UPGRADING USING THE NETBUILDER

4 UPGRADE LINK APPLICATION

This chapter describes how to upgrade the software on a NETBuilder bridge/router or a PathBuilder switch using the Upgrade Link application. Upgrade Link is an easy to use GUI for the upgrade utilities that runs in a web server. Access to the server is available via a web browser. If you are upgrading multiple bridge/routers, you should use Transcend Enterprise Manager or Transcend Network Control Services instead. Contact your network supplier for more information about Transcend. Or if you want to write scripts, you can use the command-line utilities as described in Chapter 5. Use the command-line utilities if you do not have a web browser on your network management station (NMS).

An NMS is a UNIX or Windows system that has a FTP/TFTP server running in addition to software, such as the Upgrade Management Utilities, to manage your network. For Windows, the utilities include the 3Com FTP/TFTP server called 3CServer.

Preparing for the Upgrade

Before upgrading your system, confirm the following items:

You have installed the utilities according to Chapter 2.

You have set the path for the utilities (UNIX only). If you have not set the path, complete the following step for your UNIX shell:

For a C-shell installation, add the contents of the following file to the .cshrc file for each user you want to have access to the utilities, including root:

/usr/3Com/common/data/.login-bcm

Or you can enter the path after every logon:

source /usr/3Com/common/data/.login-bcm

For a Bourne shell installation, add the contents of the following file to the

.profile file for each user you want to have access to the utilities, including root:

/usr/3Com/common/data/.profile-bcm

Or you can enter the path after every logon:

. /usr/3Com/common/data/.profile-bcm

All configuration files are in the same directory as the boot image.

You have booted your bridge/router from the primary boot source.

You have a web browser installed with Java support, such as Netscape Navigator 4.5 or Internet Explorer 4.x, and you have it in your path (UNIX).

CAUTION: Only one client at a time should access the Upgrade Link Server.

There is sufficient disk space on the NMS for the amount of software you are installing.

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3Com ENTERPRISE OS 11.3 manual Upgrading Using the Netbuilder Upgrade Link Application, Preparing for the Upgrade

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.