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Upgrading System Software

Caution: Periodically the procedure for uploading new software to Ascend units changes significantly. Carefully read the new software loading procedures explained in this section before upgrading your system.

• Definitions and terms

• Guidelines for upgrading system software

• Before you begin

• Upgrading system software with a standard load

• Upgrading system software with a fat or thin load

• Upgrading system software with an extended load

• Upgrading system software from versions earlier than 4.6C to version 5.0A or above

• Using the serial port to upgrade to a standard or a thin load

• Changing to system software that does not support V.90

• System messages

Definitions and terms

Guidelines for upgrading system software

Caution: Before upgrading, consider the following very important guidelines:

• Use TFTP to upgrade if possible. TFTP is more reliable and saves the Ascend unit configuration when you upgrade.

• You cannot load a fat load or an extended load through the serial port. You must use TFTP.

• If you are using TFTP to upgrade your software, use the fsave command immediately after executing the tload command. Failure to do so might cause your Ascend unit to lose its configuration.

• If possible, you should always stay with the same build of software when you upgrade. If you load a different version, your Ascend unit may lose its configuration. If this happens, you must restore your configuration from a backup.

• If you are upgrading to a software version 5.0A or 5.0Aix fat load for the first time, you must be on a load that supports the fat load format. All versions of software 5.0A or above support fat loads. You should perform the upgrade in two steps:

  • Upgrade to a thin load of the same build

  • Upgrade to the fat load

• If you are upgrading to a software version 6.0.0 or above, you must be on a load that supports the extended load format. All versions of software 6.0.0 or above support extended loads. You should perform the upgrade in two steps:

  • Upgrade to a restricted load of the same build

  • Upgrade to the extended load

• The MAX 6000 does not have extended or restricted loads.

• After you have upgraded your system to version 6.0.0 or above, you do not need to use a restricted load to upgrade.

• You can upgrade to a thin load or a restricted load from any version of software.

• If you are upgrading from software version 4.6C or earlier to software version 5.0A or later, see "Upgrading system software from versions earlier than 4.6C to version 5.0A or above" on page C-11 for important information before you start.

Table C-1. Ascend system software versions

Guidelines for downgrading system software

When you downgrade to older versions of software, the configuration might not upload completely, because older software does not support the parameters that might be in configuration files from newer releases.

You must upload a configuration that was saved from the same version of software to make sure that the MAX receives a complete configuration. If you upload a configuration from a newer version of software, you should check all parameter values to verify they are configured accurately.

If you are downgrading system software, make sure that you have a configuration saved from a MAX running with the older software and that you have console access to the MAX. Then, proceed as follows:

1. Use TFTP to load the system software.

2. Enter FCLEAR which clears the MAX unit's flash memory.

3. Enter NVRAMCLEAR which clears the MAX unit's main configuration and resets the MAX.

   The MAX restarts and loads the older version of system software.

4. When the MAX is up, manually enter basic information being sure to include at least IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway to the Ethernet interface.

   After entering you must be able to telnet to the MAX.

5. From the MAX unit's VT100 interface, access the diagnostics monitor by typing the following characters in rapid succession:

   Esc [ Esc = 
   

   Or, press Ctrl-D to invoke the DO menu and select D=Diagnostics.

6. At the > prompt, use the TRestore command to restore the configuration as in the following example:

   > trestore tftp-server router1.cfg
   

   This restores the configuration named router1.cfg from the TFTP home directory of the server named tftp-server. This file must exist and be readable.

7. At the > prompt, enter Exit to return to the VT100 interface.

Before you begin

Table C-2. Before upgrading

Upgrading system software with a standard load

Using TFTP to upgrade to a standard load

To upgrade to a standard load via TFTP:

1. Obtain the software version you want to upgrade to and place it in the TFTP server home directory.

2. From the Ascend unit's VT100 interface, access the diagnostics monitor by typing the following characters in rapid succession:

   Esc [ Esc =

   Or, press Ctrl-D to invoke the DO menu and select D=Diagnostics.

3. At the > prompt, use the Tsave command to save your configuration as in the following example:

   > tsave tftp-server router1.cfg

   This saves the configuration of your unit to the file named router1.cfg in the TFTP home directory of the server named tftp-server. This file must already exist and be writable. Normally, TFTP upgrades save the configuration. Tsave is a precaution.

Caution: The file you save with the Tsave command contains all the passwords in clear text. You should move this file from the TFTP directory to a secure location after the upgrade procedure is complete.

