Updating the LoadMaster Software
Contents
1 Introduction
New versions of the Kemp LoadMaster software are released on a quarterly basis. Each new software release comes with a host of new features, feature enhancements and bug fixes. To find out what is included in a LoadMaster software version, please refer to the LoadMaster Release Notes.
Customers can download the latest software from the Kemp website. The firmware can then be installed on the LoadMaster.
1.1 Document Purpose
This document describes the steps to upgrade the LoadMaster software. Kemp recommends performing a full backup of the system before updating the software.
1.2 Intended Audience
This document is intended to be read by anyone interested in finding out how to upgrade the LoadMaster firmware.
1.3 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.
2 Updating the LoadMaster Software
Follow the steps in the sub-sections below to back up and update the LoadMaster software.
You will experience issues accessing the LoadMaster if all of the below conditions are met:
- You update the LoadMaster firmware from a version below LTS to 7.2.XX
- Any time after updating the firmware, you change the password to access the LoadMaster
- After changing the LoadMaster password, you downgrade to version 7.1.XX
2.1 Download the Software Update
To download the latest version of the LoadMaster software, follow the steps below:
1. Go to https://support.kemptechnologies.com.
2. Log in to the site by clicking the Sign in link at the top and entering your Kemp ID details.
For instructions on how to register for a Kemp ID, refer to the Licensing, Feature Description.
3. Click Downloads.
4. Click the relevant download link, depending on your type of LoadMaster.
5. Continue following the relevant links to download the software.
2.2 Back Up the LoadMaster
The sections below contain instructions on how to back up the LoadMaster system configuration and SSL certificates.
2.2.1 Back 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.
2.2.2 Back Up the Certificates
To back up certificates, follow the steps below:
1. In the main menu of the LoadMaster WUI, go to Certificates & Security > 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.
2.3 Updating the Software
As the update process requires a reboot, Kemp recommend that the software update is performed during a maintenance window.
To update the software, follow the steps below:
1. In the main menu of the LoadMaster WUI, navigate to System Configuration > System Administration > Update Software.
2. Click the Choose File button in the Update LoadMaster Software section and navigate to the software file that was downloaded from the Kemp site.
Do not install an ECS update image on a LoadMaster without the ECS add-on package already installed. Doing so invalidates your LoadMaster license.
3. Click the Update Machine button. The file is checked and validated.
4. Click the OK button to install the software after validation is complete. Once installed, the LoadMaster will need to be rebooted.
5. Click Reboot.
6. 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.
For further details, refer to the following pages:
3 Restoring the Software
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 a previous version there are two options;
Restore to the previous version - no changes made
Restore to the previous version - changes made
Refer to the relevant section below for restore instructions.
3.1 Restore the Software - No Changes Made
If there have been no further changes to the configuration since the software update, the software can be restored by following the steps below:
1. In the main menu of the LoadMaster WUI, go to System Configuration > System Administration > Update Software.
2. Click the Restore Software button and click OK to confirm.
3. Reboot the LoadMaster.
After the reboot, the LoadMaster is restored to the time before the software update and it is fully operational, as it was at that time.
3.2 Restore the Software - Changes Made
If changes have been made and you want to keep those changes, you will need to back up the system by following the steps in the Back Up the System section. Then, after restoring the software (steps in the Restore the Software - No Changes Made section), the backup can be restored by following the steps below:
1. In the main menu of the LoadMaster (WUI), navigate to System Configuration > System Administration > Backup/Restore.
2. Click the Choose File button.
3. Browse to and select the backup file.
Kemp recommends restoring all settings (check all boxes).
4. Click the Restore Configuration button.
5. Click Reboot.
6. Click Continue.
3.3 Restoring Certificates and Private Keys
To restore certificates, follow the instructions below:
1. In the main menu of the LoadMaster WUI, navigate to Certificates & Security > Backup/Restore Certs.
2. Click the Choose File button. Locate and select the certificate backup file.
3. In the drop-down list select All VS and Intermediate Certs.
4. Enter the passphrase assigned to the certificate backup file.
5. Click Restore Certificates button.
References
Unless otherwise specified, the following documents can be found at http://kemptechnologies.com/documentation.
LoadMaster Release Notes, Product Overview
Licensing, Feature Description
Last Updated Date
This document was last updated on 26 May 2022.