User guide

File Keys to Identify Downloadable Files Overview
AlliedView NMS Administration Guide (File Administration)
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3.6 File Keys to Identify Downloadable Files
3.6.1 Overview
As explained in Section 5.3.9, Software Configuration is an MDTI application that downloads OS releases onto supported
devices/components. Since there are many steps and constraints involved in this operation, the MDTI application is a consider-
able simplification of the process, especially when downloading to multiple devices. The application uses a file on the NMS to
identify the files that can be downloaded on devices according to their device types. This file also encodes file relationship con-
straints.
In previous releases, the data store was static within an NMS release, which meant new OS releases delivered after a particular
NMS release could not be downloaded to existing devices. The Custom Software Download feature gives users a safe way to
modify the data so newer OS releases can be downloaded to existing devices without waiting for a new NMS release or patch.
Note: NMS applications are not necessarily expected to support devices running advanced releases but will
make a best effort in order to do so.
Using the Custom Software Download feature, explained in Section 5.3.10, the user can modify the file that stores the OS
release files. These custom (usually newer) release files must be already loaded in the following path; NMS-HOME/swdown-
load
The file properties consist of required file keys and their names. The names are OS release files and their required resources, if
any. The required file keys vary according to the specific device type.
In using the Custom Software Download feature, the user selects an existing device type (new device types are not supported).
The user then selects file names from the files in the above paths for each type-specific file key. See Table 3-2 for example sup-
ported device types and their required file keys.
If the Load already contains an entry for the selected device type, its file properties will be replaced by the new selections, oth-
erwise the new entry will be added to the selected Load.
Caution: Devices will fail if the wrong file is used for the wrong purpose when downloading a new release.
Standard loads have been tested for correct configurations. Moreover, software upgrades may
require updating of loads in a specific sequence to ensure data configuration integrity. Custom
loads are usually created and used by Network Administrators, and they must use this feature
with extra caution
Note: If a Rapier or Switchblade type is added, manual WebgenImport will have to be used to enable the release
on the target devices.