Do I need to upgrade the RCF file on the Cluster Network Switch?
Applies to
- Cisco Nexus cluster and storage network switches: NX5596, NX3132Q-V, NX3232C, N92300YC, N9K-C9336C-FX2
- Reference Configuration File (RCF)
Answer
In most all cases, it is not necessary to upgrade a cluster RCF version when performing a routine NX-OS upgrade of a Cisco cIuster or storage network switch.
- Applying an RCF with a newer version number on an existing configuration can create configuration incompatibilities.
- Reapplying the correct RCF will not remove these additional settings and manual intervention is required.
- Upgrading the RCF version is typically only needed when:
- Introducing new hardware into a cluster that requires a different RCF that supports shared cluster/HA ports (e.g. AFF A320, AFF A250, FAS500f).
- In an ONTAP upgrade scenario where the target ONTAP version does not support the current RCF version.
- If a new RCF is required as part of a planned upgrade, the existing configuration must be wiped and a reload of the new configuration should be performed. You must be physically with the switch, because remote access is no longer available once the configuration is wiped.
- To check compatibility between RCF files, ONTAP versions and NX-OS firmware versions, refer to the Cisco Ethernet Switch compatibility matrix.