ZD3000 firmware upgrade path from 9.6.2.0 build 13 to a version that supports both ZF7341 sand R500's

[shaun_strydom]

We have purchased new R500 AP's and need them setup to run with the existing ZF7341's until all ZF7341 AP's have been swopped out with the new R500's. I'm looking for the correct ZD3000 firmware upgrade path.

[shaun_strydom]

Thank you again guys, Just a question. Can i jump directly to 9.8.3 if the ZD3000 has 9.6.2 on it??? 

[max_o_driscoll]

As in earlier replies (mine and Michael Brado) that is a supported path.

I am mildly concerned that you haven't read my brief replies closely enough...which suggests you are not looking at the release notes either!

Please read release notes because they tell you this sort of info.
They are dull and logical, but they tell you important information.

Your system and configuration are unique - you know what will and won't be affected and how critical or not a trouble free upgrade is.

It is not my system and can only offer advice - not a hard and fast "this will work, so go ahead and press upgrade buttons".

===========
The 9.8.3 release notes give a direct path.

4.1.1. Official 9.8.3 upgrade paths supported: 
• 9.6.0.0.267/272 (9.6 GA) 
• 9.6.1.0.15 (9.6 MR1) 
• 9.6.2.0.13 (9.6 MR2) 
• 9.7.0.0.220 (9.7 GA) 
• 9.7.1.0.32 (9.7 MR1) 
• 9.7.2.0.9 (9.7 MR2)
 • 9.8.0.0.369/373 (9.8 GA)
 • 9.8.1.0.99/101 (9.8 MR1) 
• 9.8.2.0.15/27/33/34 (9.8 MR2) If you are running an earlier version, you must first upgrade to one of the above before upgrading to 9.8.3.
============

[shaun_strydom]

Hi Max, i have read the release notes. But my understanding i got was that if i had any one of the above versions which i have, i'm able to upgrade straight to 9.8.3. The system is currently running in a live environment and i've got 69x zf7341 AP's that need to do updates. I'm trying to do this without having to much downtime.

[max_o_driscoll]

Your understanding is same as mine.

If you haven't upgraded firmware for a while then there are also some pertinent things to consider.
Not a quick process - perhaps 20-30mins on ZD, then each of the APs upgrades again circa 10-15mins.

Old firmware does not talk to new (or rather it says "give me the new one so I can start talking again").
Once ZD upgraded old units will not respond until they too are upgraded.

They do not all upgrade simultaneously. Your 69 could take a couple of hours if everything goes smoothly just for the first upgrade to 9.8.3.

All hard links (no meshing)?

All stuff to think about when considering outages/downtime and availability to clients.

[shaun_strydom]

Yes all AP's are hard links. I just received the same info from Trevor, he also confirms that the a direct upgrade to 9.8.3 can be done, as long as the ZF7341 are also supported on 9.8.3. Which it is. Thank you so much for the confirmation. I will be using this forum much more.