       - % Invalid command at '^' marker
      *       - Syntax error while parsing...
      *
      *   (4) Save running-configuration again
      ******************************************************************************
      S2#
      Note When applying the RCF for the first time, the ERROR: Failed to write VSH commands message is expected and can be ignored.
  4. After you verify that the software versions and switch settings are correct, copy the running-config file to the startup-config file on switch S2.

    For more information on Cisco commands, see the appropriate guide in the Cisco Nexus 3000 Series NX-OS Command References.

    Show example

    The following example shows the running-config file successfully copied to the startup-config file:

    S2# copy running-config startup-config
    [########################################] 100% Copy complete.

Step 3: Copy the NX-OS image to Cisco switch S2 and reboot

  1. Copy the NX-OS image to switch S2.

    Show example
    S2# copy sftp: bootflash: vrf management
    Enter source filename: /code/nxos.9.3.4.bin
    Enter hostname for the sftp server: 172.19.2.1
    Enter username: user1
    
    Outbound-ReKey for 172.19.2.1:22
    Inbound-ReKey for 172.19.2.1:22
    user1@172.19.2.1's password:
    sftp> progress
    Progress meter enabled
    sftp> get   /code/nxos.9.3.4.bin  /bootflash/nxos.9.3.4.bin
    /code/nxos.9.3.4.bin  100% 1261MB   9.3MB/s   02:15
    sftp> exit
    Copy complete, now saving to disk (please wait)...
    Copy complete.
    
    cs2# copy sftp: bootflash: vrf management
    Enter source filename: /code/n9000-epld.9.3.4.img
    Enter hostname for the sftp server: 172.19.2.1
    Enter username: user1
    
    Outbound-ReKey for 172.19.2.1:22
    Inbound-ReKey for 172.19.2.1:22
    user1@172.19.2.1's password:
    sftp> progress
    Progress meter enabled
    sftp> get   /code/n9000-epld.9.3.4.img  /bootflash/n9000-epld.9.3.4.img
    /code/n9000-epld.9.3.4.img  100%  161MB   9.5MB/s   00:16
    sftp> exit
    Copy complete, now saving to disk (please wait)...
    Copy complete.
  2. Install the system image so that the new version will be loaded the next time switch S2 is rebooted.

    The switch will be reboot in 10 seconds with the new image as shown in the following output:

    Show example
    S2# install all nxos bootflash:nxos.9.3.4.bin
    Installer will perform compatibility check first. Please wait.
    Installer is forced disruptive
    
    Verifying image bootflash:/nxos.9.3.4.bin for boot variable "nxos".
    [] 100% -- SUCCESS
    
    Verifying image type.
    [] 100% -- SUCCESS
    
    Preparing "nxos" version info using image bootflash:/nxos.9.3.4.bin.
    [] 100% -- SUCCESS
    
    Preparing "bios" version info using image bootflash:/nxos.9.3.4.bin.
    [] 100% -- SUCCESS
    
    Performing module support checks.
    [] 100% -- SUCCESS
    
    Notifying services about system upgrade.
    [] 100% -- SUCCESS
    
    
    Compatibility check is done:
    Module  bootable          Impact  Install-type  Reason
    ------  --------  --------------  ------------  ------
         1       yes      disruptive         reset  default upgrade is not hitless
    
    
    Images will be upgraded according to following table:
    Module       Image                  Running-Version(pri:alt)           New-Version  Upg-Required
    ------  ----------  ----------------------------------------  --------------------  ------------
         1        nxos                                    9.3(3)                9.3(4)           yes
         1        bios     v08.37(01/28/2020):v08.23(09/23/2015)    v08.38(05/29/2020)            no
    
    
    Switch will be reloaded for disruptive upgrade.
    Do you want to continue with the installation (y/n)?  [n] y
    input string too long
    Do you want to continue with the installation (y/n)?  [n] y
    
    Install is in progress, please wait.
    
    Performing runtime checks.
    [] 100% -- SUCCESS
    
    Setting boot variables.
    [] 100% -- SUCCESS
    
    Performing configuration copy.
    [] 100% -- SUCCESS
    
    Module 1: Refreshing compact flash and upgrading bios/loader/bootrom.
    Warning: please do not remove or power off the module at this time.
    [] 100% -- SUCCESS
    
    
    Finishing the upgrade, switch will reboot in 10 seconds.
    S2#
  3. Save the configuration.

