Dell PowerVault MD3820f - Manual (Page 215)

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Management Firmware Downloads
Downloading RAID Controller And NVSRAM Packages
A version number exists for each firmware file. The version number indicates whether the firmware is a
major version or a minor version. You can use the Enterprise Management Window (EMW) to download
and activate both the major firmware versions and the minor firmware versions. You can use the Array
Management Window (AMW) to download and activate only the minor firmware versions.
NOTE: Firmware versions are of the format aa.bb.cc.dd. Where aa is the major firmware version.
bb.cc.dd is the minor firmware version. Depending on which one changes, firmware can be
updated from EMW and AMW or only EMW.
You can activate the files immediately or wait until a more convenient time. You may want to activate the
firmware or NVSRAM files at a later time because of these reasons:
• Time of day — Activating the firmware and the NVSRAM can take a long time, so you can wait until I/O
loads are lighter. The RAID controller modules are offline briefly to load the new firmware.
• Type of package — You may want to test the new firmware on one storage array before loading the
files onto other storage arrays.
The ability to download both files and activate them later depends on the type of RAID controller module
in the storage array.
NOTE: You can use the command line interface to download and activate the firmware to several
storage arrays by using a script. See the online help topics for more information on the command
line interface.
Downloading Both RAID Controller And NVSRAM
Firmware
NOTE: I/O to the array can continue while you are upgrading RAID controller and NVSRAM
firmware.
NOTE: It is recommended that the firmware and NVSRAM be upgraded during a maintenance
period when the array is not being used for I/O.
NOTE: The RAID enclosure must contain at least two disk drives in order to update the firmware on
the controller.
To download RAID controller and NVSRAM firmware in a single operation:
1. If you are using the EMW, go to step 9. If you are using the AMW, go to step 2.
2. In the AMW, select Upgrade → RAID Controller Module Firmware → Upgrade.
The Download RAID Controller Module Firmware is displayed.
NOTE: The RAID Controller Module Firmware area and the NVSRAM area list the current
firmware and the current NVSRAM versions respectively.
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