F/C 1959, 1979, 5701 10/100/1000 Base-TX Ethernet PCI-X Adapter

REVISED: July 17, 2008

Table of Contents

1.0 Microcode Change History

2.0 General Information

 

3.0.0 Determine Adapter Part Numbers and Current Microcode Level
3.0.1 Determine Dependencies

 

4.0.0 Downloading and Unpacking the AIX Firmware Update Package From the WEB
4.0.1 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package From CORE
4.0.2 Downloading the RPM Format File From the WEB to the Target Server

 

5.0.0 Downloading Directly to the Target System
5.0.1 Downloading to an Intermediate AIX System and Using FTP
5.0.2 Downloading to an Intermediate AIX System and Using a Diskette
5.0.3 Downloading File from the Microcode CD-ROM

 

6.0.0 Updating the Adapter's Microcode

6.0.1 Using the AIX Command-Line Method

6.0.3 Verifying the Update
6.0.4 Updating the Machine Records

 


1.0 Microcode Change History

Open Firmware Level (Used only for NIM install)

GOLxxx

  • This is a table place holder for future firmware revisions if any.

GOL021

  • This level of firmware corrects the Vendor Device ID on EMC Class B adapters so that the adapter is recognized during NIM. Checksum from AIX 60;sum61; command is 38603. Important see 60;Note 1.61; below, following this table.

GOL012

  • There is a very small possibility that the adapter can hang the system (in OF) if the adapter (hardware) does not function properly during transmit. The change will prevent adapter from trying, forever, to send packets. A timer will be added to timeout after trying for a predetermined time

GOL002

  • The updated firmware resolves a problem whereby if the user selected 10/auto or 100/auto and did not ping, the switch first; the open firmware would not change the settings to auto/auto before passing it to AIX. If AIX sees a parameter as 10/auto or 100/auto it does not understand how to deal with that and the system will stop during ioconfig with a code 607. The firmware now changes any combination of 10/auto, 100/auto, auto/full or auto/half, which are invalid selections, to auto/auto.

GOL001

  • Original (GA) Open Firmware level.

The level contained in this update is:   GOL021

Note 1: Before installing the new firmware levels, one of the following PTF's, which were released to fix a problem where the microcode images for feature codes 5700, 5701, 5706, and 5707 could not be found by Diagnostics, must be installed:               

 

To be able to flash any of the above feature codes:

You must have the following AIX fileset installed:

 

52  APAR = IY53769 and PTF is U489090 

devices.pci.14106902.diag MUST be at 5.2.0.30 after update to work properly.

                                           

51 APAR = IY54764 and PTF is U496950

devices.pci.14106902.diag MUST be at 5.1.0.53 after update to work properly.                                    

 

To be able to flash the integrated FC 5701 on p615 (7029-6E3 or 6E3),

your AIX fileset must be at the following levels:

 

52 APAR = IY55536 and PTF is U497189

devices.pci.14106902.diag MUST be at 5.2.0.40 after update to work properly.

 

51 APAR = IY56493 and PTF is U497004

devices.pci.14106902.diag MUST be at 5.1.0.54 after update to work properly.

 

These PTF's are available for download on the website located at:

    

 http://www-912.ibm.com/eserver/support/fixes/                  

                                                                

Just select "Specific Fixes" under "Option" then select the proper OS Level. Select "Continue".    

Then enter the above PTF number for the "Search String" box and select "Go".

Select the PTF when the search comes back and add it to your download list, etc.                                  

   

Once the appropriate PTF has been installed firmware updates can be performed.

Note 2: The previous parameters selected from the SMS menus during a NIM install are stored in NVRAM and used on subsequent boots. However, if you go into the SMS menu for adapter parameters, the System Firmware assumes you want to change the parameters and resets them to the default of auto/auto. The SMS menus will be updated in the future via System Firmware to display the actual settings without changing the parameters to a default of auto/auto.

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2.0 General Information

This package provides new microcode for the Feature Code 5701, 10/100/1000 Base-TX Ethernet PCI-X Adapter. To perform this update, please read these instructions completely. It is also recommended that you print them for quick reference. The typical time to install this microcode is .2 hrs; the microcode becomes active when installed and does not require a system reboot to become active. For multiple adapters in a system, each additional adapter will require about one minute per adapter to update.

NOTE:    Before attempting this update, please ensure that you satisfy the dependencies listed in this document. Important see 60;Note 1.61; above.

NOTE: Please verify the following values for this microcode file:
           14106902.GOL021
           Filesize:131072

          Checksum: 38603

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3.0.0 Determine Adapter Part Numbers and Current Microcode Level

It is not necessary to physically remove the adapter from the system to determine its part number. Please follow the instructions below to electronically read it from its nonvolatile memory.

