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Govind_Jha's avatar
Govind_Jha
Icon for Nimbostratus rankNimbostratus
Jul 14, 2025

Upgrade Path for BIG-IP 2000 – Out of Warranty and EoRMA Status

Hi Team,

We are currently running BIG-IP LTM and AFM version 14.1.4.6  on a BIG-IP 2000 appliance. While reviewing our setup in iHealth, we received the following message:

"Your hardware reached its End of Return to Manufacturing (EoRMA) date on April 1, 2025. Support options may be limited and an upgrade is recommended."

As the platform is no longer under warranty and we’re running an older software version, we are planning to upgrade to the latest supported version on this hardware. Based on the compatibility matrix, it appears that BIG-IP 15.1.10.x is the latest version supported on the 2000 series.

We understand that 15.1.x will reach End of Technical Support in December 2025, and we plan to use this upgrade as a short-term solution while we evaluate options for hardware replacement.

Our questions are:

Since we are out of warranty and do not currently have an active support contract, can we still upgrade to 15.1.10.x?
If the device doesn’t have internet access, will collecting the license dossier and uploading it to the F5 licensing portal allow us to reactivate the existing license?
Are there any limitations in upgrading or re-licensing in this scenario that we should be aware of?

Any guidance or confirmation would be appreciated.

AFM
LTM F5
software upgrade

3 Replies

  • Injeyan_Kostas's avatar
    Injeyan_Kostas
    Icon for Nacreous rankNacreous
    Jul 14, 2025

    Hello Govind_Jha​ 

    If you have no active support you cannot do a relicense.

    And the tricky part is when you had the last relicense.
    Because depending on this upgrade to v15.1.10.x might or might not require a relicense

    check this https://my.f5.com/manage/s/article/K7727

    But I think 2000s do not support v15 anyway

    If I am not wrong they go up to 14.1.5.6

  • Melissa_C's avatar
    Melissa_C
    Icon for Moderator rankModerator
    Jul 14, 2025

    Hello Govind_Jha​, 

    Before going through the relicensing process I would suggest reviewing the BIG-IP Release Matrix to confirm that your device is compatible with the software you are wanting to upgrade to. If it is not, you unfortunately won't be able to proceed, which my quick glance at the matrix it appears to not be. I would still suggest you review to verify.   

    To answer your licensing specific questions in case it is determined your device is compatible or if you need to do this with another device in the future. There should be no issues with reactivating the license to get your check service date without a service contract in place. The intent of the reactivation is verify if there is support, grab the support date, and allow for upgrades up to the check service date. Once you have your service check date you can compare it against the Software Release Date and as long as your service check date is after the software release date you will be able to upgrade to that version, pending your hardware allows.

    There should be no issues with having no internet access when relicensing as long as you use the manual activation method.  As far as the relicensing there should be no limitations. 

    Alternatively, If you would like to check your end of contract date without having to go through the relicensing your device, our support team is able to pull those details quickly. You can start always chat on MyF5  or call the support line.  

    Thank you for posting your questions. 

    -Melissa