> Source: [sk179325](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk179325)

# sk179325 - How to upgrade a Centrally Managed cluster of Spark  Firewall appliances from R80.20.x to R81.10.x

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Solution ID | sk179325 |
| Date Created | 2022-05-24 |
| Last Modified | 2026-05-03 |
| Technical Level | General |
| Products | Spark Firewall (Locally Managed) |
| Versions | R81.10.X |
| Platform | 1570R, 1500, 1600, 1800 |

## Solution

The R81.10 Management Servers do not support the installation of a firmware package on Spark Firewall Appliances that are part of a cluster (this limitation is resolved in R81.20).

Follow these steps to upgrade a Centrally Managed cluster of Spark Firewall Appliances from R80.20.x to R81.10.x:

1. Connect with SmartConsole to the Security Management Server / Domain Management Server.

2. From the left navigation panel, click **Gateways \& Servers**.

3. Double-click the cluster object.

4. In the **Version** field, select **R81.10**.

5. Click **OK**.
6. Install the Access Control policy on the cluster object.

   In the policy installation window, clear the checkbox "**For gateway clusters, if installation on a cluster member fails, do not install on that cluster**".

   The result should be success with a "**Pending**" installation:

   ![](https://sc1.checkpoint.com/sc/SolutionsStatics/NEW_SK_NOID1653377220150/1202205241032061.png)
7. Connect to the WebUI on the Standby member.

8. <br />

   Upgrade the Standby member to the R81.10.x version and reboot it.
9. When the upgraded appliance boots, it should fetch the R81.10 policy from the Management Server.

   If the upgraded appliance is stable (its cluster state will be "Ready"):
   1. Force a failover on the Active member. The upgraded appliance becomes a new Active member.

   2. Make sure the upgraded appliance works well.

10. Upgrade the R80.20.x appliance in the same way.

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