This is the 2nd blog in the Upgrade to AOS 10 series. Go here for Part 1.
If you’re currently using Aruba Central and are ready to upgrade to ArubaOS 10 (AOS 10), get started with these instructions from the Aruba Central Help Center. Otherwise, read on for my experience!
I currently run a couple different access point models (3xx and 5xx Series APs), all managed by Aruba Central, running version 8.9.0.1. Before proceeding with the upgrade, I made sure to check the Supported Devices list so that I could confirm which of my existing infrastructure is supported by AOS 10.
In my case, all my models could be upgraded, but if you are running older hardware like the 200 Series APs or below, now is a great time to upgrade your wireless experience with HPE Aruba Networking Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E access points.
On to the Upgrade!
Right when I logged on to Central, I clicked to the Organization tab on the Global Network Operations view. From there, I created a New Group I called “Test Group”.
From there, I noticed that the default option for new groups is for ArubaOS 10 software – the recommended software for all APs and gateways. If I wanted to, I could also choose to add gateways alongside my APs, if they are 7000 series or 9000 series devices. But I chose to continue, as I can always add them later by simply clicking on “Edit Group”.
After clicking “Add” and proceeding to configure the group, I was directed to set up a password.
Then I went through the similar Aruba Central experience of creating a new network. On the “General” tab, I chose “test-aos-10” as my SSID and kept the advanced settings untouched.
On the “VLANs” tab, I chose “Bridge” for my traffic forwarding mode, and “Native VLAN” for my client VLAN assignment. Note, Bridge Mode is the same as what was previously called Standalone Mode.
On the Security tab, “WPA3-xxx” is now the default Key Management option, and can be configured to support legacy devices in transition mode. I could also reselect other options based on my security posture.
Under the “Access” tab, I left my network as “Unrestricted” since it’s a test network, however I could also set up multiple rules based on role or network-based attributes.
Once I reached the “Summary” tab, I did a quick check of all my configurations and then proceeded to successfully complete my AOS 10 network configurations.
One more thing that I did to save myself a couple manual steps, was to proceed to the “Maintenance” tab on the left column so that I could manage my “Firmware Compliance”. By setting a compliance for a 10.x firmware version, I could automatically start an AP upgrade process the moment I moved my APs into the group.
Speaking of moving devices, after I clicked “Save” on this screen, I went ahead and returned to the Group tab. I then selected the APs I wanted to move, then clicked on the “Move Devices” icon in the corner. Note, to choose one or more devices at a time, simply “Shift + Click”.
I then chose the AOS 10 AP group (with firmware compliance enabled) and clicked “Move”, and that was it!
After a few seconds, Aruba Central began pushing a software update to my Instant AP, and the upgrade process began! The indicator lights on my AP began flashing as well.
A couple minutes later, my AP finished its software upgrade and began rebooting, and my Aruba Central upgrade status showed a successful upgrade.
The reboot speed itself was on par or better than expected, clocking in at just under 3 minutes. So there you have it, that’s it! I am now running on Aruba’s most advanced wireless operating system – fully managed in Aruba Central.
What Comes Next?
If you haven’t had the chance to look at AOS 10 or have been busy with other priorities, I highly recommend you take another look. You don’t need to upgrade your entire production cluster today – feel free to start on a smaller scale with a test site. If you need assistance with converting an Instant cluster in Aruba Central, look at the resources available below, in your Aruba Central search bar, or contact Aruba TAC for enhanced support.
If you are looking for further guidance to decide if you’re ready to go cloud, try out our new Aruba ESP Travel Advisor Tool to find out our recommendations based on the direction you want to take.
