Configure FTD High Availability on Firepower Appliances

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Updated:July 19, 2024
Document ID:212699

Bias-Free Language

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    Introduction

    This document describes how to configure and verify Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) High Availability (HA) (Active/Standby failover) on Firepower devices.

    Prerequisites

    Requirements

    There are no specific requirements for this document.

    Components Used

    The information in this document is based on these software and hardware versions:

    • 2xCisco Firepower 9300
    • 2xCisco Firepower 4100 (7.2.8)
    • Firepower Management Center (FMC) (7.2.8)

    The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, ensure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

    Note: On an FPR9300 appliance with FTD, you can configure only inter-chassis HA. The two units in a HA configuration must meet the conditions mentioned here.

    Task 1. Verify Conditions

    Task requirement:

    Verify that both FTD appliances meet the note requirements and can be configured as HA units.

    Solution:

    Step 1. Connect to the FPR9300 Management IP and verify the module hardware.

    Verify the FPR9300-1 hardware.

    KSEC-FPR9K-1-A# show server inventory
Server Equipped PID Equipped VID Equipped Serial (SN) Slot Status      Ackd Memory (MB) Ackd Cores
------- ------------ ------------ -------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------
1/1     FPR9K-SM-36  V01          FLM19216KK6          Equipped                   262144         36
1/2     FPR9K-SM-36  V01          FLM19206H71          Equipped                   262144         36
1/3     FPR9K-SM-36  V01          FLM19206H7T          Equipped                   262144         36
KSEC-FPR9K-1-A#

    Verify the FPR9300-2 hardware.

    KSEC-FPR9K-2-A# show server inventory
Server  Equipped PID Equipped VID Equipped Serial (SN) Slot Status      Ackd Memory (MB) Ackd Cores
------- ------------ ------------ -------------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------
1/1     FPR9K-SM-36  V01          FLM19206H9T          Equipped                   262144         36
1/2     FPR9K-SM-36  V01          FLM19216KAX          Equipped                   262144         36
1/3     FPR9K-SM-36  V01          FLM19267A63          Equipped                   262144         36
KSEC-FPR9K-2-A#

    Step 2. Log into the FPR9300-1 Chassis Manager and navigate to Logical Devices.

    Verify the software version, number, and type of interfaces.

    Task 2. Configure FTD HA

    Task requirement:

    Configure Active/Standby failover (HA) as per this diagram. In this case, a 41xx pair is used.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Solution

    Both FTD devices are already registered on the FMC as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 1. In order to configure FTD failover, navigate to Devices > Device Management and choose Add High Availability as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 2. Enter the Primary Peer and the Secondary Peer and choose Continue as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Warning: Ensure to select the correct unit as the primary unit. All configurations on the selected primary unit are replicated to the selected secondary FTD unit. As a result of replication, the current configuration on the secondary unit can be replaced.

    Conditions

    In order to create an HA between 2 FTD devices, these conditions must be met:

    • Same model
    • Same version- this applies to FXOS and to FTD - major (first number), minor (second number), and maintenance (third number) must be equal.
    • Same number of interfaces
    • Same type of interfaces
    • Both devices as part of the same group/domain in FMC.
    • Have identical Network Time Protocol (NTP) configuration.
    • Be fully deployed on the FMC without uncommitted changes.
    • Be in the same firewall mode: routed or transparent.
    note-icon

    Note: This must be checked on both FTD devices and FMC GUI since there have been cases where the FTDs had the same mode, but FMC does not reflect this.

    • Does not have DHCP/Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) configured in any of the interfaces.
    • Different hostname [Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN)] for both chassis. In order to check the chassis hostname, navigate to FTD CLI and run this command:
    firepower# show chassis-management-url

https://KSEC-FPR9K-1.cisco.com:443//

    Note: In post-6.3 FTD use the command show chassis detail.

    Firepower-module1# show chassis detail 
    Chassis URL : https://FP4100-5:443// 
    Chassis IP : 10.62.148.187 
    Chassis IPv6 : :: 
    Chassis Serial Number : JAD19500BAB 
    Security Module : 1

    If both chassis have the same name, change the name in one of them with the use of these commands:

    KSEC-FPR9K-1-A# scope system
KSEC-FPR9K-1-A /system # set name FPR9K-1new
Warning: System name modification changes FC zone name and redeploys them non-disruptively
KSEC-FPR9K-1-A /system* # commit-buffer
FPR9K-1-A /system # exit
FPR9K-1new-A#

    After you change the chassis name, unregister the FTD from the FMC and register it again. Then, proceed with the HA Pair creation.

    Step 3. Configure the HA and state the links settings.

    In your case, the state link has the same settings as the High Availability Link.

    Choose Add and wait for a few minutes for the HA pair to be deployed as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 4. Configure the Data interfaces (primary and standby IP addresses)

    From the FMC GUI, choose the HA Edit as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 5. Configure the Interface settings:

    alt-tag-for-image

    alt-tag-for-image

    In the case of a subinterface, you need first to enable the parent interface:

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 6. Navigate to High Availability and choose the Interface Name Edit to add the standby IP addresses as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 7. For the Inside interface as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 8. Do the same for the Outside interface.

    Step 9. Verify the result as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 10. Stay on the High Availability tab, and configure Virtual MAC addresses as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 11. For the Inside Interface is as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 12. Do the same for the Outside interface.

    Step 13. Verify the result as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 14. After you configure the changes, choose Save and Deploy.

    Task 3. Verify FTD HA and License

    Task requirement:

    Verify the FTD HA settings and enabled Licenses from the FMC GUI and from FTD CLI.

