Using ZMODEM
Page 5-4

Using ZMODEM

Normally you use FTP to transfer files to and from the switch. It is faster than using the serial
port. A ZMODEM transfer can take several minutes. There are generally two situations which
would require you to use the serial port to load software:
• You do not have access to an FTP client or server program. If the switch is up and
running, you can use the File commands to load software.
• You have deleted the image software files in the switch. If you are in this situation, the
only way to load software is using ZMODEM with the boot line prompt.
To use ZMODEM, you must have a terminal emulator that supports the ZMODEM protocol.
There are many packages on the market and they operate differently; therefore instructions
on how to use them are beyond the scope of this document. Consult the user manual which
came with your terminal emulation software.
Before doing a serial port transfer, you should set the baud rate to the highest possible
(however, it is not recommended that you run it at 38.4 Kbps). Running at 19200 is twice as
fast as 9600. To set the baud rate, use the ser command. For more information on the ser
command, see Chapter 6, “Configuring Management Processor Modules.”
Note
If a file you are transferring already exists in the
switch’s flash memory, you must remove the file before
transferring the new file via ZMODEM.

Using ZMODEM with the load Command

If your switch is up and running, log on to the switch. Type ls to list the files in flash
memory. If the file you are going to transfer exists, you must delete it first with the rm
command.
From the File menu, type ? to list the file commands. The command you use to start the
ZMODEM process is load. The load command does not support speeds greater than 19,200
bauds.
/File % load
The Console (DCE) port is currently running at 19200 baud
Type ‘y’ to start ZMODEM download, ‘q’ to quit (y) : y
Upload directory: /flash
ZMODEM ready to receive file, please start upload (or send 5 CTRL-X’s to abort).
**B0100000023be50
Activate the ZMODEM transfer according to the instructions that came with your terminal
emulation software. When the transfer is completed use ls again to list the file or files you
have loaded.