Ruckus SmartZone controller - Zone AP Firmware Support Matrix

[cecil_dsilvia]

• SmartZone (SZ) controllers support legacy Zone firmware versions.

• Example: A SmartZone running 5.2.2 can manage Zones running:

  • SZ 3.6.2 (GD)

  • SZ 5.1 / 5.1.1 / 5.1.2

  • SZ 5.2 / 5.2.1 / 5.2.2

• N-2 Rule: Ruckus follows an "N-2" support model for GD (General Deployment) releases.

• Recommendation: Always use the latest AP firmware that your SmartZone version supports.

• Legacy Zones should only be used for APs that are incompatible with the controller's current version.

• Limitations: Some features may not work with legacy firmware.

Firmware Compatibility Matrix

SZ Version Min Zone Firmware Supported Firmware Versions

SZ 3.6.2 (GD)

SZ 3.5.1

SZ 3.6, SZ 3.6.1, SZ 3.6.2

SZ 5.2 (LT)

SZ 3.6

SZ 3.6.1, SZ 3.6.2, SZ 5.1, SZ 5.1.1, SZ 5.1.2, SZ 5.2

SZ 5.2.1

SZ 3.6

SZ 3.6.1, SZ 3.6.2, SZ 5.1, SZ 5.1.1, SZ 5.1.2, SZ 5.2, SZ 5.2.1

SZ 5.2.2 (GD)

SZ 3.6.2 (GD)

SZ 5.1, SZ 5.1.1, SZ 5.1.2, SZ 5.2, SZ 5.2.1, SZ 5.2.2

SZ 6.0 (ST)

SZ 5.2

SZ 5.2.1, SZ 5.2.2 (GD), SZ 6.0

SZ 6.1 (LT)

SZ 5.2

SZ 5.2.1, SZ 5.2.2 (GD), SZ 6.0, SZ 6.1

SZ 6.1.2 (LT-GD)

SZ 3.6.2 (GD) *

SZ 5.2.2 (GD), SZ 6.0, SZ 6.1, SZ 6.1.1, SZ 6.1.2

SZ 7.0

SZ 6.1

SZ 6.1.1, SZ 6.1.2 (GD), SZ 7.0

SZ 7.1

SZ 6.1

SZ 6.1.1, SZ 6.1.2 (GD), SZ 7.0.0, SZ 7.1

Note: Support for SZ 3.6.2 Zone firmware in SZ 6.1.2 is a special case, as documented in the release notes under: “Supported AP Models for AP Zones Using Older AP Versions.”

[Daimler-Maybach]

I would like to upgrade from my current release 5.2.2.0.1563 to 6.1.1.0.959. I have a 5.1.2.0.373 Zone that is now preventing me from upgrading. Will I have to apply and install 6.0 then 6.1.0 LT to get to 6.1.1.0.959 ? 

[saravanan_kotte]

Hi Daimler,

You can change AP zone firmware from 5.1.2 to 5.2.2 if all APs on that zone supports the 5.2.2 firmware and then proceed with 6.1.1 upgrade.

You can select the AP zone in which you want to change the firmware and click on "More", then choose "Change AP firmware option". 

You cannot run 5.1.2 AP Zone on 6.1.1 controller even if you perform multistage upgrade. Only AP zones with firmware of 3.6.2, 5.2.2 or 6.0.x will be supported on 6.1 firmware.

Regards,
Saravanan Kotteeswaran

[toddclausen]

I'm currently running 5.2.2 on my vSZ-H and have several zones still on 3.6.2 to support legacy APs ZF7372 and R700. Can I upgrade from 5.2.2 to 6.1.1 and still keep the 3.6.2 firmware? Is this a normal upgrade or are there special steps I need to take to maintain the 3.6.2 AP firmware availability?

Thanks!

Todd

[Amith]

Hi @toddclausen, 

Yes, you can leave the Zones running in 3.6.2 and upgrade the controller to 5.2.2.0.1563 and then to 6.1.1.0.959

Link to download the 5.2.2.X version:  
https://support.ruckuswireless.com/software_terms_and_conditions/3481-vsz-5-2-2-lt-gd-mr-2-refresh-s...

Before upgrading to 6.1.1 (LT-GA), update to the SmartZone 6.1.1 (LT-GA) Sigpack 1.590.1 (Application Signature Package).
1. Take controller config and cluster backup.

Reference KB article for the backup procedure and upgrade:-
https://support.ruckuswireless.com/articles/000008288

Direct link for firmware download:-
https://support.ruckuswireless.com/software/3554-vsz-6-1-1-lt-ga-software-release-ximg-image
2. Take the cluster and config back up again after the upgrade is completed and the network is up and running state.

Thank you!
Amith