Primary, Secondary, and Test Boot Sources

10CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW

Figure 1 shows the typical upgrade process.

Figure 1 Upgrade Process

Restore old

software

version

If hardware

upgrade, reinstall

old hardware

Do final cleanup

Begin

Install software

and utilities

on NMS*

upgrade?

Reject Yes

Back up config

and boot files

from bridge/router

Update

to NMS

config files

Verify

Reboot bridge/router,

upgrade

test software images

and config files

Copy config

and boot files

to bridge/router

Is hardware

upgrade

required?

Yes

Perform

hardware

upgrade

Reset IP config and

SNMP

Done!

*NMS = network management station

How the Utilities Work The software on your bridge/router or switch consists of a bootable image ﬁle and conﬁguration ﬁles that store all your settings. The Enterprise OS Upgrade Management Utilities update all your software ﬁles after copying them to a UNIX or Windows NMS. Because the upgrade occurs on a copy of the ﬁles on the NMS, the bridge/router remains operational during the upgrade. The utilities then copy the new image and updated ﬁles back to the bridge/router.

Primary, Secondary, and Test Boot Sources

The NETBuilder bridge/router or PathBuilder switch boots from a default directory, called the primary boot source, which can be set using the SysconF command in the Enterprise OS user interface. If you have more than one set of boot images, you can specify a backup directory, called the secondary boot source. There is also a test boot source, which the utilities use to test a new upgrade before making it the primary boot source. Because the boot sources are only pointers to particular directories, the utilities can dynamically change the boot sources without having to move any ﬁles.

Automatic or Manual Recovery

If your switch or bridge/router has enough ﬂash memory, you can have both sets of software: the old version and the new version. After a successful test boot with the new software, the primary boot source is changed to the new version. If the test boot is not successful, the system automatically reboots with the old version. Dual-image support is described in the procedures for automatic recovery.

If you have only enough ﬂash memory for the new version, you can still recover the old version from the NMS using the utilities. Single-image support is described in the procedures for manual recovery.

For memory requirements for automatic or manual recovery, see Chapter 3.

ENTERPRISE OS 11.3 specifications

3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 is a robust network operating system designed specifically for enterprise-level applications, offering a comprehensive suite of features and technologies that enhance network performance, reliability, and security. Engineered for the needs of large organizations, this operating system integrates advanced functionalities that ensure efficient management of network resources.

One of the key features of 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 is its enhanced routing capabilities. It supports dynamic routing protocols like OSPF and RIP, ensuring optimal path selection and efficient use of network bandwidth. This enables seamless communication across multiple network segments, reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness.

Another significant characteristic of this OS is its powerful network management tools. The built-in management functionalities provide administrators with an intuitive interface to monitor, configure, and troubleshoot network devices in real time. With features like SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) support, network visibility is improved, allowing for efficient performance monitoring and rapid response to potential issues.

Security is a critical focus for 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3, which includes comprehensive measures such as access control lists (ACLs), robust authentication methods, and support for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). These security features safeguard sensitive data and ensure that only authorized users can access network resources, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

The operating system is also designed for scalability, accommodating the growing needs of enterprise environments. Its modular architecture allows for the integration of additional features and services without sacrificing performance. This flexibility makes it suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises, adapting to various networking requirements as they evolve.

Furthermore, 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 facilitates quality of service (QoS) management, which prioritizes critical network traffic. By ensuring that time-sensitive applications receive the bandwidth they need, the OS enhances the performance of voice, video, and data services, which is crucial for maintaining high productivity levels.

In summary, 3Com Enterprise OS 11.3 stands out with its advanced routing capabilities, robust network management tools, enhanced security features, scalability, and QoS management. These characteristics make it an ideal solution for enterprises seeking a reliable and efficient network operating system to support their complex networking needs.