Upgrading SSR on Mist Portal: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Mist Portal is a powerful tool for managing and deploying Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) solutions. One of the key components of the Mist Portal is the Session Smart Router (SSR), which provides advanced routing and security capabilities. In this article, we will explore the process of upgrading SSR on the Mist Portal, including the benefits, requirements, and step-by-step instructions.

Benefits of Upgrading SSR

Upgrading SSR on the Mist Portal offers several benefits, including:

• Improved Performance: Upgrading SSR can improve the overall performance of your SD-WAN solution, including faster routing and improved security.
• Enhanced Security: Newer versions of SSR often include advanced security features and patches, which can help protect your network from threats.
• New Features: Upgrading SSR can provide access to new features and capabilities, such as improved Quality of Service (QoS) and advanced analytics.
• Bug Fixes: Upgrading SSR can resolve known issues and bugs, which can improve the stability and reliability of your SD-WAN solution.

Requirements for Upgrading SSR

Before upgrading SSR on the Mist Portal, there are several requirements that must be met:

• Compatible Hardware: The Mist Portal and SSR must be running on compatible hardware, including the Juniper Networks NFX Series or SRX Series.
• Supported Software Version: The Mist Portal and SSR must be running a supported software version, which can be found on the Juniper Networks website.
• Administrative Access: Administrative access to the Mist Portal and SSR is required to perform the upgrade.
• Backup Configuration: It is recommended to backup the configuration of the SSR before performing the upgrade.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Upgrading SSR

The following are the step-by-step instructions for upgrading SSR on the Mist Portal:

Step 1: Backup the Configuration

Before upgrading SSR, it is recommended to backup the configuration of the SSR. This can be done by:

• Logging into the Mist Portal with administrative access.
• Navigating to the SSR configuration page.
• Clicking on the “Backup Configuration” button.
• Saving the configuration file to a secure location.

Step 2: Download the Upgrade Package

The next step is to download the upgrade package for SSR. This can be done by:

• Logging into the Juniper Networks website with a valid account.
• Navigating to the “Downloads” section.
• Selecting the correct upgrade package for the SSR.
• Downloading the upgrade package to a secure location.

Step 3: Upload the Upgrade Package to the Mist Portal

Once the upgrade package has been downloaded, it must be uploaded to the Mist Portal. This can be done by:

• Logging into the Mist Portal with administrative access.
• Navigating to the SSR configuration page.
• Clicking on the “Upload Upgrade Package” button.
• Selecting the upgrade package file.
• Uploading the upgrade package to the Mist Portal.

Step 4: Apply the Upgrade Package

After the upgrade package has been uploaded, it must be applied to the SSR. This can be done by:

• Logging into the Mist Portal with administrative access.
• Navigating to the SSR configuration page.
• Clicking on the “Apply Upgrade Package” button.
• Confirming the upgrade package installation.

Step 5: Verify the Upgrade

Once the upgrade package has been applied, it is essential to verify that the upgrade was successful. This can be done by:

• Logging into the Mist Portal with administrative access.
• Navigating to the SSR configuration page.
• Verifying that the SSR version has been updated.
• Testing the SSR to ensure that it is functioning correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

During the upgrade process, several issues may arise. The following are some common issues and their solutions:

Issue 1: Upgrade Package Fails to Upload

If the upgrade package fails to upload, it may be due to a connectivity issue or a corrupted file. To resolve this issue:

• Verify that the network connection is stable.
• Check the upgrade package file for corruption.
• Try uploading the upgrade package again.

Issue 2: SSR Fails to Boot After Upgrade

If the SSR fails to boot after the upgrade, it may be due to a compatibility issue or a corrupted configuration file. To resolve this issue:

• Verify that the SSR is compatible with the new software version.
• Check the configuration file for corruption.
• Try restoring the previous configuration file.

Conclusion

Upgrading SSR on the Mist Portal is a straightforward process that requires careful planning and execution. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, administrators can ensure a successful upgrade and take advantage of the latest features and security patches. Remember to backup the configuration, download the correct upgrade package, upload the package to the Mist Portal, apply the package, and verify the upgrade to ensure a smooth and trouble-free process.