topic Re: Upgrade path VSP 8404c in ExtremeSwitching (VSP/Fabric Engine)

Upgrade path VSP 8404c

ExtremeNewbie — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:57:54 GMT

Hello Community,

I have 2 VSP 8404C switches in a HA configuration. The firmware currently is as below, quite dated.

Question, can I update to the latest version which is 8.10 I believe? If yes, are there are intermediate versions I need to update to first and I hear there is something about a management port or channel that needs to be created prior to upgrading to the next version. Any help/tips on this gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks,

Re: Upgrade path VSP 8404c

EF — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 12:47:58 GMT

Hi,

8.10.9 suppports:

EC8400A02-E6/EC8200A02-E6GS --> VSP 8404C

To any rel 8.10.X, validated upgrade paths are from:

8.9.x to 8.10

8.8.x to 8.10

8.7.x to 8.10

8.6.x to 8.10

8.5.x to 8.10

For any versions prior to 8.5.0.0, an intermediate upgrade is recommended because pre-8.5.0.0 versions are not validated.

To 8.5:

8.4.x to 8.5

8.3.x to 8.5

8.1.x to 8.5

So you can go from 8.1 --> 8.5 --> 8.10.

Are other paths valid? Maybe, but are not validated from support.

Keep in mind that in 8.2 there is an impotant change in management (Segmented Management) so study it carefully to avoid lost switch management.

Regards

Re: Upgrade path VSP 8404c

ExtremeNewbie — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:34:05 GMT

@EF - thanks for the reply. It will have to be 8.1 > 8.5 first. However, I'm not sure which of the 3 interface types - OOB, CLIP and VLAN to use. Currently, the switch is accessed by a dedicated IP address on the default VLAN. I presume this uses the GRT and L3 for access. The MGMT port is not in use.

What would be the correct option in this case to use and how do I implement this? Does anyone have any notes, links I can use for this or any pointers as to the steps needed?

Many thanks,

Re: Upgrade path VSP 8404c

EF — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:23:28 GMT

Hi,

The new management mode, segmented mode, uses NLS (Native Linux Stack), which is separate from GRT/VRFs in VOSS.

In your case, it seems that you are using in-band management over interface vlan1, so maybe you will have to use VLAN.

But there are a lot of considerations to study before taking an option, net topology, role of switches, etc., because NLS has its own rules. For example, there isn’t traffic between NLS and GRT, and in some topologies it could be a problem.

Without detailed data, I believe it’s very difficult to give you steps without risk of losing management control.

Regards

Re: Upgrade path VSP 8404c

EF — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:38:26 GMT

VOSS User Guide - For VOSS Release 8.10

chapter "Segmented Management" pag 86

Re: Upgrade path VSP 8404c

ExtremeNewbie — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:47:28 GMT

Thanks for the VOSS user guide and the update. Lots to consider before deciding which option is best. I'll get back on here as needed.

Kind Regards,