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 oers 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 Denitions
Table 1. Release Type Denitions lists the release types and a short description of each type.
Table 1. Release Type Denitions
Release Type Denition
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
identied 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 identied 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 identied 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-specic 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 identied by the tag "L" following the rmware version number. For example, 9.1.2-L1.
Hotx A hotx release addresses issues experienced in a customer-specic environment. A hotx release is typically
provided to the customer experiencing the problem by the Dell EqualLogic support team. Hotxes dier from
patches in that they require a PS Series array and/or FS Series appliance restart after installation. A hotx
release is identied 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