    Solution:

    Step 1. Navigate to Summary and check the HA settings and enabled Licenses as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 2. From the FTD CLISH CLI, run the 'show high-availability config' or 'show failover' command:

    > show high-availability config 
    Failover On 
    Failover unit Primary
    Failover LAN Interface: FOVER Port-channel3 (up)
    Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
    Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
    Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
    Interface Policy 1
    Monitored Interfaces 2 of 1291 maximum
    MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set
    failover replication http
    Version: Ours 9.18(4)210, Mate 9.18(4)210
    Serial Number: Ours FLM1949C5RR, Mate FLM2108V9YG
    Last Failover at: 08:46:30 UTC Jul 18 2024
            This host: Primary - Active 
                    Active time: 1999 (sec)
                    slot 0: UCSB-B200-M3-U hw/sw rev (0.0/9.18(4)210) status (Up Sys)
                      Interface diagnostic (0.0.0.0): Normal (Waiting)
                      Interface Inside (192.168.75.10): Link Down (Shutdown)
                      Interface Outside (192.168.76.10): Normal (Not-Monitored)
                    slot 1: snort rev (1.0) status (up)
                    slot 2: diskstatus rev (1.0) status (up)
            Other host: Secondary - Standby Ready 
                    Active time: 1466 (sec)
                    slot 0: UCSB-B200-M3-U hw/sw rev (0.0/9.18(4)210) status (Up Sys)
                      Interface diagnostic (0.0.0.0): Normal (Waiting)
                      Interface Inside (192.168.75.11): Link Down (Shutdown)
                      Interface Outside (192.168.76.11): Normal (Not-Monitored)
                    slot 1: snort rev (1.0) status (up)
                    slot 2: diskstatus rev (1.0) status (up)

    Stateful Failover Logical Update Statistics
    <output omitted>

    Step 3. Do the same on the Secondary device.

    Step 4. Run the show failover state command from the LINA CLI:

    firepower# show failover state

               State          Last Failure Reason      Date/Time
This host  -   Primary
               Active         None
Other host -   Secondary
               Standby Ready  Comm Failure             18:32:56 EEST Jul 21 2016

====Configuration State===
	Sync Done
====Communication State===
	Mac set

firepower#

    Step 5. Verify the configuration from the Primary unit (LINA CLI):

    > show running-config failover
    failover
    failover lan unit primary
    failover lan interface FOVER Port-channel3
    failover replication http
    failover mac address Ethernet1/4 aaaa.bbbb.1111 aaaa.bbbb.2222
    failover mac address Port-channel2.202 aaaa.bbbb.3333 aaaa.bbbb.4444
    failover link FOVER Port-channel3
    failover interface ip FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.51.2

> show running-config interface 
    !
    interface Port-channel2
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Port-channel2.202
    vlan 202
    nameif Outside
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 192.168.76.10 255.255.255.0 standby 192.168.76.11 
    !
    interface Port-channel3
    description LAN/STATE Failover Interface
    !
    interface Ethernet1/1
    management-only
    nameif diagnostic
    security-level 0
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/4
    shutdown
    nameif Inside
    security-level 0
    ip address 192.168.75.10 255.255.255.0 standby 192.168.75.11 
    >

    Task 4. Switch the Failover Roles

    Task requirement:

    From the FMC, switch the failover roles from Primary/Active, Secondary/Standby to Primary/Standby, Secondary/Active

    Solution:

    Step 1. Select the icon as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 2. Confirm the action.

    You can use the show failover history command output:

    On the new Active

    On the new Standby

    > show failover history
    ==========================================================================
    From State                                    To State                                               Reason
    ==========================================================================

    09:27:11 UTC Jul 18 2024
    Standby Ready                             Just Active                                            Other unit wants me Active
                                                                                                                     (Set by the config command)

    09:27:11 UTC Jul 18 2024
    Just Active                                   Active Drain                                           Other unit wants me Active
                                                                                                                     (Set by the config command)

    09:27:11 UTC Jul 18 2024
    Active Drain                                 Active Applying Config                           Other unit wants me Active
                                                                                                                     (Set by the config command)

    09:27:11 UTC Jul 18 2024
    Active Applying Config                 Active Config Applied                            Other unit wants me Active
                                                                                                                     (Set by the config command)

    09:27:11 UTC Jul 18 2024
    Active Config Applied                  Active                                                    Other unit wants me Active
                                                                                                                    (Set by the config command)

    > show failover history
    ==========================================================================
    From State                                    To State                                               Reason
    ==========================================================================

    09:27:11 UTC Jul 18 2024
    Active                                            Standby Ready                                   Set by the config command
                                                                                                                   (no failover active)

    Step 4. After the verification, make the Primary unit Active again.

    Task 5. Break the HA Pair

    Task requirement:

    From the FMC, break the failover pair.

    Solution:

    Step 1. Select the icon as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 2. Check the notification as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 3. Note the message as shown in the image.

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 4. Verify the result from the FMC GUI or from the CLI

    show running-config on the Primary unit before and after the HA break:

    Primary/Standby unit before the HA Break

    Primary unit after the HA Break

    > show running-config
    : Saved

    :
    : Serial Number: FLM1949C5RR
    : Hardware: FPR4K-SM-24, 73850 MB RAM, CPU Xeon E5 series 2200 MHz, 2 CPUs (48 cores)
    :
    NGFW Version 7.2.8
    !
    hostname firepower
    enable password ***** encrypted
    strong-encryption-disable
    service-module 0 keepalive-timeout 4
    service-module 0 keepalive-counter 6
    names
    no mac-address auto

    !
    interface Port-channel2
    no nameif
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Port-channel2.202
    vlan 202
    nameif Outside
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 192.168.76.10 255.255.255.0 standby 192.168.76.11
    !
    interface Port-channel3
    description LAN/STATE Failover Interface
    !
    interface Ethernet1/1
    management-only
    nameif diagnostic
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/4
    nameif Inside
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 192.168.75.10 255.255.255.0 standby 192.168.75.11
    !
    ftp mode passive
    ngips conn-match vlan-id
    object-group-search access-control
    access-group CSM_FW_ACL_ global
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: PREFILTER POLICY: Default Tunnel and Priority Policy
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: RULE: DEFAULT TUNNEL ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ipinip any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any eq 3544 any range 1025 65535 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any range 1025 65535 any eq 3544 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit 41 any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit gre any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268434433: ACCESS POLICY: acp_simple - Default
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268434433: L4 RULE: DEFAULT ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ip any any rule-id 268434433
    !
    tcp-map UM_STATIC_TCP_MAP
    tcp-options range 6 7 allow
    tcp-options range 9 18 allow
    tcp-options range 20 255 allow
    urgent-flag allow
    !
    no pager
    no logging message 106015
    no logging message 313001
    no logging message 313008
    no logging message 106023
    no logging message 710003
    no logging message 106100
    no logging message 302015
    no logging message 302014
    no logging message 302013
    no logging message 302018
    no logging message 302017
    no logging message 302016
    no logging message 302021
    no logging message 302020
    mtu Outside 1500
    mtu diagnostic 1500
    mtu Inside 1500
    failover
    failover lan unit primary
    failover lan interface FOVER Port-channel3
    failover replication http
    failover mac address Ethernet1/4 aaaa.bbbb.1111 aaaa.bbbb.2222
    failover mac address Port-channel2.202 aaaa.bbbb.3333 aaaa.bbbb.4444
    failover link FOVER Port-channel3
    failover interface ip FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.51.2

    <output omitted>

    > INFO: This unit is currently in standby state. By disabling failover, this unit will remain in standby state.

