how to get firmware updates

what is firmware?


firmware is also known as microcode. it is a licensed internal code that fixes problems and enables new system features as they are introduced.

the new features are supported by new firmware level.

System Microcode or firmware initializes the system hardware and controls the boot process enabling the system to boot up and operate correctly; it also provides the interface between the operating system software and the hardware.

Adapter Microcode or firmware is the operating code of the adapter; it initializes the adapter when power is applied and it controls many of the ongoing operations executed by the adapter.

Device Microcode or firmware  provides these same functions for devices such as tape drives.

 naming convention 
firmware names are given as


01SF_XXX_YYY_ZZZ


here,


XXX - is stream release level
YYY - is service pack level
ZZZ - is last disruptive SP level.




ex.  01SF235_185 represents release level is 235 and service pack is 185.


each stream release level supports new machine types or new features.




service processor contains two copies of firmware.which helps to manage and reduce the frequency of downtime for maintenance.


1. temporary
2. permanent


server firmware fixes are installed on temporary side.


copying the temporary firmware level to the permanent side is known as committing or accepting the fix.




firmware updates can be of two types


1. disuptive
2.concurrent


a disruptive upgrade requires system to be shutdown and powered off prior to activating new firmware level.


A concurrent  upgrade can be made on running system. doesn't require downtime.


when is disruptive upgrade required:


1. when release level is different
ex-SF230 AND SF235


2. SP level (YYY) and last disruptive SP level (ZZZ) are equal
 ex. SF235_180_180


3. SP level currently installed on system is lower  than the last disruptive level(ZZZ)of the new SP to be installed.
ex:  installed on the system -SF235_180_160
  to be installed  - SF235_185_160




*** An installation is concurrent if SP level is higher than the SP level(ZZZ) of the new SP to be installed.


ex  currently installed  SF235_180_160
to be installed -  SF235_165_160




getting firmware updates


goto ibm fix central page.


from there select the following options


 product group -----system p or power
product     - firmware,sdmc,hmc
 machine type and model . ---
you can see that after running "#prtconf" command in aix box.


you will get five  options


1. all firmware components
2. system firmware
3.device firmware
4. SDMC codes
5. HMC firmware.


according to urs requirement select the appropiate option.


if you are going for device firmware.






you should know which tpe of adapter is attached to urs system.


in aix box, run
#lsdev  -Cc adapter

select   device firmware

you will get three options through which you can download the updates


1. machine model
2. feature code(to get feature code run #lscfg -vpl fcs0 the customer card id no. is urs feature code)
3.select by device


here i am choosing the option by device type


four options will come
1. adapter
2. hard disk
3. media
4. others


I selected adapter here


after selecting you will get output like this,from this select the appropriate device update and download


10/100/1000 Base-TX Ethernet PCI-X Adapter
10/100 Mbps Ethernet PCI Adapter II
10/100/1000 Base-TX Ethernet PCI-X Dual Port Adapter


........................................................




aix.


while going for system firmware update 

product group -----system p or power

product     - firmware,sdmc,hmc

 machine type and model . ---

you can see that after running "#prtconf" command in aix box.

after that you will get next screen, from where select "you need guidance" this is best practise.
it will ask for your current installed lsmcode
you can find using :#lsmcode"


select the lsmcode from the drop-list


if you want to install using an hmc select the appropiate option
if your server is hmc managed select the appropiate option
then


if you want to upgrade select that


it will show some list select the recommended one  and download.








how to apply the  system firmware updates




run  diag command
 #diag


select "Tasks and Service Aids
  select Update and Manage Flash
Select Validate and Update System Firmware


If the fix file is located on your hard drive, perform the following steps:

1. Select File System.
2. Enter the fully qualified path name of the file with the flash update image. The file will be copied to the/var/update_flash_image directory.
3. When finished, select Commit. The server firmware level that you selected will be installed on the temporary side.