Access points and ICX Switch Migration / Switchover / Move between one SmartZone Cluster to another SmartZone Cluster

Summary

This article describes the detailed procedure to migrate, move, or switchover RUCKUS Access Points and ICX Switches from one SmartZone (physical or virtual) cluster to another. The document covers prerequisites, licensing requirements, configuration preparation, and step-by-step instructions for performing cluster switchover for both APs and ICX switches.

Question

How can Access Points or ICX switches be moved, migrated, or switched over from one vSZ / SZ cluster to another?

Customer Environment

The customer is operating a SmartZone or vSmartZone cluster and needs to move their Access Points or ICX switches to another SmartZone cluster. Both source and target clusters are running the same SmartZone software version.

Resolution

Supported Use Cases

Operational issues with the existing SmartZone cluster
Planned SmartZone maintenance activities
Migration from physical SmartZone to virtual SmartZone (or vice versa)
Reusing Access Points or ICX switches across different customers or locations managed by separate SmartZone clusters

Important Considerations Before Switchover

Depending on the use case, pre-configure the target SmartZone cluster (Domains, Zones, WLANs, Device Groups) in advance to reduce downtime.
For zero-touch migration, use Device Registration Rules (for APs and Switches) on the target cluster to automatically place devices in the correct Domain, Zone, and Group.
For maintenance or one-to-one cluster replacement scenarios, restore the configuration backup or full cluster backup on the target SmartZone before initiating switchover.
Avoid partial AP migration for the same physical location. Broadcasting identical SSIDs from different SmartZone clusters can cause roaming and client connectivity issues.
Always migrate all APs for a specific site together whenever possible.

Preparation Checklist

Ensure both source and target SmartZone clusters are running the same software version.
Verify IP connectivity between APs / ICX switches and the target SmartZone cluster.
If controller discovery uses DHCP Option 43, DNS, or RUCKUS DRS, update these to point to the new cluster IP or FQDN to prevent devices from falling back to the source cluster.
If RADIUS proxy authentication is used, add the new cluster node IPs to the RADIUS server’s client list. Refer to the RUCKUS SmartZone AAA Interface Reference Guide.
Verify DNS and DHCP parameters that may affect client or controller communication.
If RUCKUS SCI or RUCKUS AI is in use:
- Validate northbound data streaming configuration (SCI)
- Validate cloud service integration (RUCKUS AI)
- Reconfigure if the target cluster is not restored from the source configuration backup

License Requirements

Ensure sufficient AP and ICX licenses are available on the target SmartZone cluster.
Each managed Access Point or ICX switch consumes a license.
Validate existing licenses under Administration > Licenses.
Purchase and assign additional licenses via the RUCKUS Licensing Portal if required.
Temporary licenses may be issued in exceptional cases with proper business justification and advance approval through RUCKUS Support.
Refer to the RUCKUS SmartZone Software Licensing Guide for licensing details.

Backup Configuration

Always back up the source SmartZone cluster configuration before migration.
Customers can take:
- Configuration backup
- Cluster backup
- Both (recommended)

Cluster Switchover – Access Points

AP switchover allows moving APs between SmartZone clusters and is supported even without cluster redundancy.

Notes:

Supported for APs running firmware version R5.0 or later.
Applicable for both staging and non-staging zones depending on platform type.
In cluster redundancy setups, APs in the Staging or Default Zone must use the switchover method.

AP Switchover Procedure

On the source SmartZone cluster, navigate to
Network > Wireless > Access Points
Select the required Zone or multiple APs.
Click More and choose Switch Over Clusters.
Enter the IP address or FQDN of the target SmartZone cluster.
(Optional) Enable Delete selected Access Point after switchover if required.
Click OK to initiate the switchover.
Confirm the operation.
The APs will disconnect from the source cluster and register to the target cluster.
Verify that the APs appear and become operational on the target SmartZone.

Switchover – ICX Switches

Pre-Validation Requirements

Switch firmware must be 08.0.95b or later
Switch must not have:
- Pending configuration pushes
- Ongoing firmware upgrades
Up to 250 switches can be selected per switchover operation
Control IP supports IPv4 only

Important Notes:

Ensure Switch Registration Rules exist on the target cluster before switchover.
Ensure the ICX firmware is set the same or not mapped in the target group to avoid unnecessary upgrades or downgrades
Without registration rules, the ICX switch may reconnect to the source SmartZone.
Depending on switch HA licensing, approval may be required on the target cluster.

ICX Switchover Procedure

Navigate to Network > Switches > Switches
Select Domain > Switch Group, then choose the desired switch(es).
Click More > Switch Over Cluster
Enter the target SmartZone cluster Control IP address.
Click OK.
Confirm by clicking YES.
The switch disconnects from the source cluster and registers with the target cluster.

Post-Migration Verification

Verify device status and configuration on the target SmartZone cluster.
Ensure APs and ICX switches are online and operational.
Validate WLAN services, authentication, and client connectivity.
Monitor performance and logs for anomalies.

Additional Information / Tips

Schedule the migration during a maintenance window.
Maintain detailed records of configuration backups and changes.
Perform functional testing after migration to ensure service continuity.

Article Number:
000014663

Updated:
January 20, 2026 07:14 AM (12 days ago)

Tags:
Configuration, System Network Management, Ruckus ICX Switches, SmartCell Gateway

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