Setup Guide
1
Overview
This document describes the procedure for updating the rmware on Dell EqualLogic PS Series storage arrays and Dell EqualLogic
FS Series appliances.
A PS Series storage array includes single or dual control modules, each with a compact ash card or microSD card containing the PS
Series rmware. A single FS Series appliance includes two controllers, each with battery backup. An FS series appliance coupled with
PS Series arrays oers a high-performance, highly available, scalable NAS solution.
To take advantage of new product features, enhancements, and bug xes, use the latest PS Series storage array and FS Series
appliance rmware.
Release Type Denitions
Table 1. Release Type Denitions lists the release types and a short description of each type.
Table 1. Release Type Denitions
Release Type Denition
Major A major release introduces new features, functionality, and/or architecture improvements. After you update the
rmware to a new major revision, you will not be able to downgrade to an older release. A major release is
identied by a change to the rst digit of the rmware version number (X.Y.Z).
Minor A minor release introduces new features, functionality, and/or new hardware enablement. After you update the
rmware to a new minor revision (for example, 9.0.1 to 9.1.2), you might not be able to downgrade to the
previous revision. A minor release is identied by a change to the second digit of the rmware version number
(X.Y.Z).
Maintenance A maintenance release carries bug xes for enhanced stability and performance of the EqualLogic SAN. A
maintenance release is identied by a change to the third digit of the rmware version number (X.Y.Z).
NOTE: The last number (Z) might contain more than one digit.
Patch A patch release addresses issues experienced in a customer-specic environment. A patch release is typically
provided to the customer experiencing a problem by the Dell EqualLogic support team. A patch release does
not require an array restart after installation in a PS Series storage array, but does require a restart after
installation in an FS Series appliance. The patch being installed requires the parent rmware to be at the same
version. In other words, you cannot install a 9.1.2-L1 patch if the parent rmware is at version 9.0.1. A patch
release is identied by the tag "L" following the rmware version number. For example, 9.1.2-L1.
Hotx A hotx release addresses issues experienced in a customer-specic environment. A hotx release is typically
provided to the customer experiencing the problem by the Dell EqualLogic support team. Hotxes dier from
patches in that they require a PS Series array and/or FS Series appliance restart after installation. A hotx
release is identied by the tag "H" following the rmware version number. For example, 9.0.3-H1.
PS Series Array and FS Series Appliance Compatibility
Table 2. Compatibility Matrix lists the supported PS Series array rmware versions and the compatible FS Series appliance rmware
versions.
6
Overview