can i just update frimware of Connectrix 6505B with ISL config

Hello Alfred_24,

When you ask for a firmware upgrade on your switch from tech support, we will gather logs and then generate a procedure for upgrading firmware on your switch.  So for your case it is best to open a support case so this can be done for you.

Hi,

In principle yes it is possible, advise to read the release notes, that normally has a list of FOS version it can work within the fabric.

7.4.2d is currently only supported on DS-300B and Mp-7800B only.

8.1.2c is not GA'd or RTS by DELL EMC, therefor also not supported (unless you have an RPQ)

If you upgrade you should upgrade to the latest target code, which is Fabric OS 8.2.3a

Regards,

Ed Schulte

Hi Ed and SAM, thank you for your reply.

does it mean the 8.2.1c is not downloadable to dell? 

below are my concerns

1. Connectrix 6505B is currently ISL to a 6510 FC Switch

Connectrix 6550B version is 8.0.1

6510 version is 7.4.2

currently, 6505B and 6510 they are working fine, but since we will be adding a new FC switch (G620) with version 8.2.3 to the ISL Chain, I'm afraid the old one will disconnect if I upgrade the Dell  Connectix to the newest version.

the plan is to upgrade 6505B to 8.2.1c and downgrade G620 to 8.2.1c in order to be interoperable all the FC switch.

6510 max version is 7.4 (as per our client)

let me know your thoughts, or if you have better documentation

Hi,

On your question:

“does it mean the 8.2.1c is not downloadable to dell?”

Correct, it is not posted by Brocade and not downloadable anymore.

My thoughts :

- Upgrade the current SAN first to the current target code 8.2.3a (via stepped upgrade)

- DS-6510B is able to run 8.2.3a, see release notes of 8.2.3a, page 27.

- Once upgraded introduce the new switch.

Any further concerns, talk to the local team for the SAN refresh.

Supported data:

- Release notes 8.2.3a, page 27

10.1 Supported Devices

The following devices are supported in this release:

• G610, G620, G630, X6-4, X6-8
• 6505, 6510, 6520, DCX 8510-4, DCX 8510-8
• M6505,6542, 6543, 6545, 6546, 6547, 6548, 6558
• 7810, 7840

• Target code:

Regards,

Ed Schulte

Hi Ed,

Thank you for your thoughts.

by the way the Brocade 6510 does not have "B" 

that is why the max is 7.4.2 only.

but will confirm it to client.

Thanks and regards,

Alfred

Hi,

If you want to upgrade from 8.0.2d to 8.2.1c directly it will be disruptive.

As per release notes of 8.2.1c:

"

Migrating from FOS v8.0.x
Any Connectrix B-Series platform running any FOS 8.0.x must be first
upgraded to FOS 8.1.x to non-disruptively upgrade to FOS 8.2.1c.

"

So you need to open a ticket add the supportsave and request for jumpcode from 8.0.x to 8.2.1c. Then agree to the EULA they will send and I would expect you to get code version v8.1.2k2 as jumpcode.

Then you can non disruptively upgrade. (No ISL disconnect)

If you want to disruptively upgrade, from 8.0.x to 8.2.x you will also have ISL disconnect.

Regards,

Ed

Hi Ed, 

I was able to get the 8.2.1c from EMC and will help me upgrade the SANSwitch from 8.0.2d to 8.2.1c

Now 
existing is 7.4.2d (6510) currently ISL to 8.0.2d (6505B) if we upgrade the 8.0.2d to 8.2.1c.
Will the ISL disconnect? or still be connected?

Thanks

Hi Ed,

Noted on that.

But if we successfully upgrade the 6505B to 8.2.1c.

What will happen now is.

6510 (7.4.2d) ISL to 6505B (8.2.1c) 
After the upgrade is the ISL link will resume? 

By theway I have already the code 

8.1.2k and 8.2.1C 

Hi,

Please check the Brocade release notes 8.2.0a, on compatibility of the FOS versions under the chapter: "Fabric OS Compatibility". that will tell you which version is compatible and interoperate with each other. And if they interoperate with each other, there should be no reason the ISL should go down and stay down.

But then again I do not understand why you would not upgrade the 6510.

Best Regards,

Ed