File Transfers

How to Upgrade Firmware

Benefits of upgrading firmware

When you upgrade the firmware on the Rack PDU:

You obtain the latest bug fixes and performance improvements.

New features become available for immediate use.

Keeping the firmware versions consistent across your network ensures that all Rack PDUs support the same features in the same manner.

Firmware module files (Rack PDU)

A firmware release has three modules, and they must be upgraded (that is, placed on the Rack PDU) in this order:

a boot monitor (bootmon) module

an American Power Conversion Operating System (AOS) module

an application module

(Each module contains one or more Cyclical Redundancy Checks (CRCs) to protect its data from corruption). The boot monitor module, the AOS, and the application file names share the same basic format:

apc_hardware-version_type_firmware-version.bin

apc: Indicates the context.

hardware-version: hw0n where n identifies the hardware version on which you can use this file.

type: Identifies which module.

version: The version number of the file.

bin: Indicates that this is a binary file.

Firmware File Transfer Methods

Note: Upgrade the bootmon module first, then the AOS module, and finally, the application module by placing them on the Rack PDU in that order.

Obtain the free, latest firmware version from www.apcc.com/tools/download. To upgrade the firmware of one or more Rack PDUs, use 1 of these 5 methods:

On a Windows operating system, use the Firmware Upgrade Utility downloaded from the APC Web site. See “Using the Firmware Upgrade Utility” .

On any supported operating system, use FTP or SCP to transfer the individual AOS and application firmware modules. See “Use FTP or SCP to upgrade one Rack PDU” .

For a Rack PDU that is NOT on your network, use XMODEM through a serial connection to transfer the individual firmware modules from your computer to the Rack PDU.

See “Use XMODEM to upgrade one Rack PDU” .

Use a USB drive to transfer the individual firmware modules from your computer. See “How to upgrade multiple Rack PDUs” .

For upgrades to multiple Rack PDUs, see “Upgrading the firmware on multiple Rack PDUs” and “Using the Firmware Upgrade Utility for multiple upgrades on Windows”.

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APC AP89XX, AP8941 File Transfers, How to Upgrade Firmware, Firmware File Transfer Methods, Benefits of upgrading firmware

AP89XX, AP8941 specifications

The APC AP8941 and AP89XX series are advanced power distribution units (PDUs) designed to meet the growing demands of modern data centers and IT environments. These PDUs are well-regarded for their reliability, efficiency, and ease of use, making them integral components for effective power management in critical applications.

One of the standout features of the AP8941 is its capability to provide both local and remote management. Equipped with a web interface, users can monitor power usage, track energy consumption, and gain insights into the performance of connected equipment from virtually anywhere. This remote capability is particularly beneficial for administrators managing multiple sites, as it enables efficient troubleshooting and minimizes downtime.

The AP8941 also supports environmental monitoring by integrating with temperature and humidity sensors. This feature ensures that data centers maintain optimal conditions to protect equipment from overheating or humidity-induced failures, thus enhancing the overall reliability of the power infrastructure.

Another significant aspect of the AP8941 is its ability to distribute power efficiently through its various outlet configurations. The flexible plug-and-play design allows users to customize their power distribution setups for diverse applications, accommodating unique configurations and equipment requirements.

Security is paramount in today’s IT landscape, and the AP89XX series addresses this concern through advanced security features. The units include user authentication and role-based access control, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access critical power management functionalities.

Additionally, the power visualization tools available with the AP8941 enable users to analyze real-time data, identify potential issues, and optimize their power usage. The sleek design and Mounting options make installation straightforward, whether horizontal or vertical, in standard racks or enclosures.

The series supports a variety of power input options and offers robust overload protection, which is essential for preventing damage to both the PDU and connected devices. The combination of management capabilities, security features, and real-time monitoring tools positions the APC AP8941 and AP89XX series as an excellent choice for IT professionals seeking reliable power management solutions in today's data-heavy environments.

In conclusion, the APC AP8941 and AP89XX offer a comprehensive suite of features that cater to the complex needs of data centers. With their focus on efficiency, security, and management capabilities, these PDUs serve as an essential part of modern IT infrastructure, ensuring operational continuity and power reliability.