    > show running-config
    : Saved

    :
    : Serial Number: FLM1949C5RR
    : Hardware: FPR4K-SM-24, 73850 MB RAM, CPU Xeon E5 series 2200 MHz, 2 CPUs (48 cores)
    :
    NGFW Version 7.2.8
    !
    hostname firepower
    enable password ***** encrypted
    strong-encryption-disable
    service-module 0 keepalive-timeout 4
    service-module 0 keepalive-counter 6
    names
    no mac-address auto

    !
    interface Port-channel2
    shutdown
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Port-channel3
    shutdown
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/1
    management-only
    shutdown
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/4
    shutdown
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    ftp mode passive
    ngips conn-match vlan-id
    object-group-search access-control
    access-group CSM_FW_ACL_ global
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: PREFILTER POLICY: Default Tunnel and Priority Policy
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: RULE: DEFAULT TUNNEL ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ipinip any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any eq 3544 any range 1025 65535 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any range 1025 65535 any eq 3544 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit 41 any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit gre any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268439552: ACCESS POLICY: acp_simple - Mandatory
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268439552: L7 RULE: rule1
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ip any any rule-id 268439552
    !
    tcp-map UM_STATIC_TCP_MAP
    tcp-options range 6 7 allow
    tcp-options range 9 18 allow
    tcp-options range 20 255 allow
    urgent-flag allow
    !
    no pager
    no logging message 106015
    no logging message 313001
    no logging message 313008
    no logging message 106023
    no logging message 710003
    no logging message 106100
    no logging message 302015
    no logging message 302014
    no logging message 302013
    no logging message 302018
    no logging message 302017
    no logging message 302016
    no logging message 302021
    no logging message 302020
    no failover
    <output omitted>

    Secondary/Active unit before the HA Break

    Secondary unit after the HA Break

    > show running-config
    : Saved

    :
    : Serial Number: FLM2108V9YG
    : Hardware: FPR4K-SM-24, 73850 MB RAM, CPU Xeon E5 series 2200 MHz, 2 CPUs (48 cores)
    :
    NGFW Version 7.2.8
    !
    hostname firepower
    enable password ***** encrypted
    strong-encryption-disable
    service-module 0 keepalive-timeout 4
    service-module 0 keepalive-counter 6
    names
    no mac-address auto

    !
    interface Port-channel2
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Port-channel2.202
    vlan 202
    nameif Outside
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 192.168.76.10 255.255.255.0 standby 192.168.76.11
    !
    interface Port-channel3
    description LAN/STATE Failover Interface
    !
    interface Ethernet1/1
    management-only
    nameif diagnostic
    security-level 0
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/4
    nameif Inside
    security-level 0
    ip address 192.168.75.10 255.255.255.0 standby 192.168.75.11
    !
    ftp mode passive
    ngips conn-match vlan-id
    object-group-search access-control
    access-group CSM_FW_ACL_ global
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: PREFILTER POLICY: Default Tunnel and Priority Policy
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: RULE: DEFAULT TUNNEL ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ipinip any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any eq 3544 any range 1025 65535 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any range 1025 65535 any eq 3544 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit 41 any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit gre any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268439552: ACCESS POLICY: acp_simple - Mandatory
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268439552: L7 RULE: rule1
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ip any any rule-id 268439552
    !
    tcp-map UM_STATIC_TCP_MAP
    tcp-options range 6 7 allow
    tcp-options range 9 18 allow
    tcp-options range 20 255 allow
    urgent-flag allow
    !
    no pager
    no logging message 106015
    no logging message 313001
    no logging message 313008
    no logging message 106023
    no logging message 710003
    no logging message 106100
    no logging message 302015
    no logging message 302014
    no logging message 302013
    no logging message 302018
    no logging message 302017
    no logging message 302016
    no logging message 302021
    no logging message 302020
    mtu Outside 1500
    mtu diagnostic 1500
    mtu Inside 1500
    failover
    failover lan unit secondary
    failover lan interface FOVER Port-channel3
    failover replication http
    failover link FOVER Port-channel3
    failover interface ip FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.51.2

    <output omitted>

    		  

    > show running-config
    : Saved

    :
    : Serial Number: FLM2108V9YG
    : Hardware: FPR4K-SM-24, 73850 MB RAM, CPU Xeon E5 series 2200 MHz, 2 CPUs (48 cores)
    :
    NGFW Version 7.2.8
    !
    hostname firepower
    enable password ***** encrypted
    strong-encryption-disable
    service-module 0 keepalive-timeout 4
    service-module 0 keepalive-counter 6
    names
    no mac-address auto

    !
    interface Port-channel2
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Port-channel2.202
    vlan 202
    nameif Outside
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 192.168.76.10 255.255.255.0 standby 192.168.76.11
    !
    interface Port-channel3
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/1
    management-only
    nameif diagnostic
    security-level 0
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/4
    nameif Inside
    security-level 0
    ip address 192.168.75.10 255.255.255.0 standby 192.168.75.11
    !
    ftp mode passive
    ngips conn-match vlan-id
    object-group-search access-control
    access-group CSM_FW_ACL_ global
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: PREFILTER POLICY: Default Tunnel and Priority Policy
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: RULE: DEFAULT TUNNEL ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ipinip any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any eq 3544 any range 1025 65535 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any range 1025 65535 any eq 3544 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit 41 any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit gre any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268439552: ACCESS POLICY: acp_simple - Mandatory
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268439552: L7 RULE: rule1
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ip any any rule-id 268439552
    !
    tcp-map UM_STATIC_TCP_MAP
    tcp-options range 6 7 allow
    tcp-options range 9 18 allow
    tcp-options range 20 255 allow
    urgent-flag allow
    !
    no pager
    no logging message 106015
    no logging message 313001
    no logging message 313008
    no logging message 106023
    no logging message 710003
    no logging message 106100
    no logging message 302015
    no logging message 302014
    no logging message 302013
    no logging message 302018
    no logging message 302017
    no logging message 302016
    no logging message 302021
    no logging message 302020
    mtu Outside 1500
    mtu diagnostic 1500
    mtu Inside 1500
    no failover
    no monitor-interface Outside
    no monitor-interface service-module

    <output omitted>

    Main points to note for the HA break:

    Primary/Standby Unit

    Secondary/Active Unit
    • All failover configuration is removed
    • All IP configuration is removed
    • All failover configuration is removed
    • Standby IPs remain, but is removed in the next deployment

    Step 5. After you finish this task, recreate the HA pair.

