MSC-5-3232 Product Manual
4 Software Updates
The procedure for updating software (also called firmware) on Matrix Switch Corporation devices is determined
by the hardware series. The hardware series can be most easily determined by looking at the top right hand
corner of the web page interface, which will indicate the hardware series (Carina, Pyxis, Lynx, Lupus, etc) and
the version of the firmware.
It is recommended that software updates are only performed in order to resolve an issue or gain a desired
feature. While the software update procedures have been designed to be resistant to failure, there is still a risk
of a device becoming inoperable in the event that an update is interrupted. Consult the Troubleshooting section
for information on device recovery in the event this occurs.
4.1 Software Update on Carina Series Devices
There are two basic methods of performing a software update: Power On Software Update (
POSU
) and
Command Software Update (
CSU
). Both methods use the TFTP protocol over the device's Ethernet port.
CSU is recommended if the device is on a different IP network than the default 192.168.2.x and the update
computer's IP is already configured on that network. POSU is needed if the device's software gets corrupted
(due to a failed update attempt) or if sending a Mascot command to the device is problematic.
Software update method comparison
•
POSU uses a fixed update IP address of 192.168.2.59 whereas CSU uses the device's configured IP
address.
•
POSU should be available even if a device's firmware gets corrupted from a previous update attempt,
whereas CSU will likely no longer be possible.
•
POSU has a shorter TFTP “update time window” of 5 seconds and the TFTP transfer has to occur within
this period after power cycling the device. This means the PC needs to be in close proximity of the
device, remote power control be possible or coordination with someone to power cycle the device when
initiating the TFTP transfer. Because of the shorter update window, a cross over Ethernet cable is not
recommended, due to potential delay in the physical Ethernet link becoming active.
•
CSU requires an extra step of a Mascot command being sent to the device.
4.1.1 Software Update Requirements
To perform a software update, the following is required:
1. A computer connected to the same Ethernet network as the device being updated.
2. A TFTP client program installed on the computer. See
section for details.
3. The device to update with its Ethernet port connected to the same network as the PC.
4. A firmware file image for the device from Matrix Switch Corporation. The file name is of the form
MSC-Carina-Firmware-x.x.x.hex, where x.x.x is the version number.
Upgrading from version 4.x.x or older firmware
if applicable.
4.1.2 Power on Software Update
This method requires that a TFTP transfer is initiated immediately after powering up the device.
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