HP StorageWorks Fabric OS 6.x administrator guide (5697-7344, March 2008)

166 Installing and maintaining firmware
The command supports both non-interactive and interactive modes. If the firmwareDownload command
is issued without any operands, or if there is any syntax error in the parameters, the command enters an
interactive mode, in which you are prompted for input.
TIP: For each switch in your fabric, complete all firmware download changes on the current switch
before issuing the firmwareDownload command on the next switch. This process ensures
nondisruption of traffic between switches in your fabric.
To verify the firmwareDownload process is complete, enter the firmwareDownloadStatus
command on the switch, verify the process is complete, then move on to the next switch.
Upgrading and downgrading firmware
Upgrading means installing a newer version of firmware. Downgrading means installing an older version
of firmware.
In most cases, you will be upgrading firmware; that is, installing a newer firmware version than the one you
are currently running. However, some circumstances may require installing an older version; that is,
downgrading the firmware. The procedures in this section assume that you are upgrading firmware, but
they work for downgrading as well, provided the old and new firmware versions are compatible. Always
reference the latest HP StorageWorks Fabric OS release notes for updates that may exist regarding
downgrades.
Using the CLI (or Web Tools), you can upgrade the firmware on one switch at a time. You can also use the
optional Fabric Manager application to upgrade firmware simultaneously on multiple switches.
Effects of firmware changes on accounts and passwords
Table 49 describes what happens to accounts and passwords when you replace the switch firmware with a
different version.
For details on administrative domains and the firmware download, see ”Managing administrative
domains” on page 21 for more information. For more details on older releases of Fabric OS, see
”Understanding legacy password behavior” on page 499.
For details about testing and restoring firmware, see ”Testing and restoring firmware on directors” on
page 180.
Considerations for FICON CUP environments
To prevent channel errors during nondisruptive firmware installation, the switch CUP port must be taken
offline from all host systems.
Table 49 Effects of firmware changes on accounts and passwords
Change First time Subsequent times
(After upgrade, then
downgrade, then upgrade)
Upgrading Default accounts and their passwords are
preserved.
User-defined and default accounts and
their passwords are preserved.
Downgrading User-defined accounts are no longer valid.
Default accounts and their passwords
are preserved. If a default account was
disabled, it is reenabled after the
downgrade.
User-defined and default accounts and
their passwords are preserved, including
accounts added after the first upgrade.