Upgrade/Downgrade BIG-IP VE (lab license)
I'm finding differing information on upgrading/downgrading BIG-IP VE and would like to confirm the process.
I have a lab license and would like to be able to switch between versions (11.2, 12.x - 13) to be able to lab new configurations as well as legacy configs and exercises around certification. Before doing so I wanted to be sure that this could be done simply performing normal upgrade/downgrade procedures (install new version on partition and boot into it). I understand that re-configuration may be required when switching between versions and that will not be a problem.
This link references v13 and notes that the VM does not need to be re-installed, just perform a normal update (download image, install image, boot into new partition)
This link for Hyper-V and v12 indicates that when upgrading to v12.1 the VM should be re-installed and Support contacted to transfer the license.
This link also for Hyper-V and for older versions (10.2 - 11.1) lists a more involved process. It may not be applicable due to being for an older version.
The answer may simply be use the normal upgrade process. However given that some references appear to indicate that the VM should be re-installed when moving between certain versions, I'd like to be sure that I do this 'properly' to ensure the final system is stable and accounts for any changes between versions (maybe larger disks were provisioned or something...). My environment is VMWare ESXi, in case the above refs were strictly related to HyperV environments.