Before performing a firmware update, see Best practices for updating firmware. While upgrading from ME5.1.0.1.0 to any version, please disable - Partner Firmware Upgrade - option before proceeding. For detailed information,
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Both controllers must run the same firmware version. Storage systems with peer connections should run the same or compatible firmware versions.
In the System tab, the process to update firmware is to install firmware bundles obtained from Dell and then activate a particular bundle. For a dual-controller system, the following controller firmware-update scenarios are supported
-Automatic The partner firmware update PFU option is enabled the default. When you activate controller module firmware on one controller, the firmware is automatically copied over and activated on the partner controller first, and then activated on the current controller. PFU provides for updating expansion module firmware in similar fashion.
NOTE: Dell recommends enabling the PFU option for controller firmware updates. PFU is enabled by default and should remain enabled. Disable this option only if instructed to do so by a qualified service technician or when upgrading specifically from FW version ME5.1.0.1.0 as described the Knowledge Base article linked above.
-Manual PFU is disabled. When you update controller module or enclosure IOM firmware on one controller, you must log into the partner controller and manually perform the same updates.
When a controller module is installed into an enclosure at the factory, the enclosure midplane serial number and firmware-update timestamp are recorded for each firmware component in controller flash memory, and will not be erased when the configuration is changed or is reset to defaults. These two pieces of data are not present in controller modules that are not factory-installed and are used as replacements. Updating controller firmware with the PFU option enabled will ensure that the same firmware version is installed in both controller modules. Access this option by clicking Settings-System-Properties-Firmware Properties.
PFU uses the following algorithm to determine which controller module will update its partner:
-If both controllers are running the same firmware version, no change is made.
-The controller installed first will send its configuration and settings to the partner controller. Similarly, if a controller is replaced, it will receive configuration information from the partner controller. In both cases, subsequent firmware update behavior for both controllers is determined by the system's unified PFU setting
-If both controllers were already installed in the system, then the controller with firmware installed first will send its configuration and settings to the partner controller.
-If both controllers are newly installed, then controller A is transferred to controller B.
To install a firmware bundle, follow the on-screen directions and Best practices for updating firmware.
To activate a firmware bundle, click its Activate this Version link to display the Activate Firmware dialog and then follow the on-screen directions to enable activation to proceed. As part of the activation process the system will perform these steps: check bundle integrity, check system health, update firmware on the partner controller module, restart the partner controller module, update firmware on the local controller module, and restart the local controller module.
After the local controller module has restarted, the PowerVault Manager login screen will reappear. After you log back in, the Maintenance-Firmware panel will show that the new firmware is active on the system. An alert will also be generated to inform you that the firmware has been upgraded.