Release Compatibility

6.1.1 update based on SCG-133372 [Support 3.6.2 AP/DP in R6.1.1] AP/DP/CCM. This matrix will move to the Upgrade guide for GA release.

The controller provides release compatibility in two forms:

  • Upgrade Support: A controller release supports upgrades from specific earlier release trains, limited to software versions (GA, GD, or MRs) that are already published when the new SmartZone release becomes available.
  • AP zone support: A new SmartZone release supports AP zone firmware from certain prior releases; different AP zones may use any of the supported firmware releases.
Note: The controller data plane devices follow the AP zone compatibility policy as set forth in this section. Data plane devices are compatible with controller in the same way APs are compatible with the controller.

The supported paths for Short Term (ST) and Long Term (LT) releases are the same, and maintain the following compatibilities:

  • An ST release is compatible with its current release train and the immediate prior LT GD release train for upgradability and AP Zone support.
  • An LT release is compatible with its current release train, the immediate prior ST release, and the latest LT GD (General Deployment) release in immediate prior LT train for upgradability and AP Zone support.
  • An LT GD release is compatible with its current release train, the immediate prior ST release, and two immediate prior LT GD releases for upgradability and AP Zone support.

For more information on release definition, refer to RUCKUS Support Portal at https://support.ruckuswireless.com.

This SmartZone release is a long-term (LT) release. Refer to the following table for a compatibility matrix for all controller platforms.

Updated the table for 7.1.1 (Patch 1) as per email from Wang, Jeff and Wang, Chao-Cheng(Mike)

SmartZone 7.1.1 Compatibility Matrix

Previous releases R7.1.1 (Patch 1)
3.6.2.0.78, 3.6.2.0.222, 3.6.2.0.250 (LT GD) Not supported
5.1.0.0.496, 5.1.1.0.589, 5.1.1.0.598, 5.1.2.0.302 (ST GA) Not supported
5.2.0.0.699, 5.2.1.0.515 (LT GA) Not supported
5.2.2.0.317, 5.2.2.0.1161, 5.2.2.0.1562, 5.2.2.0.1563 (LT GD) Not supported
6.0.0.0.1331 (ST GA) Not supported
6.1.0.0.935 (LT GA) Supported
6.1.1.0.959 (LT GA) Supported
6.1.2.0.354 (LT GD), 6.1.2.0.404 (Patch 1), 6.1.2.0.441 (Patch 2), 6.1.2.0.487 (Patch 3), 6.1.2.0.609 (Patch 3 Refresh), 6.1.2 (LT GD) (Patch 5) Supported
7.0.0.0.726, 7.0.0.0.956, 7.0.0.0.1026 (ST GA) Supported
7.1.0.0.586 (LT GA) Supported
7.1.1.0.551 (LT GA) Supported

SmartZone supports a direct upgrade from version 6.1.2 Patch 3 to 7.1.1 Patch 2 without requiring an intermediate controller upgrade, ensuring the controller is on a compatible base version before applying the AP patch. To upgrade the SmartZone controller, follow these recommended upgrade steps:

  1. Upgrade the SmartZone controller from 6.1.2 Patch 3 to 7.1.1 Patch 1.
  2. Upload the 7.1.1 Patch 2 AP firmware package to the controller.
  3. Upgrade the required AP zones to 7.1.1 Patch 2.
    Note:
  • Ensure that the controller is upgraded to 7.1.1 Patch 1 before applying Patch 2.
  • You can use the AP firmware version included with the compatible controller releases listed in the table, or any later AP firmware patch from those versions.
  • Upgrading from SmartZone 6.1.2 Patch 3 (6.1.2.0.487) to release 7.0, 7.1, or 7.1.1 is not supported. SmartZone 6.1.2 Patch 3 is released after these 7.x versions and includes bug fixes and stability improvements not fully present in them. The recommended upgrade path is SmartZone 7.1.1 Patch 1.
  • *- Additional support for this path beyond the base policy is added to address special requirements.
  • You can use the AP firmware version included with the compatible controller releases listed in the table, or any later AP firmware patch from those versions. If you are running an earlier version, upgrade to a compatible version listed in the table before upgrading to this release.
  • Upgrading from SmartZone 6.1.2 (Patch 5) to software versions 7.0.0 (ST-GA), 7.1.0 (LT-GA), or 7.1.1 (LT-GA) is not supported.

Caution: To help ensure that the cluster firmware upgrade process can be completed successfully, the cluster interfaces of all nodes must be connected and up.

Remember: Before you proceed with upgrading the controller to this release, ensure that all AP zones are running one of the supported firmware versions. Otherwise, the cluster upgrade will be blocked.