1 Overview

This document describes the steps to upgrade the LoadMaster software, appliance or Virtual LoadMaster (VLM), from version 6 to 7, and to revert back to 6 from 7. We recommend performing a full backup of the system before updating to version 7 or reverting back to version 6.

1.1 Prerequisites

If you plan on updating from a pre-LTS firmware version to a post-LTS firmware version, you must first upgrade to LTS. This is because the kernel was upgraded in the LTS version. You can follow the steps in this document to do this, but ensure to update to the LTS version before updating to a later version.

Before upgrading the LoadMaster firmware version, it is also a good idea to back up:

• The LoadMaster base configuration

• The LoadMaster's certificates

• Any cipher sets that are currently in use

Refer to the <b>Back Up the LoadMaster Configuration</b> section for instructions on how to do this.

2 Backing Up the LoadMaster

The sections below contain instructions on how to back up the LoadMaster system configuration and SSL certificates.

2.1 Backing Up 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 text boxes provided.

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

3. Click the Create Backup File button.

4. The filename is 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.

The private keys are backed up as part of the certificate backup. Even though this file is password protected – it should be stored securely as it contains private key material.

3 Updating the Software to Version 7.nn

To update the software, follow the steps below:

1. Send an email to Progress 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. Progress 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 Progress Kemp site.

6. Click Update Machine. The file is 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.

If you are updating the software to version 7.2.49.1 or higher, a screen appears to enable Kemp Analytics. To enable this feature, click Enable Kemp Analytics. To proceed without enabling this feature, click Don't Enable Kemp Analytics.

10. The LoadMaster should now be operational on a version of the 7 software as shown by the Home screen.

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 6

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 6 – no changes made

Restore to version 6 – changes made

Refer to the relevant section below for restore instructions.

4.1 Restore to Version 6 – No Changes

If, since the LoadMaster has been upgraded to 7, there have been no further updates within the 7 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 Software and click OK to confirm. 

3. Reboot the LoadMaster.

After the reboot, the LoadMaster is restored to the point that was active at the time of the update and is 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 6 - Changes Made

If changes to the version 7 configuration have been made and you want to keep the changes, the version 7 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. We recommend 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 7.

 

 

4.3 Restoring Certificates and Private Keys

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 button.

The LoadMaster will now have the exact same configuration as the one backed up prior to the version 7.0 upgrade.

References

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

Web User Interface (WUI), Configuration Guide

LoadMaster, Product Overview

Last Updated Date

This document was last updated on 03 August 2023.