1. Enter the following command:

   tloadcode hostname filename

   where hostname is the name or IP address of your TFTP server, and filename is the name of the system software on the server (relative to the TFTP home directory). For example, the following command loads t.m40 into flash from the machine tftp-server.:

   tloadcode tftp-server t.m40
   

Caution: You must use the Fsave command immediately after executing the Tload command. Failure to do so can cause your Ascend unit to lose its configuration.

1. Enter the following command to save your configuration to flash memory:

   fsave
   

2. Enter the following command:

   nvramclear
   

   After the Ascend unit clears NVRAM memory, it automatically resets.

Upgrading system software with a fat or thin load

Caution: If you are upgrading from software version 4.6C or earlier, see "Upgrading system software from versions earlier than 4.6C to version 5.0A or above" on page C-11 for important information before upgrading.

To upgrade your system:

1. Obtain the software version binary you want to upgrade to and place it in the TFTP server home directory. If you are upgrading to a fat load for the first time, also obtain a thin load of the same build and place it in the same directory. (See page "Definitions and terms" on page C-1 for an explanation of fat and thin loads.)

Caution: If possible, you should stay with the same build when upgrading. Loading a different build can cause your Ascend unit to lose all or part of its configuration. If this happens, you must restore your configuration from a backup.

For example, if you are upgrading a MAX 4000 to 5.0Ai13 fat load (such as tbim.m40), obtain a thin load of the same build (such as 5.0A tbim.m40).

Note: Newer Pipeline 50 or 75 units do not have fat or thin loads, you only need to load a single software binary. Refer to /pub/Software-Releases/Pipeline/Upgrade-Filenames.txt on the Ascend FTP site to determine if you have a new Pipeline 50 or 75 unit.

1. From the Ascend unit's VT100 interface, access the diagnostics monitor by typing the following characters in rapid succession:

   Esc [ Esc =

   Or, press Ctrl-D to invoke the DO menu and select D=Diagnostics.

2. At the > prompt, use the Tsave command to save your configuration, as in the following example:

   > tsave tftp-server router1.cfg
   

   This saves the configuration of your unit to the file named router1.cfg in the TFTP home directory of the server named tftp-server. This file must already exist and be writable. Normally, TFTP upgrades save the configuration. Tsave is a precaution.

Caution: The file you save with the Tsave command contains all the passwords in clear text. You should move this file from the TFTP directory to a secure location after the upgrade procedure is complete.

1. At the > prompt, enter:

   > tloadcode hostname filename

   where hostname is the name or IP address of your TFTP server, and filename is the name of the system software on the server (relative to the TFTP home directory).

Caution: If you are upgrading from a standard load to a fat load, make sure you load a thin load first.

For example, the command:

> tloadcode tftp-server t.m40

Caution: You must use the Fsave command immediately after executing the Tload command. Failure to do so may cause your Ascend unit to lose its configuration.

1. Enter the following command to save your configuration to flash memory:

   fsave
   

2. Enter the following command:

   nvramclear
   

   After the Ascend unit clears NVRAM memory, it automatically resets.

3. If you are upgrading to a thin load, you are done. If you are upgrading to a fat load, repeat the procedure, this time uploading the fat load binary.

• If the load is thin:

  UART initialized
  thin load: inflate ...........................................................
  starting system...
  

• If the load is fat:

  UART initialized
  fat load: inflate ............................................................
  starting system...
  

Recovering from a failed fat load upgrade

UART initialized
fat load: bad CRC!!
forcing serial download at 57600 bps
please download a "thin" system...

1. Activate your Xmodem software.

2. After you have finished loading the fat-aware thin load, reboot the unit.

3. Use the Tload command to download the fat load.

   When you download a fat load, messages similar to the following appear on the diagnostics monitor screen:

   > tload 192.168.1.82 tbam.m40
   saving config to flash
   ........................................
   loading code from 192.168.1.82:69
   file tbam.m40..
   fat load part 1:
   ........................................................................
   fat load part 2:
   ..................................................
   

   The "fat load part n:" messages notify you when the first and second halves of the download begin.

Upgrading system software with an extended load

After you have upgraded your system to version 6.0.0 or above, you do not need to use a restricted load to upgrade. Note that the MAX 6000 and Pipeline units do not have extended loads.

units

Warning: You cannot upgrade to extended loads using an IP over X.25 connection because restricted loads do not have X.25 support.

Caution: If you are upgrading from software version 4.6C or earlier, see "Upgrading system software from versions earlier than 4.6C to version 5.0A or above" on page C-11 for important information before upgrading.

