Multi-Tech Systems MT5656ZDX manual Appendix D Upgrading Modem, Upgrade Overview

Appendix D – Upgrading the Modem

Appendix D – Upgrading the

Modem

Your modem is controlled by semi-permanent software, called firmware, which is stored in flash memory. Firmware is nonvolatile; that is, it remains stored in memory when the modem is turned off. However, it can be changed by either the manufacturer or the user.

Since the firmware in your modem is stored in flash memory, you can upgrade it yourself in a few minutes by using the following procedures.

Upgrade Overview

The upgrade procedure consists of the following steps, which are described in greater detail in the following sections.

1.Identify the model number and firmware version of your modem.

2.Identify the current version of the firmware at the Multi-Tech Web site. If your modem already has the current firmware, there is no need to update it.

3.Download the upgrade file for your modem.

4.Extract the firmware .HEX file and the appropriate flash upgrade program from the file you downloaded.

5.Document and clear your stored parameters.

6.Upgrade the modem’s firmware using the .HEX file and the flash upgrade program.

7.Restore your parameters.

Step 1: Identify the Modem Firmware

You must know the model number and firmware version of your Multi-Tech modem to know whether or not you should update it.

1.Run your favorite terminal program. If you are using Windows 95, 98, 2000 or Windows NT, you can use HyperTerminal. If you are using Windows 3.1, you can use Windows Terminal.

2.In the program’s terminal window, type AT&F. Even if you cannot see the AT&F command on your screen, be sure to type it completely, and then press ENTER. If the modem does not respond with OK, repeat the AT&F command.

3.Now type ATI3 and record your results. The firmware version should appear first in the response, which should look similar to the following:

V2.300G-V90_2M_DLS

Step 2: Identify the Current Firmware Version

Identify the current version of the firmware at the Multi-Tech Web site. If your modem already has the current firmware, there is no need to update it.

1.Using your favorite Web browser, go to http://www.multitech.com/support/MultiModemZDX/firmware.asp.

2.Scroll down the table to your modem model number.

3.Look at the firmware version number for your modem.

4.If the firmware version number matches the firmware version number found in “Step 1: Identify the Modem Firmware,” your modem has the current firmware version, and does not need to be updated.

5.If the firmware version number is greater than the firmware version number found in “Step 1: Identify the Modem Firmware,” your modem has an older firmware version.

Continue with “Step 3: Download the Upgrade File.”

Warning: The first digit of the new firmware must match the first digit of the old firmware, or the modem may not work properly; e.g., if your current firmware version is 4.16, replace it only with 4.xx firmware, not 6.xx firmware.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. MT5656ZDX User Guide 27