This article documents Stage 1 – Planning a Juniper EX Switch Upgrade. This will be the foresight for an upgrade. The discussion topics cover Queries and Credentials for Junos software installation or Upgrading/Downgrading Juniper EX Switches. The article term “Upgrade”, mentioned below, refers to both Upgrade and Downgrade.

To go directly to other stages of the Junos upgrade on an EX switch, consult the Resolution Guide -- Upgrading EX Series.

• Prerequisites or requirements for downloading Junos software
• Links to download Junos OS Software for Juniper EX Switches
• Understanding Junos Software packages on Juniper EX Switches

The first stage of a Junos upgrade is to download the Junos software package:

Click the link below for the step-by-step procedure on downloading the Junos software package:

Note:  Common questions with this download procedure are answered below.

Downloading Software Packages from Juniper Networks

Common Questions and Answers at Stage 1

1. I have an issue logging in when I select the link to download the Junos software, OR
   I get the Error: "Access Denied" when trying to download software.
2. Which version of Junos do I download?
   What is the Juniper recommended version?
   What version do I download if I am upgrading from 9.x to 10.x?
3. How do I check what version of Junos I am currently running on my EX switch? How do I verify my current firmware?
4. Which software package do I download?
5. Can you explain the components of the Install Package?
6. What are the new features or changes in behavior for the Junos software version I am interested in?
7. What is MD5 and how do I identify MD5 checksum for Junos software?
8. What are the complete set of installation instructions in the Technical Documentation?

After downloading the software package, continue to KB20350 - Stage 2 - Backup Configuration.

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List of Common Questions and Answers at Stage 1

1. I have an issue logging in when I select the link to download the Junos software, OR
   I get the Error: "Access Denied" when trying to download software.
   
   Credentials are needed. Before you begin to download software upgrades, ensure that you have a Juniper Networks Web account and a valid support contract. To obtain an account, complete the registration form at the Juniper Networks website: https://www.juniper.net/registration/Register.jsp.
   
   If your questions are not answered on the links there, then open a Customer Care case:  http://www.juniper.net/support/requesting-support.html.


2. Which version of Junos do I download?  
   
   The recommended releases by JTAC are listed here: Recommended Junos Software Versions.  Also, look for the link in the Alerts column on the Junos Download pages:
   


3. How do I check what version of Junos I am currently running on my EX switch?  How do I verify my current firmware? 

   > show version  OR
   # run show version
   
   For more information on the command, refer to show version.

4. Which software package do I download? 
   Select the Software tab.  Then look for your EX device model and desired version of software.  Click the name of the package, i.e. EX2200 Install package, to download the Junos software image.  Also note the MD5 number or SHA-1, as this may be needed in Stage 3 of the upgrade.
   


5. Can you explain the components of the Install Package? 
   
   The Junos software is made up of multiple pieces working together to control the device’s functions. Each section of the software is referred to as a package and contains files specific to its particular function. Also discussed is the naming convention used for identifying the Junos software installation packages. This note applies to the Junos product family, including JUNOS-E and JUNOS-EX
   
   For example, Junos software installation package system for 10.0R4 consist of multiple attributes:
   
   jbase-ex-10.0R4.7.tgz
jboot-ex-10.0R4.7.tgz
jbundle-ex-4200-10.0R4.7-domestic.tgz
jcrypto-ex-10.0R4.7.tgz
jdocs-ex-10.0R4.7.tgz
jinstall-ex-4200-10.0R4.7-domestic.tgz
jinstall-ex-4200-10.0R4.7-domestic-signed.tgz
jkernel-ex-10.0R4.7.tgz
jpfe-ex42x-10.0R4.7.tgz
jroute-ex-10.0R4.7.tgz
jswitch-ex-10.0R4.7.tgz
jweb-ex-10.0R4.7.tgz

   This is also documented in KB10911 - Understanding Junos software components and installation package names and Junos Package Names.


6. What are the new features or changes in behavior for the Junos software version I am interested in?
   The new features and changes in behavior are documented in the Release Notes, which are available on the Documentation tab.
   
7. What is MD5 and how do I identify MD5 checksum for Junos software? 
   MD5:
   In cryptography, MD5 (Message-Digest algorithm 5) is a widely used cryptographic hash function with a 128-bit (16-byte) hash value. Specified in RFC 1321, MD5 has been employed in a wide variety of security applications, and is also commonly used to check the integrity of files.
   
   MD5 checksum for a specific code can be found on Software download page.  See MD5 link circled in step 4 above.
   
   KB19931 - Verification of MD5 check sum will be discussed in later stages of this article


8. What are the complete set of installation instructions in the Technical Documentation?
   [HTML] Software Installation on EX Series Switches
   
   [PDF] Software Installation on EX Series Switches
   
   Complete Software Guide