Downloading Or Upgrading System Software

This procedure explains the process for downloading system software to the Excel platform either as an upgrade to existing software or installing the software for the first time. The Excel platform system software must be installed before you can start the SwitchKit components: Low-Level Communicator (LLC) or SwitchManager.

Before you begin

BOOTP and TFTP servers must be configured and their services started. If you have redundant hosts you can have BOOTP and TFTP running on both hosts.

Upgrading System Software Download

The following procedure is recommended for upgrading the System Software using SwitchKit.

1 Send Clear System Software and Reset Matrix through CSA to both Matrix Controllers.

2 In CSA select the node you want to clear the System Software on.

3 Go to the menu bar, select Provisioning®Node® Clear System Software.

System Software Download for a new system

The following procedure is recommended for installing the System Software using SwitchKit on a new Excel platform that has no system software.

1 Power ON the switch. The BOOTP request is sent automatically and finds an IP address for the switch. The BOOTP response must contain the TFTP configuration settings. The matrix then requests the TFTP software loads.

2 Start SwitchKit. If TFTP is still in progress while the matrix is getting binaries, LLC reports the TFTP download is still in progress. LLC waits for the matrix to become active.

Full TFTP download process

• LLC clears the system software on both Matrix Controllers and then waits until download is complete.

• During a TFTP download, LLC displays "TFTP Download in progress" in the LLC maintenance window/log file. This process could take up to several minutes.

• In a redundant scenario, after the Matrix Controller to Matrix Controller download is complete, the Matrix Controller card(s) reset. One Matrix Controller becomes active and the other standby.