RuggedRouter™ User Guide

Appendix B – Downgrading Router Software

RuggedCom recognizes that customers may need to downgrade router software:

Routers being added to the network have more recent version than that standardized for the network.

Network staff may wish to regain confidence in the software of an exposed router by downgrading it to its current version, essentially reloading its software.

Network staff may wish to explore how features operated on a previous release.

The release process involves the following steps:

1.The downgrade image file is downloaded from RuggedCom to a web server.

2.The router to downgrade is attached via one of its Ethernet ports to the web server (either directly or via a network), configured and tested.

3.The router can also load a specific configuration archive on to the target router. This file is also loaded on the web server.

4.The router is rebooted and is forced to enter its boot selection menu by pressing the down arrow key of an attached terminal continuously. The router will offer a menu that will provide the option “Software Downgrade Utility”. Select this option and press enter.

5.The router will prompt for the required information.

6.The router will downgrade the software and reboot. This will require five to ten minutes to complete.

Note: The router must not lose power or be interrupted during the downgrade process. The process involves a complete rewrite of the operating image. Interruption will require that the router be returned to the factory to have the software restored. RuggedCom suggests minimization of problems by using a standalone PC as the web server and by powering both the PC and the router from an uninterruptible power source (UPS).

The following information will be requested during the download:

The Ethernet port to use, whether to use DHCP or assign a static IP address and a network mask.

A gateway IP address (if one is needed).

The URL of the image file on the web server.

The URL of the configuration archive file on the web server (if one is used).

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RuggedCom RX1000, RX1100 manual Appendix B Downgrading Router Software