Document ID: 17636
Contents
Introduction
Prerequisites
Requirements
Components Used
Conventions
Software Updates
Macintosh Appletalk and Windows IPX Transport
Windows IP Transport (TFTP Download)
UNIX tftp Download
Summary
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Introduction
All Compatible Systems internetworking devices include Flash ROM which allows software updates to be downloaded without hardware changes and at no additional cost.
Prerequisites
Requirements
There are no specific requirements for this document.
Components Used
This document is not restricted to specific software and hardware versions.
The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, make sure that you understand the potential impact of any command.
Conventions
Refer to Cisco Technical Tips Conventions for information on document conventions.
Software Updates
All Compatible Systems internetworking devices include Flash ROM which allows software updates to be downloaded without hardware changes and at no additional cost.
System software is stored in Flash ROM, non-volatile memory, which can be erased and rewritten many times. This allows software updates by means of a download program.
The type of Flash ROM used is called bulk erase. To change even one byte of the contents, the entire contents of the ROM must be saved to RAM, the ROM erased and verified, and the contents programmed back into the ROM from RAM and verified. If power is turned off during this time, the contents of RAM will be erased, the process will be aborted, and the device will then restart from its boot loader ROM.
If the deivce has lost its system software, the following will occur:
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The front panel LEDs 3,4,7 and 8 will flash regularly in unison about 2 times per second.
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You will be unable to log in to the device using CompatiView. If you try to select the device, CompatiView waits approximately 15 seconds, and you will receive an Error - received FF from device message.
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You will be unable to Add Device from the File menu of CompatiView. The device is visible from the Device View window with its default name. CompatiView asks for a password, and then appears to hang. After approximately 15 seconds, you receive an Error - received FF from device message.
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The terminal log from the Console port shows the device coming up partially, and then you see Uptime 0 days, 0 hours, 0 minutes, updating every minute. You will not get the Enter Password prompt.
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The device responds to a ping to its default IP address, 198.41.12.1, from a workstation configured with a 198.41.12.x IP address, a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and a gateway of 198.41.12.1 (There should not be any other gateways in the workstation's configuration.).
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You will be unable to telnet to the device at this IP address.
If the device is running from its boot loader ROM, it will only accept a download of its system software via Ethernet or respond to a ping. Software downloads can be accomplished in several ways:
Note: Before downloading software, disconnect the WAN cable from the back of the device.
Macintosh Appletalk and Windows IPX Transport
Complete these steps in order to use Macintosh AppleTalk and Windows IPX methods:
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Choose File/Save to...Device. The device appears as DeviceName HardwareAddress.
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If you do not see the device listed and are using IPX transport, close CompatiView, restart, and then try again.
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If you still do not see it, powercycle the device and try again.
When you choose the device, the file dialog box appears.
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Select the system software to download (.DLD file).
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When prompted, enter the default password, letmein.
When the download starts, a percent bar shows the progress of the download.
Using IP Transport, CompatiView for Windows or UNIX tftp requires you to do the download from a workstation on the same IP Class C network as the device: 198.41.12.0. The device's default IP address is 198.41.12.1. Change your workstation's IP address to 198.41.12.2 and gateway to 198.41.12.1. You should be able to ping the device at 198.41.12.1. If not, check the LAN cabling.
Windows IP Transport (TFTP Download)
Complete these steps in order to use CompatiView for Windows using IP transport:
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choose Options from the Administration menu, and click Use IP transport.
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Select Administration/TFTP Download and when prompted, enter the IP address of 198.41.12.1.
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When prompted, enter the default password, letmein.
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Enter the name of the system software file (.DLD) in the file dialob box.
When the download starts, a percent bar will show the progress of the download.
UNIX tftp Download
In UNIX, you must get the .DLD file onto your UNIX host. Use the tftp program (see the man page for tftp), change the file type to binary, and tftp the .DLD file to the device at 198.41.12.1.
Summary
The device accepts the system software download when you use one of the above methods, and then program its Flash ROM. This will take from 30 to 105 seconds, depending on the processor speed.
When it restarts, the device runs from Flash ROM, with its factory default configuration. The default password is letmein. Add the device to the database using CompatiView, or telnet to the router at 198.41.12.1. A serial terminal connected to the Console port of the device will show Notice Level logging information, and prompt for the password. Configure the device for your particular application.
It is possible to erase or corrupt the contents of the Flash ROM. Save your configuration to disk (File/Save to...File) before downloading to the device.
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Related Information
- Compatible Systems Corporation Legacy Technical Support Documentation
- Technical Support & Documentation - Cisco Systems
| Updated: May 03, 2004 | Document ID: 17636 |