Uploading new firmware (PowerConnect 2716)

Question

Hi, I downloaded the firmware update for the PowerConnect 2716 and unzipped the contents. There were four files, 'Bryant_2716_24-10044.bin', 'Downloading the Software.pdf', 'PowerConnect 2708_2716_2724 Release notes.pdf', and 'Version.txt'. After thoroughly reading the documentation that came with the switch AND reading the above PDF and TXT files, I have one lingering question. The 'File Download' switch web administration page lets me specify my TFTP server IP just fine, and choose the firmware file name. I assume (Dell's documentation included with the firmware doesn't say) that the 'Firmware File Name' is the aforementioned 'Bryant_2716_24-10044.bin' file that came in the firmware download package. The lingering question is, WHAT IN THE WORLD IS THE 'Destination File' SUPPOSED TO BE??? There are two choices, 'Software Image' and 'Boot Code' on the switch's web page. So, Dell, WHICH IS IT? 'Software Image' or 'Boot Code'? Or is the firmware update package missing something? (I know one thing it's missing: Applicable, relevant, useful instructions that actually describe the update process accurately instead of inaccurately and imprecisely.) I'm not in the habit of experimenting when doing firmware updates. If the switch firmware update mechanism was not robustly designed by the software engineers who wrote the firmware, nasty things might happen. I don't know how robust the Dell PowerConnect 2716 firmware update system is. If I choose the wrong 'Destination File' option, I don't want to end up with a useless, dead switch. SUGGESTION: Next time a firmware update is released, PLEASE, PLEASE include instructions with your firmware that MATCH the ACTUAL firmware upload/update proceedure EXACTLY. It's nice when documentation actually contains documentation instead of inaccurate generalities that don't match the actual hardware file download interface. Looking forward to an answer, A frusterated Dell PowerEdge Buyer and PowerConnect Buyer

poweredgebuyer · Answer

Let me add to my question a few more details.

Here's the Dell documentation I'm annoyed with:

http://docs.us.dell.com/support/edocs/network/PC27xx/en/ug/system.htm

In particular, it says:
"Software Image — Downloads the software image file."
And:
"Boot Code — Downloads the Boot file."

Then:

Downloading Files from Server

1. Open the File Download page.

2. Define the file type to download.

3. Define the fields on the page.

4. Click Apply Changes.

Okay, how useful. NOT! Step 1 is fine, but 2 and 3 are utterly useless. Is the "Bryant_2716_24-10044.bin" binary image that came in the firmware update a "Software Image" or "Boot Code"?

GregG1 · Answer

The binary file (.bin) found in the firmware download is an update to the Software Image. There have been no updates to the boot code.

GregG1 · Answer

To prevent future confusion, the documentation has been modified to reflect the following:

Note: Software Image(firmware) for PowerConnect 2708 is Bryant_2708-10045.bin
Note: Software Image(firmware) for PowerConnect 2716/2724 is Bryant_2716_24-10044.bin
Note: Boot Code for PowerConnect 2708/2716/2724 is BryantBoot-8.bin

jjyiii · Answer

Quick questions on upgrading the 2716:

Which download/upgrade should be done first: the boot code or the software image?

Is a reboot required between each upgrade?

Do you lose all settings as a result?

Networking General

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