IOS XR · SOFTWARE

IOS XR upgrade: install add, activate, commit

XR1 is an NCS 5508 with two route processors, running IOS XR 7.9.2. Upgrade it to 7.11.2 from the TFTP server at 10.0.0.100. IOS XR upgrades in three steps: install add puts the packages in the repository, install activate runs them (here a reload of both RPs), and install commit makes the new version survive the next reload. The new release also carries newer FPD (field-programmable device) images for the cards, which you upgrade last.

IOS XR track · IOS XR · 5 objectives

Open in simulator More IOS XR labs

Objectives

The simulator ticks each one as soon as the network meets it.

Add IOS XR 7.11.2 to the repository: install add source tftp://10.0.0.100/ ncs5500-x64-7.11.2.iso.
Activate it: install activate id (show install log gives the ID of your add).
Commit it, so a reload keeps 7.11.2 (install commit).
Remove the old 7.9.2 packages from the repository (install remove inactive all).
Upgrade the FPDs the new release brings: show hw-module fpd shows NEED UPGD. Run upgrade hw-module location all fpd all (RLOAD REQ), then reload location all, until every FPD is CURRENT.

Start this lab

Before you start

show install inactive summary lists what was added but is not running; show install active summary and show install committed summary differ until you commit. An activation needs the standby RP ready, because both route processors must run the same software. FPDs are the firmware of each card (BIOS, FPGAs): the software upgrade does not touch them, so show hw-module fpd marks them NEED UPGD until you upgrade them and reload. Golden images are the fallback copy and are left alone.

Concept

IOS XR software install: add, activate, commit

IOS XR keeps software in a repository of packages. install add copies packages into the repository without running them; install activate runs them (a version change reloads both route processors); install commit makes the active software the one the router boots after any reload. On the Cisco 8000 (XR7) install replace stages a whole ISO and install apply reload activates it.

Concept

Dual route processors and chassis health

A modular router such as the NCS 5508 or the Cisco 8808 has two route processors (RPs): one active, one standby. The standby keeps a synchronized copy of the configuration and, with NSR (non-stop routing), of the routing sessions, so it can take over without dropping neighbors. Line cards, fabric cards, fans and power modules are separate nodes with their own state.