Forum Discussion
AltostratusPurpose of the f5_api_com certificate?
I researched the purpose of this certificate.
"The f5_api_com.crt is an SSL certificate used by the BIG-IP system for secure communication with various F5 services such as Phone Home feature, Auto Protocol Inspection signature update (AFM), Auto Traffic Intelligence Classification Signature Update (PEM) etc., It allows the BIG-IP system to establish communication with the API servers. The certificate is used to authenticate and encrypt the communication between the BIG-IP system and the API servers".
But what I wanted to know if an expired "f5_api_com" certificated affect the ability to upgrade the software or impact the TMM. I was attempting to upgrade from 16.x to 17.x and got license errors but noticed once i updated the expired f5_api_com certificate, it worked. Wondered if it was just a fluke.
Hi Jonathancert , thanks for writing in. What you experienced isn't a fluke, and that is the expected behaviour. An expired f5_api_com.crt SSL certificate can impact certain functionalities of the BIG-IP system, and the behaviour you experienced when upgrading is consistent with how the system interacts with F5 services. Here's an explanation:
1. Purpose of the f5_api_com.crt Certificate
The f5_api_com.crt certificate is critical for the BIG-IP system to securely communicate with F5's API services and primarily used for license validation. When performing tasks like software upgrades or license renewals, the BIG-IP system may contact F5's API servers for license verification and activation. The f5_api_com.crt ensures that this communication is secure and authenticated.2. Impact of an Expired f5_api_com.crt Certificate
When the f5_api_com.crt certificate expires, the BIG-IP system may face issues establishing secure communication with F5's API servers. The most likely consequences include:
a) License Validation Errors- Software upgrades, especially major version upgrades like from 16.x to 17.x, often require license verification with the F5 license servers. If the expired f5_api_com.crt certificate prevents the BIG-IP system from securely connecting to the F5 licensing API, the process will fail, resulting in errors like "license validation errors" or "license check failed".
Once the certificate is updated, the system can establish secure communication, resolve the licensing issue, and proceed with the upgrade.Hope that answers your query.
Cheers,
Mo
1 Reply
- MoFaz
Moderator
Hi Jonathancert , thanks for writing in. What you experienced isn't a fluke, and that is the expected behaviour. An expired f5_api_com.crt SSL certificate can impact certain functionalities of the BIG-IP system, and the behaviour you experienced when upgrading is consistent with how the system interacts with F5 services. Here's an explanation:
1. Purpose of the f5_api_com.crt Certificate
The f5_api_com.crt certificate is critical for the BIG-IP system to securely communicate with F5's API services and primarily used for license validation. When performing tasks like software upgrades or license renewals, the BIG-IP system may contact F5's API servers for license verification and activation. The f5_api_com.crt ensures that this communication is secure and authenticated.2. Impact of an Expired f5_api_com.crt Certificate
When the f5_api_com.crt certificate expires, the BIG-IP system may face issues establishing secure communication with F5's API servers. The most likely consequences include:
a) License Validation Errors- Software upgrades, especially major version upgrades like from 16.x to 17.x, often require license verification with the F5 license servers. If the expired f5_api_com.crt certificate prevents the BIG-IP system from securely connecting to the F5 licensing API, the process will fail, resulting in errors like "license validation errors" or "license check failed".
Once the certificate is updated, the system can establish secure communication, resolve the licensing issue, and proceed with the upgrade.Hope that answers your query.
Cheers,
Mo
