SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT
initiates a firmware update task, using either the GUI or the racadm fwupdate command from the CLI:
1.The primary DRAC/MC module starts the TFTP firmware update.
2.The standby DRAC/MC module monitors the chassis while the primary DRAC/MC module is updated. At this time, neither DRAC/MC is accessible, either through Telnet or the GUI.
3.When the primary DRAC/MC module completes the TFTP update, the TFTP update on the standby DRAC/MC module begins. The primary DRAC/MC module continues to moni- tor the chassis while the standby module is updating the firmware. At this time, neither DRAC/MC is accessible, either through Telnet or the GUI.
4.When the standby DRAC/MC module completes the firmware update process, the primary DRAC/MC module is available for network access. Telnet and the GUI become available.
KVM module firmware updates
The KVM module enables administrators to access server blades in the PowerEdge 1855 blade server by providing keyboard, monitor, and mouse functions as if the administrator were directly connected to the module. The PowerEdge 1855 blade server provides a built- in analog KVM module and an optional digital KVM module. Both KVM modules are
Analog or digital KVM module firmware can also be updated using the DRAC/MC GUI or CLI. For both firmware update methods, administrators must complete the following setup procedures before starting the firmware update process:
1.Set up a TFTP server, and copy the firmware image to the root of the TFTP server.
2.Record the IP address of the TFTP server and the file name of the new firmware image.
3.Log in to the DRAC/MC, using either the GUI or CLI.
To update the firmware using the GUI, administrators should navigate to the Update tab and select “KVM Firmware Update.” They should then enter the TFTP server IP address of the firmware image file name, and start the KVM firmware update process by clicking “Update Firmware.” The TFTP download and firmware update process may take up to six minutes. After the update com- pletes, the KVM will reset.
To update the firmware using the CLI, administrators should enter the following Racadm command at the DRAC/MC console prompt:
DRAC/MC: racadm fwupdate -a TFTP_IP_ADDRESS
I/O module firmware updates
The PowerEdge 1855 blade server chassis provides extensible I/O functionality such as networking, Fibre Channel, or InfiniBand connectivity. The McDATA 4314 Fibre Channel switch and Brocade Silkworm 3014 Fibre Channel switch provide Fibre Channel connectivity. The Dell PowerConnect™ 5316M Ethernet switch, a managed Layer 2 network switch, provides network functionality.
To update the firmware of the preceding I/O modules, admin- istrators need to procure the IP addresses of the switches. As part of the installation of the McDATA, Brocade, and PowerConnect switches, administrators must configure the IP address using the corresponding switch configuration application. However, admin- istrators can obtain the IP address of the Brocade switch using the DRAC/MC CLI as follows:
1.Log in to the DRAC/MC and connect to the switch using the
DRAC/MC: connect switch-N command.
2.Log in to the switch with the username “admin” and pass- word “password.”
3.Enter the ipaddrshow command to obtain the IP address.
Unlike the
1.Set up an FTP server on the management station, and unzip the firmware in a local directory.
2.Record the IP address of the switch and the FTP server.
3.Ensure that the switch is in normal operation mode by inspecting the status LEDs.
McDATA 4314 Fibre Channel switch firmware. To provide consistent performance throughout the fabric, administrators should ensure that all switch modules are running the same version of firmware. Installing updated firmware requires a switch reset. A stable fabric is required to successfully activate the firmware on a switch without disrupting traffic. Therefore, administrators must ensure that no administrative changes are in progress anywhere in the fabric before installing the Fibre Channel switch firmware.
McDATA provides management station software called Enterprise Fabric Connectivity Manager (EFCM), which provides a GUI to update the switch firmware. Detailed instructions on how to use EFCM can be found in the McDATA 4314 switch documentation. 3
3For more information about EFCM, refer to the EFCM Management Guide on the CD that ships with the McDATA 4314 Fibre Channel switch.
www.dell.com/powersolutions | Reprinted from Dell Power Solutions, August 2005. Copyright © 2005 Dell Inc. All rights reserved | DELL POWER SOLUTIONS | 59 |