To upgrade your system:

1. Obtain the software-version binary you want to upgrade to and place it in the TFTP server home directory.

   Extended loads are denoted by an "f" preceding the build filename.

2. If this is the first time you have upgraded to an extended load, obtain a restricted load of the same build and place it in the directory.

   For example, if you are upgrading a MAX 4000 to an extended load (such as ftbam.m40), obtain a MAX 4000 restricted load (such as rtbam.m40).

3. From the Ascend unit's VT100 interface, access the diagnostics monitor by typing the following characters in rapid succession:

   Esc [ Esc =

   Or, press Ctrl-D to invoke the DO menu, and select D=Diagnostics.

4. At the > prompt, use the Tsave command to save your configuration, as in the following example:

   > tsave tftp-server router1.cfg
   

   This saves the configuration of your unit to the file named router1.cfg in the TFTP home directory of the server named tftp-server. This file must already exist and be writable. Normally, TFTP upgrades save the configuration. Tsave is a precaution.

Caution: The file you save with the Tsave command contains all the passwords in clear text. You should move this file from the TFTP directory to a secure location after the upgrade procedure is complete.

1. At the > prompt, enter:

   tloadcode hostname filename
   

   where hostname is the name or IP address of your TFTP server, and filename is the name of the system software on the server (relative to the TFTP home directory).

Caution: If you want to upgrade your system for the first time to a software version 6.0.0 or later, you must first upgrade your system to a restricted load. Failure to do so can cause your Ascend unit to lose its configuration.

For example, the command:

tloadcode tftp-server rtbam.m40

Caution: You must use the Fsave command immediately after executing the Tload command. Failure to do so can cause your Ascend unit to lose its configuration.

1. Enter the following command to save your configuration to flash memory:

   fsave
   

2. Enter the following command:

   nvramclear
   

   After the Ascend unit clears NVRAM memory, it automatically resets.

If you have loaded a restricted load, your system boots up in restricted mode. Restricted mode only allows you to load software. You cannot change or save profiles. While in restricted mode, the Edit menu displays the following banner:

* * RESTRICTED MODE * * *

If your system boots up in restricted mode, perform the following steps:

1. At the > prompt, enter:

   tloadcode hostname filename
   

   where hostname is the name or IP address of your TFTP server, and filename is the name of the extended load of system software on the server (relative to the TFTP home directory).

   For example, the command:

   tloadcode tftp-server ftbam.m40
   

   loads the extended load ftbam.m40 into flash from the machine named tftp-server.

2. Enter the following command:

   nvramclear
   

   After the Ascend unit clears NVRAM memory, it automatically resets.

Upgrading system software from versions earlier than 4.6C to version 5.0A or above

1. Load version 4.6Ci18, following the procedure in "Upgrading system software with a standard load" on page C-6.

2. Load version 5.0A, following the procedure in "Upgrading system software with a fat or thin load" on page C-7.

3. Load version 5.0Aix or 6.0.0, following the procedure in "Upgrading system software with a fat or thin load" on page C-7 (for software versions 5.0Aix) or "Upgrading system software with an extended load" on page C-9 (for software version 6.0.0).

Caution: Failure to follow this procedure might cause your Ascend unit to lose or corrupt its configuration, and could render the unit unusable.

Using the serial port to upgrade to a standard or a thin load

Caution: Uploading system software via the serial console overwrites all existing profiles. Save your current profiles settings to your hard disk before you begin upgrading system software. After the upgrade, restore your profiles from the backup file you created. Since the backup file is readable text, you can reenter the settings through the Ascend unit's user interface. To avoid having existing profiles overwritten, use TFTP to upgrade your unit.

Caution: You cannot upload a fat load or an extended load using the serial port; it must be done using TFTP.

Upgrading through the serial port consists of the following general steps:

• Saving your configuration

• Uploading the software

• Restoring the configuration

• An IBM compatible PC or Macintosh with a serial port capable of connecting to the Ascend unit's Console port.

• A straight-through serial cable.

• Data communications software for your PC or Mac with XModem CRC/1K support (for example, Procomm Plus, HyperTerminal for PCs or ZTerm for the Mac).

Caution: If you use a Windows-based terminal emulator such as Windows Terminal or HyperTerminal, disable any screen savers or other programs or applications that could interrupt the file transfer. Failure to do so might cause the software upload to halt, and can render the Ascend unit unusable.

Saving your configuration

You can cancel the backup process at any time by pressing Ctrl-C.

