We recommend performing firmware updates outside of working hours. This ensures there is no interruption to client connectivity. If it has to be done during working hours, we recommend scheduling a maintenance window.

Note: Before updating the firmware, ensure the Switch to Preferred Server drop-down list is set to No Preferred Host in System Configuration > HA Parameters.

We recommend updating the passive unit first and then updating the active unit. This causes only a single failover and minimal downtime, and is the preferred option for most customers. While this procedure does leave the currently passive LoadMaster as the active LoadMaster going forward, this usually has no consequences in most customer environments. However, it is also possible to update the currently active unit, failover to the passive unit, update the passive unit, and then failover to the originally active unit.

To update the firmware on a HA pair using the recommended method; perform the following steps using the shared IP address:

  1. Update the passive LoadMaster first (we will refer to this LoadMaster as B).
  2. When the update is complete, reboot B.
  3. When unit B is back up, update the active unit (we will refer to this unit as A).
  4. When the update is complete, reboot A. Now B becomes active.
  5. Ensure B is handling traffic.