Intel NIC Family Version 17.0.0 Firmware for I350, I354, X520, and X540 adapters

The Dell Update Package for Intel Adapter Firmware (FW-DUP) must be used to update Option ROM and EEPROM to version 17.0.12.

NOTE: On systems running Linux, the base driver must be loaded for the Dell FW DUP to function correctly.

NOTE: On Windows, the devices must not be disabled in Device Manager for the firmware DUP to update them.

NOTE: FW downgrade from FW 17.0.12 to FW 16.5.20 is NOT recommended.

FW downgrade using FW 16.5.20 executable package on an OS will cause the following warning messages to appear at system boot:
"The driver for the device detected a new version of the NVM image than expected. Please install the most recent version of the network driver"
To resolve the warning messages, use Lifecycle Controller to downgrade FW 17.0.12 to FW 16.5.20.

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Do one of the following procedures to update the firmware on Intel network adapters:

- Option A: OS Method
1. Run FW DUP 17.0.12 on the supported OS (Windows or Linux)
2. Reboot the system as instructed by the DUP
- Option B: Lifecycle Controller Method
1. Upgrade the Lifecycle Controller firmware to version 2.20.20.20 or newer and reboot
2. Upgrade the Intel network adapters to 17.0.12 via Lifecycle Controller

Note: If upgrading the Intel network adapter firmware from version 14.5.x, an AC power cycle is required after upgrading to 17.0.12.

Note: If there is an attempt to upgrade the Intel network adapter firmware version to 17.0.12 via Lifecycle Controller Firmware older than 2.20.20.20, the firmware upgrade attempt may fail.

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AC Power Cycle Requirements
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When updating the firmware from 14.5.x or older, an AC power cycle is required.
When updating the firmware from 15.0.x or later, an AC power cycle is not required.

Exceptions:
- Intel(R) Ethernet 10G 4P X540/I350 rNDC with PBA number G14843-xxx or G59298-xxx requires an AC power cycle after firmware update from 15.5.x or older

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* To perform an AC power cycle, you must do the following:
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1. Shut down the system if it is powered up
2. Unplug all AC power cords from the system
3. Leave the AC power cords unplugged for 15 seconds to drain power from the system
4. Plug in AC power cords to the system


Downgrading from 18.0.17 to any previous family version MUST be done in steps. Never skip family firmware versions when downgrading, i.e., 18.0.x directly to 17.0.x, etc. You must step through each firmware version when downgrading to allow for changes in the firmware which have dependencies in specific versions. In Windows, the devices must not be disabled in Device Manager for the DUP to update them correctly.

Windows Update Package:

Download
1. Click the "Download Now" link to download the file.
2. When the File Download window appears, click Save to save the file to
your hard drive.

Installation
1. Browse to the location where you downloaded the file and double-click the new file.
2. Read over the release information presented in the dialog window.
3. Download and install any prerequisites identified in the dialog window before proceeding.
4. Click the Install button.
5. Follow the remaining prompts to perform the update.


Linux Update Package:

Download
1. Click the Download Now link to download the file.
2. When the File Download window appears, click Save to save the file to your hard drive.

Installation
1. Read over the release information presented by executing the
./Network_Firmware_F8H29_LN_17.0.12_A00.BIN --version command from the shell.
2. Download and install any prerequisites identified in the above step before proceeding.
3. Run the update by executing ./Network_Firmware_F8H29_LN_17.0.12_A00.BIN from the shell.
4. Follow the remaining prompts to perform the update.

GnuPG Signature of Dell Update Package Instructions for Network_Firmware_F8H29_LN_17.0.12_A00.BIN:

Download
1. Click the Download Now link to download the file.
2. When the File Download window appears, click Save to save the file to your hard drive.

Installation
1. Import the Dell public key. (You only need to do this once on your system)
2. Verify the Dell Update Package by using its signature file, Network_Firmware_F8H29_LN_17.0.12_A00.BIN.sign