MSA2212fc - firmware update procedure

[SysAdminGuy]

We are looking for the safest method for updating the firmware on an MSA2212fc. Going from firmware J200P39 to J200P50 The reason for seeking a method is due to strange MC behaviour on restart. We believe we should:

Backup all data on vdisks;
Save MSA config;
Restart SC A;
Restart SC B;
Restart MC A;
Restart MC B;
Disable partner firmware update;
Shutdown SC A;
Update firmware for SC B;
Confirm version levels of SC B;
Power down SC B;
Power up SC A;
Update firmware for SC A;
Confirm version levels of SC A;

Restart MSA (SC,MC and shelves)

Any comments or suggestions on a better method?

[Mr_NKC]

The above procedure/plan to update the firmware seems like the best method. I'm attaching a pdf, which has some excerpts from the Best Practices Technical Whitepaper.
I hope this helps.

NOTE: If you need the entire Whitepaper document, I can email it to you.

[Torsten.]

I would not do the power up/ power down, but disable partner update, then update the controllers one by one.

[SysAdminGuy]

We completed 3 x MSA2212fc firmware updates from J200P39 to J200P50.

Below is the procedure followed:

Backup all data on vdisks;
Save MSA config;
Restart SC A;
Restart SC B;
Restart MC A;
Restart MC B;
Disable partner firmware update;
Shutdown SC A;
Update firmware for SC B;
Confirm version levels of SC B;
Power down SC B;
Power up SC A;
Update firmware for SC A;
Confirm version levels of SC A;
Power up SC B;

We witnessed strange MC A behaviour (on firmware J200P39) on a full MSA restart, thus shutdown SC's, MC's and then shelves. Power up in reverse. MC A would get stuck in a boot then power cycle loop for approx 90 minutes. We found rebooting SC A resolved this issue immediately. This was consistent across 3 x MSA2212's.

No issues so far on J200P50.

[filoup]

Can I run a direct update from J200P39 to J201R09? or should I use an earlier firmware?

Thanks