ESXi 5.5 Upgrade Plan Review: Need Your Expertise!

by Viktoria Ivanova 51 views

Hey guys,

I'm looking for some feedback on my plan to upgrade my ESXi and vCenter environment. I've got two hosts running ESXi 5.5 and vCenter 5.5, and I want to make sure I've covered all my bases before I start the upgrade process. I've outlined the steps I'm planning to take below, and I'd really appreciate it if you could take a look and let me know if you see any potential issues or have any suggestions for improvement. Thanks in advance for your help!

Upgrade Plan Overview

Here's a high-level overview of my planned upgrade process:

  1. Backup configuration: This is the most crucial first step. I'll be backing up all my ESXi and vCenter configurations to ensure I have a restore point in case anything goes wrong. This includes backing up the vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) and the ESXi host configurations. I'll be using the built-in backup features of vCenter and ESXi, as well as taking snapshots of the VCSA VM. Having a solid backup is the cornerstone of any successful upgrade, as it provides a safety net to revert to a stable state if issues arise during the process. It's like having an insurance policy for your virtual infrastructure, giving you the confidence to proceed with the upgrade knowing you can always go back if needed.

  2. HOST1 - Put into Maintenance Mode: Before making any changes to the first host, I'll put it into maintenance mode. This will ensure that no new VMs are started on the host and that any VMs currently running on it are migrated to the other host. Maintenance mode is a critical step in the upgrade process, as it isolates the host from the production environment, preventing any disruption to running virtual machines. This ensures that the upgrade process doesn't interfere with the operation of your virtual machines, maintaining business continuity. It's like closing a lane on a highway for construction – it allows you to work on the infrastructure without stopping traffic.

  3. HOST1 - Upgrade ESXi: Next, I'll upgrade ESXi on the first host. I'll be using the vSphere Update Manager (VUM) to perform the upgrade, as this provides a centralized and automated way to manage the upgrade process. VUM simplifies the upgrade process by providing a single interface to manage ESXi host patching and upgrades. It streamlines the process, reducing the risk of manual errors and ensuring consistency across your environment. Think of VUM as your upgrade control center, managing the entire process from start to finish.

  4. HOST1 - Take out of Maintenance Mode: Once the upgrade is complete, I'll take the host out of maintenance mode and allow VMs to be migrated back to it. This step reintegrates the upgraded host back into the production environment, allowing it to resume its role in hosting virtual machines. Taking the host out of maintenance mode is like reopening the lane on the highway after construction is complete, allowing traffic to flow freely again. It signifies the successful completion of the upgrade on that particular host.

  5. HOST2 - Put into Maintenance Mode: I'll repeat the process for the second host, starting by putting it into maintenance mode. This mirrors the process for the first host, ensuring a consistent and controlled upgrade process across your infrastructure. This ensures that each host is upgraded in a safe and isolated manner, minimizing any potential disruption to virtual machine operations.

  6. HOST2 - Upgrade ESXi: I'll then upgrade ESXi on the second host, again using VUM. Maintaining consistency in the upgrade process is key to ensuring a stable and predictable outcome. Using the same method and configuration for both hosts minimizes the risk of discrepancies and potential issues. Consistency is the name of the game when it comes to upgrades, ensuring a smooth and reliable transition.

  7. HOST2 - Take out of Maintenance Mode: After the upgrade, I'll take the second host out of maintenance mode. This final step completes the ESXi host upgrade process, bringing your entire virtual infrastructure up to the latest version. With both hosts upgraded and back in service, you can take advantage of the latest features and security enhancements offered by the new ESXi version. This is the moment of completion, signifying a successful upgrade of your ESXi hosts.

  8. Upgrade vCenter: Finally, I'll upgrade vCenter. I'll be using the vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) installer to perform the upgrade. The vCenter upgrade is the final piece of the puzzle, bringing your entire virtual infrastructure management platform up to date. Upgrading vCenter ensures compatibility with the upgraded ESXi hosts and unlocks the full potential of the new features and capabilities. This is like upgrading the control tower at an airport, ensuring it can communicate effectively with the upgraded aircraft.

Detailed Steps and Considerations

Let's dive into a more detailed look at each step, along with some important considerations:

1. Backup Configuration

Backing up your configuration is absolutely critical before starting any upgrade. This gives you a safety net to fall back on if something goes wrong. Here's what I plan to back up:

  • vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA): I'll use the built-in backup feature of the VCSA to create a file-based backup. This will include the vCenter Server configuration, inventory data, and historical performance data. I'll also take a snapshot of the VCSA VM as an extra precaution. Backing up the VCSA is paramount, as it's the central management point for your virtual infrastructure. A comprehensive backup ensures you can restore vCenter to its previous state, preserving your configuration and historical data. Think of the VCSA backup as your virtual infrastructure's lifeline, allowing you to recover from unforeseen issues.
  • ESXi Host Configurations: I'll use the vicfg-cfgbackup.pl script to back up the configuration of each ESXi host. This will include the host's network settings, storage configuration, and other critical settings. Backing up each ESXi host individually ensures that you can recover a host's specific configuration if needed. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of each host within your virtual environment. Consider these host backups as individual recovery plans for each component of your infrastructure.

Key Considerations:

  • Backup Location: I'll make sure to store the backups on a separate storage device that is not part of the ESXi environment. This will protect the backups in case of a storage failure on the ESXi hosts. A geographically separate backup location provides an additional layer of protection against site-wide disasters. It's like keeping a spare key to your house in a safe place outside the house, ensuring you can always get back in.
  • Backup Verification: I'll test the backups to make sure they can be restored successfully. This is a crucial step that is often overlooked. Verifying your backups is as important as creating them. It validates the integrity of the backup and ensures that you can actually restore your environment in case of an emergency. Think of it as testing your parachute before jumping out of a plane – you want to be sure it will work when you need it most.
  • Backup Schedule: I'll establish a regular backup schedule to ensure that my backups are always up-to-date. Regular backups provide a safety net against data loss due to unforeseen events or configuration changes. A consistent backup schedule is like having regular checkups with your doctor – it helps you identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.

2. HOST1 - Put into Maintenance Mode

Before upgrading ESXi on HOST1, I'll put it into maintenance mode. This will ensure that no new VMs are started on the host and that any VMs currently running on it are migrated to the other host. Maintenance mode is a crucial step in preventing service disruptions during the upgrade process.

Steps:

  1. Connect to the host using the vSphere Client or vSphere Web Client.
  2. Right-click the host in the inventory and select