    Task 6. Delete an HA pair

    This task is based on an HA setup on 41xx using 7.2.8 software. In this case, initially the devices were in these states:

    • Primary/Stadnby
    • Secondary/Active

    Task requirement:

    From the FMC, delete the failover pair.

    Solution:

    Step 1. Choose the icon as shown in the image:

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 2. Check the notification and confirm as shown in the image:

    alt-tag-for-image

    Step 3. After you delete the HA, both devices are unregistered (removed) from the FMC.

    show running-config result from the LINA CLI is as shown in the table here:

    Primary Unit (Standby)

    Secondary Unit (Active)

    > show running-config
    : Saved

    :
    : Serial Number: FLM1949C5RR
    : Hardware: FPR4K-SM-24, 73853 MB RAM, CPU Xeon E5 series 2200 MHz, 2 CPUs (48 cores)
    :
    NGFW Version 7.2.8
    !
    hostname Firepower-module1
    enable password ***** encrypted
    strong-encryption-disable
    no asp inspect-dp ack-passthrough
    service-module 0 keepalive-timeout 4
    service-module 0 keepalive-counter 6
    names
    no mac-address auto

    !
    interface Port-channel2
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Port-channel2.202
    vlan 202
    nameif NET202
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.202.2
    !
    interface Port-channel2.203
    vlan 203
    nameif NET203
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.203.2
    !
    interface Port-channel3
    description LAN/STATE Failover Interface
    !
    interface Ethernet1/1
    management-only
    nameif diagnostic
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/4
    nameif NET204
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.204.2
    !
    ftp mode passive
    ngips conn-match vlan-id
    no object-group-search access-control
    access-group CSM_FW_ACL_ global
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: PREFILTER POLICY: Default Tunnel and Priority Policy
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: RULE: DEFAULT TUNNEL ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ipinip any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any eq 3544 any range 1025 65535 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any range 1025 65535 any eq 3544 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit 41 any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit gre any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268434433: ACCESS POLICY: acp_simple - Default
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268434433: L4 RULE: DEFAULT ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ip any any rule-id 268434433
    !
    tcp-map UM_STATIC_TCP_MAP
    tcp-options range 6 7 allow
    tcp-options range 9 18 allow
    tcp-options range 20 255 allow
    tcp-options md5 clear
    urgent-flag allow
    !
    no pager
    no logging message 106015
    no logging message 313001
    no logging message 313008
    no logging message 106023
    no logging message 710003
    no logging message 106100
    no logging message 302015
    no logging message 302014
    no logging message 302013
    no logging message 302018
    no logging message 302017
    no logging message 302016
    no logging message 302021
    no logging message 302020
    mtu NET202 1500
    mtu NET203 1500
    mtu diagnostic 1500
    mtu NET204 1500
    failover
    failover lan unit primary
    failover lan interface FOVER Port-channel3
    failover replication http
    failover link FOVER Port-channel3
    failover interface ip FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.51.2
    monitor-interface NET202
    monitor-interface NET203
    icmp unreachable rate-limit 1 burst-size 1

    <output omitted>

    > show ip
    System IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 unset
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Current IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.2 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.2 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 unset
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.2 255.255.255.0 CONFIG

    > show failover
    Failover On
    Failover unit Primary
    Failover LAN Interface: FOVER Port-channel3 (up)
    Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
    Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
    Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
    Interface Policy 1
    Monitored Interfaces 4 of 1291 maximum
    MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set
    failover replication http
    Version: Ours 9.18(4)210, Mate 9.18(4)210
    Serial Number: Ours FLM1949C5RR, Mate FLM2108V9YG
    Last Failover at: 13:56:37 UTC Jul 16 2024
    This host: Primary - Standby Ready
    Active time: 0 (sec)
    slot 0: UCSB-B200-M3-U hw/sw rev (0.0/9.18(4)210) status (Up Sys)
    Interface NET202 (172.16.202.2): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface NET203 (172.16.203.2): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface diagnostic (0.0.0.0): Normal (Waiting)
    Interface NET204 (172.16.204.2): Normal (Monitored)
    slot 1: snort rev (1.0) status (up)
    slot 2: diskstatus rev (1.0) status (up)
    Other host: Secondary - Active
    Active time: 70293 (sec)
    Interface NET202 (172.16.202.1): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface NET203 (172.16.203.1): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface diagnostic (0.0.0.0): Normal (Waiting)
    Interface NET204 (172.16.204.1): Normal (Monitored)
    slot 1: snort rev (1.0) status (up)
    slot 2: diskstatus rev (1.0) status (up)

    <output omitted>

    > show running-config
    : Saved

    :
    : Serial Number: FLM2108V9YG
    : Hardware: FPR4K-SM-24, 73853 MB RAM, CPU Xeon E5 series 2200 MHz, 2 CPUs (48 cores)
    :
    NGFW Version 7.2.8
    !
    hostname Firepower-module1
    enable password ***** encrypted
    strong-encryption-disable
    no asp inspect-dp ack-passthrough
    service-module 0 keepalive-timeout 4
    service-module 0 keepalive-counter 6
    names
    no mac-address auto

