Troubleshooting
Chapter 3
The Configuration Process
This Chapter describes configuration management process on the EtherPath-X4 using a
Web Browser.
Overview
The EtherPath contains a quite flexible configuration management system. By using this system correctly,
one can remotely configure the unit, save copies of that configuration to a PC, change configuration
changes for later activation, and remote transfer firmware upgrades to the unit.
There may be up to three configuration “images” in use at any time.
1. The
active
configuration. Normally, this is the configuration that was loaded from memory when the
EtherPath was last booted. However it may have been changed since boot time as described below.
This is the configuration that is currently running the unit.
2. The
pending
configuration: This is the current configuration that was loaded form memory when the
EtherPath was last booted WITH any changes made by using the configuration screens. This
configuration is NOT the configuration running the EtherPath at present.
3. The
stored
configuration. This is the configuration that was last written to the EtherPath’s non-volatile
RAM. The next time the EtherPath boots, it will start running this configuration.
Note that any configuration transfer (with the Administration Configuration Transfer screen) is the
working
configuration. You can load a configuration file from the PC, then either activate it to test it. Or, save it
without activation if you don’t want to change the currently running.
Using the Configuration Flexibility
When the EtherPath starts from a power-off condition, it loads an active configuration from its non-volatile
memory. This active configuration is also copied to the working configuration.
Whenever the configuration screens are used to change values,
only
the
pending
configuration is
changed… not the
active
configuration.
Using the configuration screens will change the pending configuration. You may change the active
configuration by copying the pending configuration over it. This change is performed using the “Activate
Configuration” screen. Going to this screen activates the pending configuration by copying the pending
configuration over the top of the active configuration. This does not store the configuration in non-volatile
memory. When the EtherPath is next reset or powered up, it will begin using the old stored configuration
from before the changes and activate command.
Using the store configuration screen will copy the pending configuration into Non-volatile memory. It will
not cause this configuration to begin running the EtherPath. However, upon the next reset or power cycle,
the unit will begin using the stored configuration.
It is possible to activate the pending configuration using the Activate Configuration screen and then store
the configuration using the Store Configuration screen. This two step process will cause all three
configurations to be identical.
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