Solarwinds upgrade SSH

Manon

Dear Guys,

Currently, I faced the issue with Solarwinds can't backup configuration from cisco devices. After, I checked the components ssh of Cisco and Solarwinds ware not match, due to Cisco ssh is modern than Solarwinds. The question is, could I upgrade only ssh of Solarwinds without upgrade the whole Solarwinds platform?

Thank in advance for your help guys!

jeremymayfield

No. You cannot upgrade only the SSH module within SolarWinds.

SSH functionality is:

• Compiled into the Orion platform services
• Updated only through full platform or module upgrades
• Not modular or hot-swappable

You cannot independently upgrade the SSH component within SolarWinds Orion Platform (including NCM/Config Backup functionality).

SSH libraries are embedded within the SolarWinds Platform and are version-coupled to the core release. Therefore, remediation of SSH compatibility issues with modern Cisco IOS devices requires a platform upgrade, not a standalone SSH update.

Option 1 – Recommended: Upgrade SolarWinds Platform

Upgrade to the latest supported version of:

• SolarWinds Network Configuration Manager
• SolarWinds Orion Platform

Newer versions include:

• Updated SSH libraries
• Expanded cipher support
• Modern key exchange compatibility
• Ongoing security patching

This is the most secure and supportable solution.

Option 2 – Temporary Workaround (Not Recommended Long-Term)

Adjust Cisco SSH configuration to allow legacy algorithms.

Example (Cisco side):

ip ssh version 2ip ssh server algorithm encryption aes256-ctr aes192-ctr aes128-ctrip ssh server algorithm mac hmac-sha2-256 hmac-sha2-512

In some cases, temporarily enabling older algorithms may restore compatibility, but this:

• Weakens device security posture
• May violate security policy
• Is not future-proof

Use only as a controlled interim measure.

Additional Validation Steps

Before upgrading, confirm:

1. Exact SolarWinds platform version
2. NCM module version
3. Cisco IOS / IOS-XE version
4. Specific SSH error from C:\ProgramData\SolarWinds\Logs\Orion\

Look for:

• "no matching key exchange method"
• "no matching cipher"
• "algorithm negotiation failed"

Strategic Recommendation

Given your environment likely emphasizes operational stability:

• Perform a compatibility check against SolarWinds’ current support matrix.
• Schedule a controlled platform upgrade.
• Validate in a lab or staging environment.
• Retest NCM configuration backup job post-upgrade.

Upgrading provides:

• Security compliance alignment
• Modern crypto support
• Long-term vendor supportability