    !
    interface Port-channel2
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Port-channel2.202
    vlan 202
    nameif NET202
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.202.2
    !
    interface Port-channel2.203
    vlan 203
    nameif NET203
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.203.2
    !
    interface Port-channel3
    description LAN/STATE Failover Interface
    !
    interface Ethernet1/1
    management-only
    nameif diagnostic
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/4
    nameif NET204
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.204.2
    !
    ftp mode passive
    ngips conn-match vlan-id
    no object-group-search access-control
    access-group CSM_FW_ACL_ global
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: PREFILTER POLICY: Default Tunnel and Priority Policy
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: RULE: DEFAULT TUNNEL ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ipinip any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any eq 3544 any range 1025 65535 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any range 1025 65535 any eq 3544 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit 41 any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit gre any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268434433: ACCESS POLICY: acp_simple - Default
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268434433: L4 RULE: DEFAULT ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ip any any rule-id 268434433
    !
    tcp-map UM_STATIC_TCP_MAP
    tcp-options range 6 7 allow
    tcp-options range 9 18 allow
    tcp-options range 20 255 allow
    tcp-options md5 clear
    urgent-flag allow
    !
    no pager
    no logging message 106015
    no logging message 313001
    no logging message 313008
    no logging message 106023
    no logging message 710003
    no logging message 106100
    no logging message 302015
    no logging message 302014
    no logging message 302013
    no logging message 302018
    no logging message 302017
    no logging message 302016
    no logging message 302021
    no logging message 302020
    mtu NET202 1500
    mtu NET203 1500
    mtu diagnostic 1500
    mtu NET204 1500
    failover
    failover lan unit secondary
    failover lan interface FOVER Port-channel3
    failover replication http
    failover link FOVER Port-channel3
    failover interface ip FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.51.2
    monitor-interface NET202
    monitor-interface NET203
    icmp unreachable rate-limit 1 burst-size 1

    <output omitted>

    > show ip
    System IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 unset
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Current IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.2 255.255.255.0 unset
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG

    > show failover
    Failover On
    Failover unit Secondary
    Failover LAN Interface: FOVER Port-channel3 (up)
    Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
    Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
    Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
    Interface Policy 1
    Monitored Interfaces 4 of 1291 maximum
    MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set
    failover replication http
    Version: Ours 9.18(4)210, Mate 9.18(4)210
    Serial Number: Ours FLM2108V9YG, Mate FLM1949C5RR
    Last Failover at: 13:42:35 UTC Jul 16 2024
    This host: Secondary - Active
    Active time: 70312 (sec)
    slot 0: UCSB-B200-M3-U hw/sw rev (0.0/9.18(4)210) status (Up Sys)
    Interface NET202 (172.16.202.1): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface NET203 (172.16.203.1): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface diagnostic (0.0.0.0): Normal (Waiting)
    Interface NET204 (172.16.204.1): Normal (Monitored)
    slot 1: snort rev (1.0) status (up)
    slot 2: diskstatus rev (1.0) status (up)
    Other host: Primary - Standby Ready
    Active time: 0 (sec)
    slot 0: UCSB-B200-M3-U hw/sw rev (0.0/9.18(4)210) status (Up Sys)
    Interface NET202 (172.16.202.2): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface NET203 (172.16.203.2): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface diagnostic (0.0.0.0): Normal (Waiting)
    Interface NET204 (172.16.204.2): Normal (Monitored)
    slot 1: snort rev (1.0) status (up)
    slot 2: diskstatus rev (1.0) status (up)

    <output omitted>

    Step 4. Both FTD devices were unregistered from the FMC:

    > show managers
No managers configured.

    Main points to note for the Disable HA option in FMC:

    Primary Unit

    Secondary Unit

    The device is removed from the FMC.

    No configuration is removed from the FTD device.

    The device is removed from the FMC.

    No configuration is removed from the FTD device.

    Scenario 1

    Run the 'configure high-availability disable' command to remove the failover configuration from the Active FTD device:

    > configure high-availability disable ?
    Optional parameter to clear interfaces (clear-interfaces) optional parameter to clear interfaces (clear-interfaces) (clear-interfaces)
    <cr> 
    > configure high-availability disable
High-availability will be disabled. Do you really want to continue?
Please enter 'YES' or 'NO': yes
Successfully disabled high-availability.

    The result:

    Primary Unit (ex-Standby)

    Secondary Unit (ex-Active)

    > INFO: This unit is currently in standby state. By disabling failover, this unit will remain in standby state.

    > show failover
    Failover Off (pseudo-Standby)
    Failover unit Primary
    Failover LAN Interface: FOVER Port-channel3 (up)
    Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
    Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
    Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
    Interface Policy 1
    Monitored Interfaces 0 of 1291 maximum
    MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set
    failover replication http

    > show ip
    System IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 unset
    Current IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 unset

    > show failover
    Failover Off
    Failover unit Secondary
    Failover LAN Interface: not Configured
    Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
    Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
    Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
    Interface Policy 1
    Monitored Interfaces 4 of 1291 maximum
    MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set

    > show ip
    System IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Current IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 CONFIG

    Primary (ex-Standby)

    Secondary (ex-Active)

    > show running-config
    : Saved

    :
    : Serial Number: FLM1949C5RR
    : Hardware: FPR4K-SM-24, 73853 MB RAM, CPU Xeon E5 series 2200 MHz, 2 CPUs (48 cores)
    :
    NGFW Version 7.2.8
    !
    hostname Firepower-module1
    enable password ***** encrypted
    strong-encryption-disable
    no asp inspect-dp ack-passthrough
    service-module 0 keepalive-timeout 4
    service-module 0 keepalive-counter 6
    names
    no mac-address auto

    !
    interface Port-channel2
    shutdown
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address <- IPs are removed
    !
    interface Port-channel3
    description LAN/STATE Failover Interface
    !
    interface Ethernet1/1
    management-only
    shutdown
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/4
    shutdown
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    ftp mode passive
    ngips conn-match vlan-id
    no object-group-search access-control
    access-group CSM_FW_ACL_ global
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: PREFILTER POLICY: Default Tunnel and Priority Policy
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: RULE: DEFAULT TUNNEL ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ipinip any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any eq 3544 any range 1025 65535 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any range 1025 65535 any eq 3544 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit 41 any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit gre any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268434433: ACCESS POLICY: acp_simple - Default
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268434433: L4 RULE: DEFAULT ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ip any any rule-id 268434433
    !
    tcp-map UM_STATIC_TCP_MAP
    tcp-options range 6 7 allow
    tcp-options range 9 18 allow
    tcp-options range 20 255 allow
    tcp-options md5 clear
    urgent-flag allow
    !
    no pager
    no logging message 106015
    no logging message 313001
    no logging message 313008
    no logging message 106023
    no logging message 710003
    no logging message 106100
    no logging message 302015
    no logging message 302014
    no logging message 302013
    no logging message 302018
    no logging message 302017
    no logging message 302016
    no logging message 302021
    no logging message 302020
    no failover
    failover lan unit primary
    failover lan interface FOVER Port-channel3
    failover replication http
    failover link FOVER Port-channel3
    failover interface ip FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.51.2
    no monitor-interface service-module

