Update Procedures

This document describes the procedures for updating SmartNA firmware to version 4.2. It assumes that you have some number of TAP modules, a Controller module and a 1U or 2U chassis. If you do not have this equipment please contact support for further assistance.

Visit Network Critical's Website for the latest version of this document and to download update binaries.

It is recommended that you do not perform an update while the TAPs are actively deployed as it may lead to service outage or unexpected behaviour on your live network.

Versions earlier than 2.24.29

If your modules are running firmware earlier than 2.24.29 then please contact support for further assistance.

Version 2.24.29 to 3.4.57

Quick Installation

This outlines the basic process of applying the update to a SmartNA system.

  1. Use Locator to apply the update to each Tap Module.
  2. Use Locator to apply the update to the Controller.

You should now have the entire system on firmware 3.4.57.

Detailed Installation

This firmware is a 'stepping-stone' that allows you to update earlier firmware to the latest release version, it is not compatible with earlier versions, you should not use modules with different firmware in the same chassis.

Modules will revert to factory default settings during this update, which that means that you should note down your custom settings or configuration before applying this update.

This firmware update is applied using the Locator tool. You will not need to remove any module from the chassis during this update process.

  1. Connect your PC to Port B of your Controller, and run the Locator tool. You should see the Controller module and each TAP module listed in the Locator window.
  2. In Locator window select the first TAP module and click Upgrade. Browse to the location where you have saved the snafw3_4.upgrade.bin file, and click Upgrade. A progress bar will show the upgrade progress. If everything is OK it will show 'Upgrade Successful'. The module will automatically reboot.
  3. Repeat this step for each tap module in turn, and lastly the Controller. Each module will automatically reboot.

Now you should have everything updated to firmware version 3.4.57.

Version 3.00.55 to 3.4.57

Quick Installation

This outlines the basic process of applying the update to a SmartNA system.

  1. Enable TFTP for each module in the chassis.
  2. Use Locator to apply the update to the Controller via Port B.
  3. Use Locator to apply the update to each Tap Module via Port D.

You should now have the entire system on firmware 3.4.57.

Detailed Installation

This firmware is a 'stepping-stone' that allows you to update earlier firmware to the latest release version, it is not compatible with earlier versions, you should not use modules with different firmware in the same chassis.

NOTE: Modules that have SFP slots on ports C & D cannot be updated with this procedure. Please contact support for instructions on updating SFP modules.

Modules will revert to factory default settings during this update, which that means that you should note down your custom settings or configuration before applying this update.

This firmware update is applied using the Locator tool. You will not need to remove any module from the chassis during this update process.

  1. Connect your PC to Port B of your Controller, and run the Locator tool. You should see the Controller module in the Locator window.
  2. Connect to the CLI via telnet, and turn on TFTP for each module/controller with the following commands:
    CONTROLLER>select slot1

SLOT1>set tftp on

TFTP Interface Enabled

SLOT1>save

Configuration Saved

SLOT1>reset

Reset begun
SLOT1>
  3. Repeat this sequence for each tap module and for the controller module. Once you have enabled TFTP for each module you are ready to apply the update using the Locator tool.
  4. In Locator window click Scan, select the Controller module and click Upgrade. Browse to the location where you have saved the snafw3_4.upgrade.bin file, and click Upgrade. A progress bar will show the upgrade progress. If everything is OK it will show 'Upgrade Successful'. The module will automatically reboot.
  5. Disconnect your cable from Port B of the Controller and connect to Port D of your first module. Click SCAN in Locator to find the first module. In Locator window select the module and click Upgrade. Repeat this process by connecting to Port D of each module in turn. Each module will automatically reboot.
  6. When all modules have been updated, connect your network cable to Port B of the Controller again. Scan again with Locator to see the system.

Now you should have everything updated to firmware version 3.4.57.

Version 3.4.57 to 4.0.0

Quick Installation

This outlines the basic process of applying the update to a SmartNA system.

  1. Enable TFTP for the Controller module.
  2. Use Locator to apply the update to the Controller via Port B.
  3. Connect to Web Interface of Controller.
  4. Use Web Interface to apply the update to the Tap Modules.

You should now have the entire system on firmware 4.0.0.

Detailed Installation

Modules will revert to factory default settings during this update, which that means that you should note down your custom settings or configuration before applying this update.

This firmware update is applied using the Locator tool. You will not need to remove any module from the chassis during this update process.

  1. Connect your PC to Port B of your Controller, and run the Locator tool. You should see the Controller module in the Locator window.
  2. Connect to the CLI via telnet, and turn on TFTP for the controller with the following commands:
    CONTROLLER>set tftp on

TFTP Interface Enabled

CONTROLLER>save

Configuration Saved

CONTROLLER>reset

Reset begun
CONTROLLER>
  3. In Locator window click Scan, select the Controller module and click Upgrade. Browse to the location where you have saved the snafw4_0.upgrade.bin file, and click Upgrade. A progress bar will show the upgrade progress. If everything is OK it will show 'Upgrade Successful'. The module will automatically reboot.
    You may now access the Web Interface to perform the final update for each module and to apply any custom settings you require.
  4. Direct your browser to the default location of http://192.168.254.100/ and log in.
  5. Click Device administration then Firmware upload. Use the module update form to select the snafw4_0.update.bin file. The firmware will be uploaded and then applied to all tap modules simultaneously. This may take a couple of minutes until all modules are completely updated.

You should now have the entire system on firmware 4.0.0.

Version 4.0 to 4.2

Quick Installation

This outlines the basic process of applying the update to a SmartNA system.

  1. Use Web Interface to apply the update to the Tap Modules.
  2. Use Web Interface to apply the update to the Controller.

You should now have the entire system on firmware 4.2.

Detailed Installation

Modules will retain settings during this update, which that means that you do not need to note down your custom settings or configuration before applying this update.

This firmware update is applied using the Web Interface. You will not need to remove any module from the chassis during this update process. Modules will reboot automatically after the firmware has been applied.

  1. Direct your browser to the default location of http://192.168.254.100/ and log in.
  2. Click Device administration then Firmware upload. Use the module update form to select the snafw4_1.update.bin file. The firmware will be uploaded and then applied to all tap modules simultaneously. This may take a couple of minutes until all modules are completely updated.
  3. Repeat this process for the Controller.

You should now have the entire system on firmware 4.2.