Here's how to upgrade SONiC using an SCP client. You'll need an SCP Client, like WinSCP and the SONiC image. Download the image from your Dell My Account. For more information see KB Article 180674. This is not a comprehensive guide. Before attempting an upgrade please read the 'SONiC Installation and Upgrade Guide' carefully.
In particular, check the 'Configuration Migration Support' section to confirm upgrade compatibility. Before upgrading SONiC, first upgrade the ONIE Software, then the Networking Firmware. These are available on Dell.com/Support. Please remember there is always a risk of traffic loss during an upgrade. We recommend scheduling a maintenance window to do this. Connect to your switch using a terminal emulator, here we're using PuTTY.
Once connected, use the 'df' command to check there's enough free space for the image in the home directory. Connect to the switch using your SCP client and copy the image to the home directory Run 'sonic-cli' to enter the Management Framework CLI. Then 'dir home' to confirm the image is present Before proceeding, save and backup your switch configuration. Run 'write memory' to save the running configuration to the startup configuration.
Then use the 'copy startup-configuration' command to backup the config to your home directory. You can use your SCP client to copy this to your workstation. Optionally, as an extra precaution, run 'show running-configuration | no-more', copy the output, and paste it into a text file on your workstation.
If you're updating switches in an MCLAG configurtion, upgrade the standby peer first, to minimise disruption On your standby peer or standalone switch use the 'image install' command to begin the installation. Run 'show image status' to check the progress. It usually only takes a minute or two to complete. Then run 'show image list' to check that 'next:' displays the correct image.
If it doesn't, use the 'image set-default' command to select the correct image. Usually it will be set automatically. Then, run 'reboot' to reboot the switch. When the reboot is complete log back into the switch, and run 'sonic-cli'. Then 'show version' to confirm the OS version is correct. For a standalone switch the the OS upgrade is now complete.
For switches in an MCLAG configuration, repeat the same steps for the primary switch. If you made any other changes, remember to save your configuration with 'write memory' before quitting. Thanks for watching.
