Requirements for WebSphere Network Deployment environment when upgrading
 Technote (troubleshooting)
 
Problem(Abstract)
Requirements for WebSphere® Network Deployment environment when upgrading:

The version levels for Network Deployment (dmgr) must be kept at the same or higher level than the Application Server/nodes that it manages.
 
Cause
The updateInstaller cannot restrict the order in which base and deployment manager (dmgr) nodes are upgraded. It is possible to upgrade a node without upgrading a deployment manager, but this is not advisable.
 
Resolving the problem
The best practice for upgrading the WebSphere version of a cell is to upgrade the deployment manager (dmgr) first.

For example, consider this hypothetical environment:

dmgr at version 5.1.0 and application server / node at version 5.1.0

It is desirable to upgrade the deployment manager first, so hypothetically the environment is changed to:

dmgr now at version 5.1.1 and application server / node remains at version 5.1.0

At this point, the deployment manager could be started up to test the cell. This cell configuration is supported. However, it is not recommended to run a cell in this "mixed version" configuration. So, it is desirable to upgrade the application server / node next. The environment is updated to this:

dmgr at version 5.1.1, and application server / node now at version 5.1.1

Restating the recommendations above in a different manner:

  • When a fix pack, cumulative fix, or refresh pack is applied to a cell, the update for the DeploymentManager should be applied first.
  • Operating a cell in which the deployment manager is at a release level lower than the application servers it manages is NOT supported.
  • Operating a "mixed cell" in which the deployment manager is a higher level than the application servers it manages is supported but not recommended. It is recommended that the application servers / nodes be upgraded to the same level as the deployment manager as soon as possible.
 
Related information
Recommended Updates for WebSphere...
Installation best practices tutorials
WebSphere V6 Infocenter
 
 
Cross Reference information
Segment Product Component Platform Version Edition
Application Servers Runtimes for Java Technology Java SDK
 
 


Document Information


Product categories: Software > Application Servers > Distributed Application & Web Servers > WebSphere Application Server > General
Operating system(s): Windows
Software version: 6.1
Software edition:
Reference #: 1214312
IBM Group: Software Group
Modified date: Aug 12, 2005