The LAN Firmware Update Tool allows the user to download firmware patches to the following cards: Ethernet (802.3), Token Ring (802.5), and FDDI (NIO-B and GSC).
To update the firmware on a device, make sure the firmware update file is on the Unit Under Test (UUT), select the device at the main STM window, select the firmware update file (at the main STM window or in the firmware update tool), then start the update process.
CAUTION: Make sure to select the correct firmware file for the device! Updating a device with incorrect firmware can make the device permanently unusable and data could be lost.
Many devices such as tapes and disks contain firmware (software built in to the device). The firmware usually has instructions and data critical to the operation of the device, for example, low-level routines and ID information.
At times, it may be necessary to update the firmware on the device. For example, the manufacturer of the device may release a new version of firmware with enhanced routines or bug fixes.
The firmware update tool checks to see that the selected firmware update file exists. If possible, it verifies that the file is appropriate for the selected device. However, the firmware update tool user should always make sure that the file is correct, as supplied by the manufacturer.
Serious problems may result if an incorrect file is specified. If the firmware update tool does not detect that the file is incorrect, the device could become corrupted and unusable; all data on the device may be lost.
Once the actual downloading of the file is started, the Abort Button or Interrupt Button commands (buttons) are disabled. The reason for this is that the firmware would be left with remnants of two download files; the original and the one currently being downloaded.
To avoid an "Abort" or "Interrupt" leaving the device in a corrupted state, the firmware update tool does not respond to these commands during critical downloading phases (for example, when the device driver is active).
If problems are experienced, consult the Troubleshooting help topic.
To update the firmware on a device:
NOTE: The firmware file MUST be on the Unit Under Test (UUT), that is, on the computer attached to the device.
CAUTION: Make sure to select the correct firmware file for the device! Updating a device with incorrect firmware can make the device permanently unusable and data could be lost.
NOTE: The Abort Button and Interrupt Button buttons are enabled except during critical phases of the update process;
If problems are encountered, see the Troubleshooting help topic.
For more explicit instructions refer to the help for the main STM interface; see the topic "To Update the Firmware on a Specific Device" under "On Tasks".
Problems may occur with the device being updated, the firmware update file, or the actual update process.
Make sure the device is turned on and in a valid state.
Make sure the file is correct for the device being updated!
Make sure the file is on the Unit Under Test (UUT). For example, if the user interface is being run on a computer in New York and the device to be updated is attached to a computer in Paris, the file should be on the computer in Paris.
Check the device and the firmware update file, then try to run the update process again.
For detailed information on the problem, consult the Failure Log (if any) and the Test Activity Log, accessible from the STM main window.
The LAN FW Download Tool offers the following commands and buttons:
The Select File command is used to select the file to use to perform the firmware update. This command can be used to scan several files to determine the correct file to use for the firmware update.
CAUTION: Make sure to select the correct firmware file for the device! Updating a device with incorrect firmware can make the device permanently unusable and data could be lost.
Once a firmware file is selected, the tool displays information about the file:
Use the Start Update command to perform the firmware update.
Use the Save As command to save the contents of the Tool's main window. (Only the most recent 200 lines can be saved.)
Use the Print command to print the contents of the Tool's main window. (Only the most recent 200 lines can be printed.)
Use the Exit command to leave the firmware update tool and return to the main STM window.
Use the Start Update command to start the firmware update process using the selected file.
If a file has not yet been selected using the Select File command, this command requests a file be selected in the same manner as the "Select File" command.
Before the tool performs the update, a prompt is generated which requires the user to confirm continuation of the firmware update.
NOTE: The Abort Button or Interrupt Button buttons are enabled except during critical phases of the update process.
As the update process continues, the tool displays progress messages in its window. After the firmware update is complete, the device is reset. Exiting the firmware update tool is accomplished with the Exit command.
Use the General Help command to start online help for the firmware update tool. For information on using the help system, select the "Using Help..." command in the Help menu in the Help window.
For online help on STM as a whole, use the Help menu in the STM main window.
Use the Version command to display version and copyright information for the firmware update tool.
The Abort button allows the user to abort the tool, halting its execution. The tool will be requested to abort and the state of the tool execution in the system map will be set to ABORT_PENDING. When the tool actually exits, its state will be set to ABORTED.
To avoid an "Abort" leaving the device in a corrupted state, the firmware update tool does not respond to Abort during critical phases (for example, when the device driver is active, or when the update file is in the process of being downloaded).
The Interrupt button allows the user to interrupt the tool.
When the tool receives the interrupt, it stops whatever it is doing and asks you if you want to continue with the operation. If the reply is "Continue", the tool resumes what it was doing at the time of the interrupt. If the reply is "Abort", it terminates the operation and returns to the tool window.
The tool may not immediately receive the interrupt as it could be in the middle of an operation that should not or cannot be interrupted. The interrupt will be received as soon as the tool completes the operation.
To avoid an "Interrupt" leaving the device in a corrupted state, the firmware update tool does not respond to Interrupt during critical phases (for example, when the device driver is active).
When the tool is already in the process of returning to the main window, it ignores user interrupts.