Skip to main content
NetApp Knowledge Base

How to upgrade or downgrade Brocade switch Fabric OS firmware

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF
Views:
68,870
Visibility:
Public
Votes:
55
Category:
fabric-interconnect-and-management-switches
Specialty:
brocade
Last Updated:

 

Applies to

  • SAN
  • Brocade Fibre Channel switches
  • FlexPod

Description

Upgrading/downgrading firmware on a Brocade switch.

Procedure

This procedure does not apply to fabric-attached MetroCluster.

Notes:

  • This procedure requires an FTP service running on a Windows or UNIX workstation. Microsoft IIS is tested and supported by Brocade.
  • For older versions of Fabric OS, a stepped upgrade may be required. See the Supported Upgrade Paths section on Brocade® Fabric OS® Software Upgrade Guide for target version.

Example:

v7.4.x —> v8.0.x —> v8.1.x

  1. How to obtain Brocade Fabric OS from NetApp
  2. Backup the configuration via the configupload command and collecting a supportsave.
  3. Make sure if TruFOS certificate can be bypassed while performing an upgrade by refer to Brocade TruFOS Certificates section on Brocade® Fabric OS® Software Upgrade Guide.
  4. Upgrade the switch using one of the below mentioned methods, using SANnav or CLI- 
    1. Using SANnav, refer- Upgrading Brocade switch using SANnav
    2. Using CLI/SSH , follow the below steps:
      1. Verify that the workstation can ping the Brocade switch
      2. Locate the extracted firmware directory structure in ftproot
      3. Run the firmwaredownload command on the brocade switch. Firmware update can be done through the CLI or the web interface
      4. Provide the workstation IP address
      5. Login as anonymous or a valid FTP user
      6. Provide the path to the firmware directory relative to the ftproot and type release.plist.

Example:

For v8.4.0, the path is as follows:  fw/v8.4.0/release.plist

Note: The release.plist file is not listed in the root of the firmware directory (/fw/v8.4.0), but the firmware will use the appropriate release.plist file in the child directory, based on its switch type.

  1. Switch will update the secondary firmware, reboot, update the primary, then reboot for the final time.
  2. Once completed, confirm by typing version and firmwareshow.

Additional Information

  • For Director switches before upgrade need to make sure that HA sync is in state.
  • Below commands can be run to check the HA status.
    • hashow
    • slotshow -m
    • chassisshow
    • haredundancy –show

Related Links:

 

Sign in to view the entire content of this KB article.

New to NetApp?

Learn more about our award-winning Support

NetApp provides no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or reliability or serviceability of any information or recommendations provided in this publication or with respect to any results that may be obtained by the use of the information or observance of any recommendations provided herein. The information in this document is distributed AS IS and the use of this information or the implementation of any recommendations or techniques herein is a customer's responsibility and depends on the customer's ability to evaluate and integrate them into the customer's operational environment. This document and the information contained herein may be used solely in connection with the NetApp products discussed in this document.