Technical data

Preparing for a Firmware Download

● Prerequisites................................................................................................................... 19

● Obtaining and decompressing firmware..........................................................................19

● Connected switches........................................................................................................ 20

● Finding the switch firmware version................................................................................ 20

Prerequisites

Before executing a firmware download, it is recommended that you perform the tasks listed in this

section. In the unlikely event of a failure or timeout, these preparatory tasks enable you to provide your

switch support provider the information required to troubleshoot the firmware download.

It is recommended that you use the configUpload command to back up the current configuration

before you download firmware to a switch. Refer to the Configuration file backup section in the Fabric

OS Administrator's Guide for details.

1. Read the release notes for the new firmware to find out if there are any updates related to the

firmware download process.

2. Connect to the switch and log in using an account with admin permissions. Enter the firmwareShow

command to verify the current version of Fabric OS.

Brocade does not support non-disruptive upgrades from more than one previous release. Non-

disruptive upgrade is supported only from Fabric OS 7.2.x to Fabric OS 7.3.x.

Disruptive upgrade from Fabric OS 7.1.x to Fabric OS 7.3.x is supported.

3. Use the configUpload command prior to the firmware download. Save the configuration file on your

FTP or SSH server or USB memory device on supported platforms.

4. Optional: For additional support, connect the switch to a computer with a serial console cable.

Ensure that all serial consoles (both CPs for Backbones) and any open network connection sessions,

such as Telnet, are logged and included with any trouble reports.

5. Connect to the switch and log in using an account with admin permissions. Enter the supportSave

command to retrieve all current core files prior to executing the firmware download. This information

helps to troubleshoot the firmware download process if a problem is encountered.

6. Optional: Enter the errClear command to erase all existing messages in addition to internal

messages.

Obtaining and decompressing firmware

Firmware upgrades are available for customers with support service contracts and for partners on the

Brocade website at http://www.brocade.com .

You must decompress the firmware before you can use the firmwareDownload command to update

the firmware on your equipment. Use the UNIX tar command for .tar files, the gunzip command for

all .gz files, or a Windows unzip program for all .zip files

Fabric OS Upgrade Guide

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