    For more information on Cisco commands, see the appropriate guide in the Cisco Nexus 3000 Series NX-OS Command References.

    You are prompted to reboot the system.

    Show example
    S2# copy running-config startup-config
    [] 100% Copy complete.
    S2# reload
    This command will reboot the system. (y/n)?  [n] y
  4. Confirm that the new NX-OS version number is on the switch:

    Show example
    S2# show version
    Cisco Nexus Operating System (NX-OS) Software
    TAC support: http://www.cisco.com/tac
    Copyright (C) 2002-2020, Cisco and/or its affiliates.
    All rights reserved.
    The copyrights to certain works contained in this software are
    owned by other third parties and used and distributed under their own
    licenses, such as open source.  This software is provided "as is," and unless
    otherwise stated, there is no warranty, express or implied, including but not
    limited to warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
    Certain components of this software are licensed under
    the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2.0 or
    GNU General Public License (GPL) version 3.0  or the GNU
    Lesser General Public License (LGPL) Version 2.1 or
    Lesser General Public License (LGPL) Version 2.0.
    A copy of each such license is available at
    http://www.opensource.org/licenses/gpl-2.0.php and
    http://opensource.org/licenses/gpl-3.0.html and
    http://www.opensource.org/licenses/lgpl-2.1.php and
    http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/library.txt.
    
    Software
      BIOS: version 08.38
     NXOS: version 9.3(4)
      BIOS compile time:  05/29/2020
      NXOS image file is: bootflash:///nxos.9.3.4.bin
      NXOS compile time:  4/28/2020 21:00:00 [04/29/2020 02:28:31]
    
    
    Hardware
      cisco Nexus3000 C3232C Chassis (Nexus 9000 Series)
      Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E5-2403 v2 @ 1.80GHz with 8154432 kB of memory.
      Processor Board ID FOC20291J6K
    
      Device name: S2
      bootflash:   53298520 kB
    Kernel uptime is 0 day(s), 0 hour(s), 3 minute(s), 42 second(s)
    
    Last reset at 157524 usecs after Mon Nov  2 18:32:06 2020
      Reason: Reset due to upgrade
      System version: 9.3(3)
      Service:
    
    plugin
      Core Plugin, Ethernet Plugin
    
    Active Package(s):
    
    S2#

Step 4: Recheck the health status of switches and ports

  1. Recheck that the storage switches are available after the reboot:

    system switch ethernet show

    Show example
    storage::*> system switch ethernet show
    Switch                      Type               Address          Model
    --------------------------- ------------------ ---------------- ---------------
    S1
                                storage-network    172.17.227.5     NX3232C
         Serial Number: FOC221206C2
          Is Monitored: true
                Reason: None
      Software Version: Cisco Nexus Operating System (NX-OS) Software, Version
                        9.3(4)
        Version Source: CDP
    
    S2
                                storage-network    172.17.227.6    NX3232C
         Serial Number: FOC220443LZ
          Is Monitored: true
                Reason: None
      Software Version: Cisco Nexus Operating System (NX-OS) Software, Version
                        9.3(4)
        Version Source: CDP
    
    2 entries were displayed.
    storage::*>
  2. Verify that the switch ports are healthy and operational after the reboot:

    storage port show -port-type ENET

    Show example
    storage::*> storage port show -port-type ENET
                                          Speed                       VLAN
    Node               Port Type  Mode    (Gb/s) State    Status        ID
    ------------------ ---- ----- ------- ------ -------- ----------- ----
    node1
                       e3a  ENET  storage    100 enabled  online        30
                       e3b  ENET  storage      0 enabled  offline       30
                       e7a  ENET  storage      0 enabled  offline       30
                       e7b  ENET  storage    100 enabled  online        30
    node2
                       e3a  ENET  storage    100 enabled  online        30
                       e3b  ENET  storage      0 enabled  offline       30
                       e7a  ENET  storage      0 enabled  offline       30
                       e7b  ENET  storage    100 enabled  online        30
  3. Recheck that there are no storage switch or cabling issues with the cluster:

    system health alert show -instance

    Show example
    storage::*> system health alert show -instance
    There are no entries matching your query.
  4. Repeat the procedure to upgrade the NX-OS software and RCF on switch S1.

  5. If you suppressed automatic case creation, re-enable it by invoking an AutoSupport message:

    system node autosupport invoke -node * -type all -message MAINT=END