Managing firmware upgrades

#Overview

Firmware upgrades allow network administrators to utilize the latest features and security enhancements on their ReadyLinks devices. The ReadyView dashboard allows admins to easily deploy firmware upgrades on their networks, review beta firmware releases, and view firmware change log notes. This article outlines the functions of the firmware upgrades tool in the dashboard, as well as additional considerations for using and managing firmware.

#Upgrading a device

Keeping up-to-date on firmware allows administrators to utilize the latest features and ensures that the latest security enhancements are running on their hardware. Admins can upgrade to the latest stable or beta firmware. Follow the steps below to upgrade a device.

1. Navigate to the device to upgrade.
2. If an upgrade is available, click Upgrade available under the Firmware & Configuration section.
3. Click CONFIRM to begin the upgrade.

#Upgrading multiple devices

Batch upgrade devices in the ReadyView dashboard to push the latest features out to multiple devices and networks at the same time.

1. Navigate to the devices page.
2. Select the devices to upgrade.
3. In the Settings window, click Actions.
4. Click UPGRADE to upgrade the selected devices.

#Firmware upgrade barriers

Prior to upgrading devices, it is important for network administrators to understand the proper procedures and best practices. This section details upgrade barriers and notes to consider while upgrading a ReadyLinks network.

#Power requirements

The duration of a firmware upgrade is roughly 8-10 minutes. It is important to keep consistent power applied to the device for the duration of the upgrade.

#Daisy chains

For network topologies that consist of more than 2 devices in a daisy chain, it is recommended to upgrade the devices one at a time. This will ensure that any upgrades to devices downstream in the chain don't get interrupted.

#Viewing firmware release notes

Change log notes are maintained on a per-firmware-version basis and include information about new features, bug fixes, and known issues that are associated with a particular firmware version. Follow the steps below to view the firmware change log notes.

1. Navigate to the Admin > Firmware page.
2. Scroll down to Latest firmware versions.
3. The latest Stable and Beta (if available) versions will be shown with the features and fixes that correspond with each version.
4. Click View older release to explore the release notes of legacy firmware.

#Additional resources