Optimizing Firmware Updates on IBM FlashSystem 5XXX and 7XXX Systems

2025-02-04

Updating the controller firmware on the IBM FlashSystem 5XXX and 7XXX systems can be a time-consuming process, especially when using the GUI. The transfer rate for uploading an ~800MB file can take over 30 minutes, sometimes even an hour. However, there is a simple workaround that can reduce this upload time to less than a minute.

Step-by-Step Guide to Faster Firmware Updates

1. Download Necessary Files:

First, download the appropriate Test Utility and Firmware Update Package from IBM FixCentral.

2. Access the FlashSystem GUI:

Navigate to `Settings -> System -> Update` in the FlashSystem GUI.

3. Install Putty SSH/Telnet Application:

Download and install the Putty SSH/Telnet application on your PC.

4. Prepare the Firmware Update File:

Open a CMD prompt and navigate to the directory where Putty is installed (usually: C:\Program Files\Putty).
Copy the Firmware Update file into the Putty folder.

5. Upload the Firmware Update File:

At the `C:\Program Files\Putty>` command prompt, type the following command:

pscp software_upgrade_file_name superuser@cluster_ip_address:/home/admin/update

You will then be prompted for the superuser password.

6. Upload the Test Utility File:

Repeat the above step for uploading the Test Utility File.

7. Execute the Firmware Update:

Once the files are uploaded, return to the GUI to execute the FlashSystem controller firmware test and update processes.

8. Clear Update Files (if necessary):

After running the upgrade utility, the FlashSystem will remove the update files. If they are not automatically removed, SSH to the system using Putty and type:
```
cleardumps -prefix /home/admin/update
```
This will clear the update folder file cache.

Upgrading Disk Drive Firmware

1. Navigate to Disk Management:

Go to Pools -> Internal Disks.

2. Select Disks for Upgrade:

Left-click on one of the disks, go to the `Actions` menu, and select Upgrade. This will open the Disk Firmware Upgrade window.

3. Run the Test Utility:

Select the Test Utility and Drive Firmware files. The Test Utility will run and report any problems or concerns.

4. Proceed with Firmware Update:

If no errors are reported, click `NEXT` and the firmware update will process. Firmware updates can take 5 to 10 minutes per disk.

5. Upgrade Multiple Disks:

To upgrade firmware for multiple disks, left-click the first drive and then either use `Shift + Left-Click` to highlight a continuous set of disks or `Control + Left-Click` to select specific disks.
Go to the `Actions` menu and proceed with the same steps as for one disk. The disks will update sequentially.

6. Optimize Upload Process:

If the disk firmware upload process is slow, use Putty `pscp.exe` as per the above instructions for the firmware update process to upload the files, which usually only takes a few seconds.

7. Check Firmware Version:

From the list of internal drives, right-click on a drive and go to `Properties` to view the current firmware version.

What Undercode Say

Updating firmware on IBM FlashSystem systems can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with slow upload speeds. However, by leveraging SSH and command-line tools like Putty, you can significantly reduce the time required for these updates. Here are some additional Linux commands and tips that can help you manage your IBM FlashSystem more efficiently:

Check System Logs:
```
cat /var/log/messages | grep -i error
```
This command helps you quickly identify any system errors that might be affecting your FlashSystem.
Monitor Disk Health:
```
smartctl -a /dev/sdX
```
Replace `/dev/sdX` with your actual disk identifier. This command provides detailed information about the health of your disks.
Network Configuration:
```
ifconfig eth0
```
Use this command to check the network configuration of your FlashSystem, ensuring that it is properly connected and configured.
System Uptime:
```
uptime
```
This command shows how long the system has been running, which can be useful for maintenance scheduling.
Check Firmware Version:
```
lshw -class disk
```
This command lists all disks and their firmware versions, helping you keep track of which disks need updates.
Clear Cache:
```
sync; echo 3 > /proc/sys/vm/drop_caches
```
This command clears the system cache, which can help improve performance during large file transfers.
SSH Key Management:
```
ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096
```
Generate a new SSH key pair for secure access to your FlashSystem.
Check Disk Space:
```
df -h
```
This command shows the disk space usage, helping you manage storage more effectively.
List Running Processes:
```
ps aux
```
Use this command to list all running processes, which can help you identify any resource hogs.
Reboot System:
```
reboot
```
Use this command to reboot the system after firmware updates or other maintenance tasks.
Check Network Connectivity:
```
ping google.com
```
This command checks if your system has internet connectivity, which is essential for downloading firmware updates.
Update System Time:
```
ntpdate pool.ntp.org
```
Ensure your system time is accurate, which is crucial for logging and synchronization.
List Installed Packages:
```
rpm -qa
```
This command lists all installed packages, helping you keep track of software versions.
Check CPU Usage:
```
top
```
Use this command to monitor CPU usage in real-time.
Check Memory Usage:
```
free -m
```
This command shows memory usage, helping you identify any memory leaks or bottlenecks.
List Network Interfaces:
```
ip link show
```
This command lists all network interfaces, helping you troubleshoot network issues.
Check System Load:
```
w
```
This command shows the system load, helping you understand the current system performance.
Check Kernel Version:
```
uname -r
```
This command shows the kernel version, which is useful for compatibility checks.
List Open Files:
```
lsof
```
This command lists all open files, helping you identify any files that might be causing issues.
Check Disk I/O:
```
iostat -x 1
```
This command shows disk I/O statistics, helping you identify any disk performance issues.
Check Network Connections:
```
netstat -tuln
```
This command lists all active network connections, helping you troubleshoot network issues.
Check System Logs:
```
journalctl -xe
```
This command shows detailed system logs, helping you identify any system issues.
Check SELinux Status:
```
sestatus
```
This command shows the status of SELinux, which is useful for security audits.
Check Firewall Status:
```
firewall-cmd --state
```
This command shows the status of the firewall, helping you ensure that your system is secure.
Check System Services:
```
systemctl list-units --type=service
```
This command lists all system services, helping you manage and troubleshoot services.

–

References:

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