ERS 8600 Upgrade fro 3.5.3 to 5.x

[jackgulino]

We have a 2 switch 8600 system running IST with multiple vlans, mlts, smlts and vrrp. All our modules are 'E' modules. What is my upgrade path? I've been reading that I need to go to 4.1.8.x first and then 5.x, is that correct? How long will 5.x be supported until I need a forklift upgrade to 7? Any advise would be appreciated.

[jfarinha]

Hello Jackgulino,

We faced the same issue a while ago.

I suppose you are running 8691SF's with 256MB RAM or 8692SF's, as they are the minimum requirement for 5.x.

The upgrade path we took was 3.5.x to 4.1.8.3 and then 5.1.1.1. As you perform the upgrade to 4.1.8.x. it will update some of the firmware in the processor, and then with the 5.1.x it will also ask you if you want to use the new file system format for the PCMCIA.

In our case, all went smooth, we had some minor downtime, but is was expected, as there are some changes to the IST and SMLT modes of operation.

As for support, 5.1.x will be out of "Manufacturer Support", acording to Avaya, from 31 Dec. 2011. They will keep service support (if you have a support contract) until 31 Dec 2016.

http://support.avaya.com/css/P8/documents/100133759

The upgrade to 7.1 forces you to do a major upgrade to all I/O boards and CPU's... In our case, I think we could just keep the chassis 

[jackgulino]

Thanks for the info. A clarification on support. Are they saying that there won't be a major release beyond 5.1 but if there is a code problem they will fix it? We have 8691SF cards, are you running 8692's? Is it worth it to upgrade to these cards?

Thanks,
Jack

[jfarinha]

Regarding the processor cards, from a very practical point of view, as we are running E cards, we see no difference in any way (be sure the 8691's have 256 MB, ours needed to be upgraded, had 128 from factory).

The 8692's are required if you intend to run R or RS I/O cards.

Regarding support, we couldn't quite understand their position. Maybe someone can shed some light into it?

[Michael McNamara]

That hardware and software has been end-of-sale for quite sometime but here's the official document;

http://support.avaya.com/css/P8/documents/100133759
http://support.avaya.com/css/P8/documents/100081098

Cheers!

[stauftm]

I have a silly question - but what does it mean 'End of Manufacturer Support'?

[Michael McNamara]

Well here's the definition - The date when Manufacturer Support ends. Abbreviated “EoMS”.

If I understand it correctly it's the point at which the vendor is no longer actively developing or making the software/hardware. They will continue to support it until the End of Services Support which should be another 3 years. I'm not sure what that means in terms of patching any software bugs discovered in that software release but my guess would be no.