    <output omitted>

    > show running-config
    : Saved

    :
    : Serial Number: FLM2108V9YG
    : Hardware: FPR4K-SM-24, 73853 MB RAM, CPU Xeon E5 series 2200 MHz, 2 CPUs (48 cores)
    :
    NGFW Version 7.2.8
    !
    hostname Firepower-module1
    enable password ***** encrypted
    strong-encryption-disable
    no asp inspect-dp ack-passthrough
    service-module 0 keepalive-timeout 4
    service-module 0 keepalive-counter 6
    names
    no mac-address auto

    !
    interface Port-channel2
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Port-channel2.202
    vlan 202
    nameif NET202
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.202.2
    !
    interface Port-channel2.203
    vlan 203
    nameif NET203
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.203.2
    !
    interface Port-channel3
    no nameif
    no security-level
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/1
    management-only
    nameif diagnostic
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    no ip address
    !
    interface Ethernet1/4
    nameif NET204
    cts manual
    propagate sgt preserve-untag
    policy static sgt disabled trusted
    security-level 0
    ip address 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 standby 172.16.204.2
    !
    ftp mode passive
    ngips conn-match vlan-id
    no object-group-search access-control
    access-group CSM_FW_ACL_ global
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: PREFILTER POLICY: Default Tunnel and Priority Policy
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 9998: RULE: DEFAULT TUNNEL ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ipinip any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any eq 3544 any range 1025 65535 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit udp any range 1025 65535 any eq 3544 rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit 41 any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit gre any any rule-id 9998
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268434433: ACCESS POLICY: acp_simple - Default
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ remark rule-id 268434433: L4 RULE: DEFAULT ACTION RULE
    access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit ip any any rule-id 268434433
    !
    tcp-map UM_STATIC_TCP_MAP
    tcp-options range 6 7 allow
    tcp-options range 9 18 allow
    tcp-options range 20 255 allow
    tcp-options md5 clear
    urgent-flag allow
    !
    no pager
    no logging message 106015
    no logging message 313001
    no logging message 313008
    no logging message 106023
    no logging message 710003
    no logging message 106100
    no logging message 302015
    no logging message 302014
    no logging message 302013
    no logging message 302018
    no logging message 302017
    no logging message 302016
    no logging message 302021
    no logging message 302020
    mtu NET202 1500
    mtu NET203 1500
    mtu diagnostic 1500
    mtu NET204 1500
    no failover
    monitor-interface NET202
    monitor-interface NET203
    no monitor-interface service-module

    Main points to note for the Disable HA from Active FTD CLI:

    Active Unit

    Standby Unit
    • Failover configuration is removed
    • Standby IPs are not removed
    • Interface configurations are removed.
    • Failover configuration is not removed, but failover is disabled (pseudo-Standby)

    At this point you can disable the HA also on the ex-Standby unit.

    Scenario 2 (Not recommended)

    Warning: This scenario leads to Active/Active situation, thus it is not recommended. It is shown only for awareness.

    Run the 'configure high-availability disable' command to remove the failover configuration from the Standby FTD device:

    > configure high-availability disable
    High-availability will be disabled. Do you really want to continue?
    Please enter 'YES' or 'NO': YES
    Successfully disabled high-availability.

    The result:

    Primary (ex-Standby)

    Secondary (Active)

    > show failover
    Failover Off
    Failover unit Secondary
    Failover LAN Interface: not Configured
    Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
    Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
    Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
    Interface Policy 1
    Monitored Interfaces 4 of 1291 maximum
    MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set


    > show ip
    System IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 manual <- The device uses the same IPs as the ex-Active!
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Current IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 manual

    > show failover
    Failover On        <- Failover is not disabled
    Failover unit Secondary
    Failover LAN Interface: FOVER Port-channel3 (up)
    Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
    Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
    Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
    Interface Policy 1
    Monitored Interfaces 4 of 1291 maximum
    MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set
    failover replication http
    Version: Ours 9.18(4)210, Mate 9.18(4)210
    Serial Number: Ours FLM2108V9YG, Mate FLM1949C5RR
    Last Failover at: 12:44:06 UTC Jul 17 2024
    This host: Secondary - Active
    Active time: 632 (sec)
    slot 0: UCSB-B200-M3-U hw/sw rev (0.0/9.18(4)210) status (Up Sys)
    Interface diagnostic (0.0.0.0): Normal (Waiting)
    Interface NET204 (172.16.204.1): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface NET203 (172.16.203.1): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface NET202 (172.16.202.1): Normal (Monitored)
    slot 1: snort rev (1.0) status (up)
    slot 2: diskstatus rev (1.0) status (up)
    Other host: Primary - Disabled
    Active time: 932 (sec)
    slot 0: UCSB-B200-M3-U hw/sw rev (0.0/9.18(4)210) status (Up Sys)
    Interface diagnostic (0.0.0.0): Unknown (Waiting)
    Interface NET204 (172.16.204.2): Unknown (Monitored)
    Interface NET203 (172.16.203.2): Unknown (Monitored)
    Interface NET202 (172.16.202.2): Unknown (Monitored)
    slot 1: snort rev (1.0) status (up)
    slot 2: diskstatus rev (1.0) status (up)

    > show ip
    System IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 manual <- The device uses the same IPs as the ex-Standby!
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 unset
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Current IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.2 255.255.255.0 unset
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 manual

    Main points to note for the Disable HA from Active FTD CLI:

    Active Unit

    Standby Unit
    • Failover configuration is not removed and remains enabled
    • The device uses the same IPs as the ex-Standby unit
    • Failover configuration is removed
    • The device uses the same IPs as the Active unit

    Scenario 3

    Run the 'configure high-availability disable clear-interfaces' command to remove the failover configuration from the Active FTD device:

    > configure high-availability disable clear-interfaces
    High-availability will be disabled. Do you really want to continue?
    Please enter 'YES' or 'NO': yes
    Successfully disabled high-availability.

