How do I update firmware in an HA cluster?
Applicable Products
- QuTS hero h5.3.0 or later
- High Availability Manager
- Control Panel
Background
In a QNAP high-availability (HA) cluster, the active and passive nodes sync data and settings continuously via a heartbeat connection. To ensure system stability and proper cluster functionality, firmware updates are performed in a rolling manner so that there is always one node acting as the active node. This ensures uninterrupted service even if one node is undergoing a firmware update.
However, to maintain cluster stability, you cannot update firmware while the cluster is in any of the following statuses and situations:
- Error: For example, when the cluster detects storage corruption on the active node, split-brain, or failover failure.
- Processing: For example, when the cluster is performing operations such as failover, switchover, data synchronization, or adding or removing nodes.
- Warning: For example, when the cluster detects hardware mismatch between nodes, fan or power issues, degraded or read-only storage pools, abnormal network interfaces, or a heartbeat disconnection.
In a rolling firmware update in an HA cluster, the system first updates the firmware on the passive node. After the passive node restarts, the system performs a switchover and then updates the firmware on the previous active node. Lastly, after the previous active node restarts, the system performs another switchover so that the nodes resume their original roles. This approach ensures continuous service throughout the update process.
Procedure
Before you start updating firmware in an HA cluster, we strongly recommend the following:
- Ensure a stable network: Make sure the cluster and heartbeat connections are stable.
- Back up data: Back up all data before proceeding with the firmware update to prevent data loss.
- Pause operations: Stop all other system operations to ensure a smooth update process.
You can update firmware in an HA cluster via Control Panel or High Availability Manager.
- Log in to the active node as an administrator.
- Go to one of the following:
- Control Panel > System > Firmware Update
- High Availability Manager > Cluster > Manage > Update Firmware
After clicking OK in the confirmation window, you are redirected to the same Control Panel location listed above.TipYou can also update the High Availability Manager app on both nodes by going to High Availability Manager > Cluster > Manage > Update High Availability Manager.
- Select one of the following update methods:
- Click Check for Updates.
This method automatically detects and installs the latest available version. - Go to Manual Installation, click Browse to upload a firmware file, and then click Update System.
This method allows you to update to a specific version.TipYou can download firmware files for your specific NAS model from Download Center.
- Click Check for Updates.
- Confirm the update in the confirmation window.
The system starts performing a rolling firmware update.
