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Managing System Files Switch Administration Overview
OmniSwitch 6600 Family Switch Management Guide March 2005 page 2-3
Switch Administration Overview
The OmniSwitch has a variety of software features designed for different networking environments and
applications. Over the life of the switch, it is very likely that your configuration and feature set will change
because the needs of your network are likely to expand. Also, software updates become available from
Alcatel. If you change your configuration to upgrade your network, you must understand how to install
switch files and to manage switch directories.
The OmniSwitch switch has 32 MB of usable flash memory. You can use this memory to store files,
including executable files (used to operate switch features and applications), configuration files, and log
files.
You need to understand the various methods of loading files onto the switch for software upgrades and
new features. Once the files are on the switch, the CLI has commands that allow you to load, copy, and
delete these files. The CLI also has commands for displaying, creating, and editing ASCII files directly on
the switch. You may also want to establish a file directory structure to help organize your files on the
switch.
All of the files and directories on the switch bear a time stamp. This is useful for switch administration
because the time stamp allows you to tell at a glance which files are the most recent. You can set the
system clock that controls these time stamps as well as other time based switch functions.
File Transfer
The switch can receive and send files using industry standard local and remote transfer methods. Each of
these methods are defined and explained. Because file transfers can involve logging onto the switch from
a remote host, security factors, such as DNS resolver and Authenticated Switch Access requirements
should be considered.
It is not enough to simply transfer a file onto the switch. Once files are on the switch, they must be
registered in order to become functional. The OmniSwitch has a directory structure that allows you to
install new software while maintaining a backup copy of your old configuration. This directory structure is
explained in the “Switch Directories” section on page 2-4 and instructions are given on how to execute the
install command in the “Registering Software Image Files” section on page 2-26.
File Transfer to OmniSwitch
User’s Host
OmniSwitch
File Transfer from User’s
Host to the OmniSwitch
OmniSwitch 6648