    >

    The result:

    Primary (ex-Standby)

    Secondary (ex-Active)

    > show failover
    Failover Off (pseudo-Standby)
    Failover unit Primary
    Failover LAN Interface: FOVER Port-channel3 (up)
    Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
    Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
    Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
    Interface Policy 1
    Monitored Interfaces 0 of 1291 maximum
    MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set
    failover replication http


    > show ip
    System IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 unset
    Current IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 unset
    >

    > show failover
    Failover Off
    Failover unit Secondary
    Failover LAN Interface: not Configured
    Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
    Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
    Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
    Interface Policy 1
    Monitored Interfaces 0 of 1291 maximum
    MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set


    > show ip
    System IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Current IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    >

    Main points to note for the Disable HA along with 'clear-interfaces' from Active FTD CLI:

    Active Unit

    Standby Unit
    • Failover configuration is removed
    • The IPs are removed
    • Failover configuration is not removed, but failover is disabled (pseudo-Standby)
    • The IPs are removed

    Scenario 4

    Run the 'configure high-availability disable clear-interfaces' command to remove the failover configuration from the Standby FTD device:

    > configure high-availability disable clear-interfaces
    High-availability will be disabled. Do you really want to continue?
    Please enter 'YES' or 'NO': YES
    Successfully disabled high-availability.

    >

    The result:

    Primary (ex-Standby)

    Secondary (Active)

    > show failover
    Failover Off
    Failover unit Secondary
    Failover LAN Interface: not Configured
    Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
    Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
    Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
    Interface Policy 1
    Monitored Interfaces 0 of 1291 maximum
    MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set


    > show ip
    System IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Current IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    >

    > show failover
    Failover On
    Failover unit Secondary
    Failover LAN Interface: FOVER Port-channel3 (up)
    Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
    Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
    Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
    Interface Policy 1
    Monitored Interfaces 4 of 1291 maximum
    MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set
    failover replication http
    Version: Ours 9.18(4)210, Mate 9.18(4)210
    Serial Number: Ours FLM2108V9YG, Mate FLM1949C5RR
    Last Failover at: 07:06:56 UTC Jul 18 2024
    This host: Secondary - Active
    Active time: 1194 (sec)
    slot 0: UCSB-B200-M3-U hw/sw rev (0.0/9.18(4)210) status (Up Sys)
    Interface diagnostic (0.0.0.0): Normal (Waiting)
    Interface NET204 (172.16.204.1): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface NET202 (172.16.202.1): Normal (Monitored)
    Interface NET203 (172.16.203.1): Normal (Monitored)
    slot 1: snort rev (1.0) status (up)
    slot 2: diskstatus rev (1.0) status (up)
    Other host: Primary - Disabled
    Active time: 846 (sec)
    slot 0: UCSB-B200-M3-U hw/sw rev (0.0/9.18(4)210) status (Up Sys)
    Interface diagnostic (0.0.0.0): Unknown (Waiting)
    Interface NET204 (172.16.204.2): Unknown (Monitored)
    Interface NET202 (172.16.202.2): Unknown (Monitored)
    Interface NET203 (172.16.203.2): Unknown (Monitored)
    slot 1: snort rev (1.0) status (up)
    slot 2: diskstatus rev (1.0) status (up)

    > show ip
    System IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.1 255.255.255.0 unset
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Current IP Addresses:
    Interface Name IP address Subnet mask Method
    Port-channel2.202 NET202 172.16.202.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Port-channel2.203 NET203 172.16.203.1 255.255.255.0 manual
    Port-channel3 FOVER 172.16.51.2 255.255.255.0 unset
    Ethernet1/4 NET204 172.16.204.1 255.255.255.0 manual

    Main points to note for the Disable HA along with 'clear-interfaces' from Active FTD CLI:

    Active Unit

    Standby Unit
    • Failover configuration is not removed
    • The IPs are not removed
    • Failover configuration is removed
    • The IPs are removed

    Step 6. After you finish the task, register the devices to the FMC and enable HA pair.

    Task 7. Suspend HA

    Task requirement:

    Suspend the HA from the FTD CLISH CLI

    Solution:

    Step 1. On the Primary FTD, run the command and confirm (type YES).

    > configure high-availability suspend
Please ensure that no deployment operation is in progress before suspending high-availability.
Please enter 'YES' to continue if there is no deployment operation in progress and 'NO' if you wish to abort: YES
Successfully suspended high-availability.

    Step 2. Verify the changes on Primary unit:

    > show high-availability config
Failover Off
Failover unit Primary
Failover LAN Interface: fover_link Ethernet1/4 (up)
Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
Interface Policy 1
Monitored Interfaces 1 of 1041 maximum
MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set
failover replication http

    Step 3. The result on Secondary unit:

    > show high-availability config
Failover Off (pseudo-Standby)
Failover unit Secondary
Failover LAN Interface: fover_link Ethernet1/4 (up)
Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
Interface Policy 1
Monitored Interfaces 1 of 1041 maximum
MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set
failover replication http 

    Step 4. Resume HA on Primary unit:

    > configure high-availability resume
Successfully resumed high-availablity.

> .

	No Active mate detected
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Beginning configuration replication: Sending to mate.
End Configuration Replication to mate

> 
    > show high-availability config
Failover On
Failover unit Primary
Failover LAN Interface: fover_link Ethernet1/4 (up)
Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
Interface Policy 1
Monitored Interfaces 1 of 1041 maximum
MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set
failover replication http

    Step 5. The result on the Secondary unit after you resume HA:

    > ..

	Detected an Active mate
Beginning configuration replication from mate.


WARNING: Failover is enabled but standby IP address is not configured for this interface.
WARNING: Failover is enabled but standby IP address is not configured for this interface.
End configuration replication from mate.

