1 Overview

This document describes the steps to upgrade the LoadMaster software, appliance or Virtual LoadMaster (VLM), from version 5.1 to 6.0, and to revert back to 5.1 from 6.0. Kemp recommends performing a full backup of the system before updating to version 6.0 or reverting back to version 5.1.

2 Backing Up the LoadMaster

Here we will back up the LoadMaster system configuration and SSL certificates.

2.1 Backup the System

Follow the steps below to create a backup file:

1. In the main menu of the LoadMaster Web User Interface (WUI), navigate to System Configuration > System Administration > Backup/Restore.

2. Click the Create Backup File button. A download of the backup will start. The file name is set to LMbackup and the date and time. Select a location to save the backup file to - this is browser dependent as some browsers will automatically save the file to a location that was already pre-set. The backup file will contain all of the LoadMaster base information such as system defaults and all information pertaining to each configured Virtual Service. If you rename the file ensure to not change the file extension.

2.2 Backing Up Certificates

To back up certificates, follow the steps below:

1. In the main menu of the LoadMaster WUI, navigate to Certificates > Backup/Restore Certs.

2. Enter a passphrase in the boxes provided.

The passphrase is very important and should be safeguarded. The backup file cannot be opened without the passphrase as it is encoded.

3. Click the Create Backup File button.

4. The filename will be automatically set with CertBackup and the date and time. Select the location to save the backup file to - this is browser dependent as some browsers will automatically save the file to a location that was already pre-set. It is a good idea to save this file with the system backup. The file can be renamed but do not change the file extension.

If a named user has any Allowed Networks set, they must unset them as this feature is not supported in version 6.0.

3 Updating the Software to Version 6.0

To update the software, follow the steps below:

1. Send an email to Kemp support at nasupport@kemptechnologies.com (North America & Canada), emeasupport@kemptechnologies.com (Europe, Middle East and Africa) or apacsupport@kemptechnologies.com (Asia and Pacific). 

2. Kemp Support will reply with an email containing a link to the software file, a username and password.

3. Click the link and save the file.

4. In the main menu of the LoadMaster WUI, navigate to System Configuration > System Administration > Update Software.

5. Click the Choose File button in the LoadMaster Software section and navigate to the software file that was downloaded from the Kemp site.

6. Click the Update Machine button. The file will be checked and validated.

7. Click OK to install the software after validation is complete. Once installed, the LoadMaster will need to be rebooted. 

8. Click Reboot.

9. Click Continue.

10. The LoadMaster should now be operational on a version of the 6.0 software as shown by the Home screen.

At this point the cache must be cleared on the browser.  The JavaScript that handles many of the address validation functions changed between version 5.1 and 6.0 and the new JavaScript needs to be reloaded. Once the cache has been cleared, reload the page - this will load the new JavaScript.

If the Persistence Options were previously set to SSL Session ID, after the upgrade the SSL options are gone. To display the SSL options, set the Persistence Options to Source IP Address. Then, set it back to None.

4 Restoring the Software to Version 5.1

When performing a software update, the LoadMaster automatically creates a restore point of the current system and, provided no changes are made, the restore point can be used. Therefore, when restoring to 5.1 there are two options;

Restore to version 5.1 - no changes made

Restore to version 5.1 - changes made

Refer to the relevant section below for restore instructions.

4.1 Restore to Version 5.1 - No Changes

If, since the LoadMaster has been upgraded to 6.0, there have been no further updates within the 6.0 family and no changes to the configuration since the initial update was performed, the user can take advantage of the restore feature.

In the the LoadMaster WUI, follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to System Configuration > System Administration > Update Software.

2. Click Restore previous version and click OK to confirm. 

3. Reboot the LoadMaster.

After the reboot, the LoadMaster will be restored to the point that was active at the time of the update and will be fully operational as it was at that time.

At this point the cache on the browser must be cleared. The JavaScript that handles many of the address validation functions has changed and the new JavaScript needs to be reloaded. Once the cache has been cleared, reload the page - this will load the new JavaScript.

4.2 Restore to Version 5.1 - Changes Made

If changes to the 6.0 configuration have been made and you want to keep the changes, the 6.0 system will need to be backed up by following the steps in the Backing Up the LoadMaster section above.

1. In the main menu of the LoadMaster (WUI), navigate to System Configuration > System Administration > Backup/Restore

2. Click the Browse button.

3. Locate and select the backup LMbackup file.

At this point there is an option to restore the system base configuration, the Virtual Service configuration, or both. Kemp recommends restoring both (check both boxes).

4. Click Restore Configuration. 

5. Click Reboot.

6. Click Continue.

The LoadMaster should now be accessible and have the same configuration that existed before moving up to version 6.0.

At this point the cache on the browser must be cleared.  The JavaScript that handles many of the address validation functions has changed and the new JavaScript needs to be reloaded. Once the cache has been cleared, reload the page which will load the new JavaScript.

4.3 Restoring Certificates

To restore certificates, follow the instructions below:

1. In the main menu of the LoadMaster WUI, navigate to Certificates > Backup/Restore Certs.

2. Click the Browse button. Locate and select the certificate backup file.

3. In the drop-down list select All VS and Intermediate certificates.

4. Enter the passphrase assigned to the certificate backup file.

5. Click Restore Certificates.

The LoadMaster will now have the exact same configuration as the one backed up prior to the version 6.0 upgrade.

References

Unless otherwise specified, the following documents can be found at http://www.kemptechnologies.com/documentation.

Web User Interface (WUI), Configuration Guide

Kemp LoadMaster, Product Overview

Last Updated Date

This document was last updated on 21 February 2022.