To save the Pipeline configuration (except passwords) to disk:

1. Open the Sys Diag menu.

2. Select Save Config, and press Enter.

   The following message appears:

   Ready to download - type any key to start....

3. Turn on the Capture feature of your communications program, and supply a filename for the saved profiles. (Consult the documentation for your communications program if you have any questions about how to turn on the Capture feature.)

4. Press any key to start saving your configured profiles.

   Rows of configuration information appear on the screen as the configuration file is downloaded to your hard disk. When the file has been saved, your communications program displays a message indicating the download is complete.

5. Turn off the Capture feature of your communications program.

6. Print a copy of your configured profiles for later reference.

Uploading the software

1. Type the following four-key sequence in rapid succession (press each key in the sequence shown, one after the other, as quickly as possible):

   Esc [ Esc -

   (Press the Escape key, the Left Bracket key, the Escape key, and the Minus key, in that order, in rapid succession.) The following string of Xmodem control characters appears:

   CKCKCKCK

   If you do not see these characters, you probably did not press the four-key sequence quickly enough. Try again. Most people use both hands and keep one finger on the escape key.

2. Use the Xmodem file-transfer protocol to send the system file to the Ascend unit.

   Your communications program normally takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to send the file to your Ascend unit. The time displayed on the screen does not represent real time. Do not worry if your communication program displays several "bad batch" messages. This is normal.

If the upload fails during the transfer, try downloading another copy of the binary image from the Ascend FTP server and re-loading the code to the Ascend unit. If you still have problems, contact Ascend technical support for assistance.

Restoring the configuration

To restore the configuration, you must have administrative privileges that include Field Service (such as the Full Access profile, for example). You use the Restore Cfg command to restore a full configuration that you saved by using the Save Cfg command, or to upload more specific configuration information obtained from Ascend (for example, a single filter stored in a special configuration file).

To load configuration information through the serial port:

1. From the Ascend unit's VT100 interface, access the diagnostics monitor by typing the following characters in rapid succession:

   Esc [ Esc =

   Or, press Ctrl-D to invoke the DO menu, and select D=Diagnostics.

2. At the > prompt, enter the Fclear command:

   > fclear
   

3. At the > prompt, enter the NVRAMClear command:

   > nvramclear
   

   This causes the system to reset. When it comes back up, proceed with restoring your configuration.

4. Enter quit to exit the Diagnostic interface.

5. Open the Sys Diag menu.

6. Select Restore Cfg, and press Enter.

   The following message appears:

   Waiting for upload data...
   

7. Use the Send ASCII File feature of the communications software to send the configuration file to the unit. (If you have any questions about how to send an ASCII file, consult the documentation for your communications program.)

   When the restore has been completed, the following message appears:

   Restore complete - type any key to return to menu
   

8. Press any key to return to the configuration menus.

9. Reset the Ascend unit, by selecting System > Sys Diag > Sys Reset and confirming the reset.

After upgrading you may have to re-enter all the passwords on your system. If you edit your saved configuration file, however, and enter passwords in the appropriate fields (by replacing the word *SECURE* in each instance), these passwords will be restored. But note that if you do choose to edit your configuration file, you must save it as text only or you will not be able to load it into your unit.

If you restored a complete configuration, the passwords used in your Security profiles have been wiped out. To reset them:

1. Press Ctrl-D to invoke the DO menu, select Password, and choose the Full Access profile.

2. When you are prompted to enter the password, press Enter (the null password).

   After you have restored your privileges by entering the null password, you should immediately open the Connection profiles, Security profiles, and Ethernet profile (Mod Config menu), and reset the passwords to their previous values.

Changing to system software that does not support V.90

System messages

UART initialized

fat load: bad CRC!!

forcing serial download at 57600 bps

please download a "thin" system...

File tbam.m40

incompatible fat load 
format--discarding downloaded data

This load has no platform identifier.  
Proceed with caution.

This load appears not to support your 
network interface.

Download aborted.  Use \Qtloadcode -f' 
to force.

This load appears to be for another 
platform.

Download aborted.  Use \Qtloadcode -f' 
to force.

UART initialized

fat load: inflate 
......................................
......................

starting system...

UART initialized

extended load:

inflate essential 
.+.+................................

invalid CRC!!

entering restricted mode

starting system...

UART initialized

extended load:

inflate essential 
.+.+..................................
.

invalid length!!

entering restricted mode

starting system...

UART initialized

extended load:

inflate essential .+.+...............

inflate expendable..............|....

starting system...

UART initialized

thin load: inflate 
......................................
.....................

starting system...

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Copyright © 1998, Ascend Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.