Q-Logic 64 Switch User Manual


 
4 – Managing Switches
Managing Firmware
4-34 59048-04 Rev. B
D
4.13
Managing Firmware
The switch memory is partitioned for two firmware images. One of these partitions
contains the active firmware; that is, the firmware version that is in use. The other
partition contains the inactive firmware which is not in use. The pending firmware
is the firmware that will be activated at the next switch reset. The pending
firmware can be the active firmware or the inactive firmware. When you install new
firmware, that image becomes the inactive firmware and the pending firmware.
Upon resetting the switch, this image becomes both the active and pending
firmware.
Firmware management tools enable you to do the following:
Install and activate new firmware.
Activate the pending firmware.
Change the pending firmware.
4.13.1
Installing Firmware
Installing firmware involves loading, unpacking, and activating the firmware image
on the switch. SANbox Manager does this in one operation. During a hotreset
operation, fabric services will be unavailable for a short period (30-75 seconds
depending on switch model). To ensure that an NDCLA operation is successful,
verify that all administrative changes to the fabric (if any) are complete. When you
need to do NDCLA/hotreset to multiple switches, only perform the
NDCLA/hotreset on one switch at a time, and allow a 75 second wait before
performing the NDCLA/hotreset operation on the next switch.
Common administrative operations that change the fabric include:
Zoning modifications
Adding, moving or removing devices attached to the switch fabric. This
includes powering up or powering down attached devices.
Adding, moving or removing ISLs or other connections.
Management Interfaces:
Note: To provide consistent performance throughout the fabric, ensure that
all switches are running the same version of firmware.
CAUTION!
Changes to the fabric may disrupt the NDCLA process.