>
    > show high-availability config
Failover On
Failover unit Secondary
Failover LAN Interface: fover_link Ethernet1/4 (up)
Reconnect timeout 0:00:00
Unit Poll frequency 1 seconds, holdtime 15 seconds
Interface Poll frequency 5 seconds, holdtime 25 seconds
Interface Policy 1
Monitored Interfaces 1 of 1041 maximum
MAC Address Move Notification Interval not set
failover replication http
>

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


    When the configuration is replicated, is it saved immediately (line-by-line) or at the end of the replication?
    At the end of the replication. The evidence is at the end of the debug fover sync command output which shows the config/command replication:

    cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ line 1506 remark rule-id 268442578: L7 RULE: ACP_Rule_500
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ line 1507 advanced permit tcp object-group group_10 eq 48894 object-group group_10 eq 23470 vlan eq 1392 rule-id 268442578
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ line 1508 remark rule-id 268442078: ACCESS POLICY: mzafeiro_500 - Default
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ line 1509 remark rule-id 268442078: L4 RULE: DEFAULT ACTION RULE
...
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: no access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit tcp object-group group_2 eq 32881 object-group group_433 eq 39084 vlan eq 1693 rule-id 268442076
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: no access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ line 1510 remark rule-id 268442077: ACCESS POLICY: mzafeiro_ACP1500 - Mandatory
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: no access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ line 1510 remark rule-id 268442077: L7 RULE: ACP_Rule_1500
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: no access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced permit tcp object-group group_6 eq 8988 object-group group_311 eq 32433 vlan eq 619 rule-id 268442077
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: no access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ line 1510 remark rule-id 268440577: ACCESS POLICY: mzafeiro_ACP1500 - Default
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: no access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ line 1510 remark rule-id 268440577: L4 RULE: DEFAULT ACTION RULE
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: access-list CSM_FW_ACL_ advanced deny ip any any rule-id 268442078 event-log flow-start
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: crypto isakmp nat-traversal
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: no object-group network group_311
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: no object-group network group_433
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: no object-group network group_6
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: no object-group network group_2
cli_xml_server: frep_write_cmd: Cmd: write memory        <--


    What happens if a unit is in a pseudo-Standby state (failover disabled) and then you reload it while the other unit has failover enabled and is Active?
    You end up in an Active/Active scenario (although technically it is an Active/Failover-off). Specifically, once the unit comes UP the failover is disabled, but the unit uses the same IPs as the Active unit. So effectively, you have:

    • Unit-1: Active
    • Unit-2: failover is off. The unit uses the same data IPs as Unit-1, but different MAC addresses.


    What happens to the failover configuration if you manually disable the failover (configure high-availability suspend), and then you reload the device?
    When you disable the failover, it is not a permanent change (not saved in the startup-config unless you decide to do this explicitly). You can reboot/reload the unit in 2 different ways and with the second way you must be careful:

    Case 1. Reboot from CLISH

    Reboot from CLISH does not ask for confirmation. Thus, the configuration change is not saved into startup-config:

    > configure high-availability suspend
Please ensure that no deployment operation is in progress before suspending high-availability.
Please enter 'YES' to continue if there is no deployment operation in progress and 'NO' if you wish to abort: YES
Successfully suspended high-availability.

    The running-config has the failover disabled. In this case, the unit was Standby and got into the pseudo-Standby state as expected in order to avoid an Active/Active scenario:

    firepower# show failover | include Failover
Failover Off (pseudo-Standby)
Failover unit Secondary
Failover LAN Interface: FOVER Ethernet1/1 (up)


    The startup-config has the failover still enabled:

    firepower# show startup | include failover
failover
failover lan unit secondary
failover lan interface FOVER Ethernet1/1
failover replication http
failover link FOVER Ethernet1/1
failover interface ip FOVER 192.0.2.1 255.255.255.0 standby 192.0.2.2
failover ipsec pre-shared-key *****

    Reboot the device from CLISH (reboot command):

    > reboot
This command will reboot the system.  Continue?
Please enter 'YES' or 'NO': YES

Broadcast message from root@
Threat Defense System: CMD=-stop, CSP-ID=cisco-ftd.6.2.2.81__ftd_001_JMX2119L05CYRIBVX1, FLAG=''
Cisco FTD stopping ...

    Once the unit is UP, since the failover is enabled, the device enters the failover Negotiation phase and tries to detect the remote peer:

    User enable_1 logged in to firepower
Logins over the last 1 days: 1.
Failed logins since the last login: 0.
Type help or '?' for a list of available commands.
firepower> .

        Detected an Active mate


    Case 2. Reboot from LINA CLI
    Reboot from LINA (reload command) asks for confirmation. Thus, in case you select Y (Yes) the configuration change is saved into startup-config:

    firepower# reload
System config has been modified. Save? [Y]es/[N]o: Y  <-- Be careful. This disables the failover in the startup-config

Cryptochecksum: 31857237 8658f618 3234be7c 854d583a

8781 bytes copied in 0.940 secs
Proceed with reload? [confirm]
firepower# show startup | include failover
no failover
failover lan unit secondary
failover lan interface FOVER Ethernet1/1
failover replication http
failover link FOVER Ethernet1/1
failover interface ip FOVER 192.0.2.1 255.255.255.0 standby 192.0.2.2
failover ipsec pre-shared-key *****

    Once the unit is UP the failover is disabled:

    firepower# show failover | include Fail
Failover Off
Failover unit Secondary
Failover LAN Interface: FOVER Ethernet1/1 (up)

    Note: To avoid this scenario, ensure that when you are prompted, you do not save the changes to the startup-config.

    Related Information

    • All versions of the Cisco Firepower Management Center configuration guide can be found here

    Navigating the Cisco Secure Firewall Threat Defense Documentation

    • All versions of the FXOS Chassis Manager and CLI configuration guides can be found here

    Navigating the Cisco Firepower 4100/9300 FXOS Documentation

    • Cisco Global Technical Assistance Center (TAC) strongly recommends this visual guide for in-depth practical knowledge on Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Security Technologies:

    Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD): Configuration and Troubleshooting Best Practices for the Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW), Next-Generation Intrusion Prevention System (NGIPS), and Advanced Malware Protection (AMP)

    • For all Configuration and Troubleshoot TechNotes that pertain to the Firepower technologies

    Cisco Secure Firewall Management Center

    Revision History

    Revision Publish Date Comments
    4.0
    19-Jul-2024
    Updated SEO, style requirements, and formatting. Additionally, the tasks are now based on 7.2.8 software release.
    3.0
    07-Aug-2023
    Updated SEO, style requirements, and formatting.
    2.0
    04-Aug-2022
    Article updated for formatting, style requirements, machine translation, gerunds and grammar.
    1.0
    29-Sep-2021
    Initial Release
    TAC Authored

    Contributed by Cisco Engineers

    • Olha Yakovenko
      Cisco TAC Engineer
    • Mikis Zafeiroudis
      Cisco TAC Engineer
    • John Long
      Cisco TAC Engineer

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