Step 1. Reading Adapter's Part Number and Firmware Level from AIX

The adapter part number resides in its VPD area. These instructions will also read the adapter's code level

1) List the 10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapters installed in the system by typing:

lsdev -C | grep 14106902

The output should look like:

ent0       Available 00-03        10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter (14106902)
ent1       Available 00-04        10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter (14106902)

The 10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter, if present, will be identified as ent0, ent1, ...ent(x).

2) To read the VPD, execute the following command, where (x) corresponds the adapter's identifier:

lscfg -l ent(x) -v

The output should be similar to the example below:

DEVICE            LOCATION          DESCRIPTION

ent0              10-70             10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter
                                      (14106902)

      10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter:
        Part Number.................00P3056
        EC Level....................H111635A
        Manufacture ID..............YL1021
        Network Address.............0002556AA57A
        FRU Number..................00P3056
        Product Specific.(OF).......GOL001
        Device Specific.(YL)........P1-I4/E1

The field, Product Specific.(OF).......GOL001, means the code level is GOL001.
The Part Number and FRU Number fields may have different values than what is listed above.  Please look at the table inside section 3.0.1 Determine Dependencies below to verify this card.

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3.0.1 Determine Dependencies

This new microcode can be installed only if the following dependencies are met:

Can Firmware Be Installed Concurrently?

Yes, but the update process from RPM packaging or CD ROM via Diagnostic Task menus will NOT automatically detach the adapter from the network. The interfaces must be detached manually prior to updating the Open Firmware.

Once the firmware has been successfully updated, you must use smitty to reconfigure the adapter on the network.

Note: The microcode update process requires detaching the ethernet interfaces whether the port is used as a single port or part of an etherchannel interface.


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4.0.0 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package from the Web Using AIX

Instructions for downloading and unpacking the firmware update package follow. Note: AIX Instructions are CASE (lower and UPPER) SENSITIVE, and must be entered exactly as shown, including the filenames. DOS commands are not. This microcode update package, in AIX format is located at web site: http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/mdownload/download.html

NOTE: Once at the web site above, you must read and agree to the license agreement to obtain the microcode update package.

At the table labeled "Download microcode for pSeries servers and RS/6000 /6000", select 60;Adapter61; find the entry "F/C 5701 10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter." You are presented with a choice of two files (AIX or RPM) to download under column heading "Files to read/download." Select the AIX option.

To assist you making the correct choice for AIX, section 5 contains three sets of instructions for transferring the update files to your target system. Make this decision first and then download the description file and the appropriate self exploding file (described below).

    *  Description         (This document with complete instructions)
    * AIX Format        (Self-exploding file for downloading to an AIX server or system)

The update files may be transferred to the target system in one of several ways. Please refer to the appropriate section for a complete set of instructions.


4.0.1 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package from CORE

Note: CORE is a microcode repository that it designed to work with the tools used by IBM Customer Engineers and is only available to IBM Customer Engineers. All others must use the Internet download and installation instruction described above. The latest 10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter Open Firmware level is available from:

CORE (Current Object Repository)

It is provided in AIX backup format in the package listed under the following structure:

Producing the Firmware for installation from CORE

FLSH5701.EXE (Diskette image of microcode files as AIX backups)

Creating the diskettes

It is recommended that you create the diskette from a 'local image'.

If you do not have a local image or a copy of image on a CD press 'Make a local copy' on the Server line.
Place a 1.44 Mbyte diskette into your 'A' Diskette drive
Press 'Launch' on the line that represents the Firmware that you want to generate.
Last, Label Diskette "AIX Backup: F/C 5701, 10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter Open Firmware Update."

Transfer update files from this AIX backup diskette to the System or CWS or LPAR

Login or su as "root" Enter the AIX commands:

Place the diskette into the target system.

      cd /etc/microcode

        restore -xq

Proceed directly to Updating the Adapter's Microcode.

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4.0.2 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package from the Web Using RPM Files to the Target Server

Note: Use this method to download to an AIX system:

Ensure you're logged in as root, if not issue the following command and enter the password:

su root

Note: The instructions that follow are specific AIX commands. AIX commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE, and must be entered exactly as shown, including filenames.

a) If necessary, make a directory on an AIX system to receive the RPM format file, using the command:
          mkdir /etc/microcode

Note: The /etc/microcode directory may already exist, if so, proceed to the next step. 

      Enter:
                     cd /etc/microcode

b) Transfer the RPM format file to the /etc/microcode directory (using the "Save as/to" Window, after selecting the 60;Save it to Disk61; option).
    You'll see the filename is pci.14106902.GOL021.rpm

c) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below:
    Enter the commands:
        rpm -ihv --ignoreos pci.14106902.GOL021.rpm

Note: Don't overlook the double hyphens (--) in the above command, preceding 60;ignoreos61;.

The microcode files will be added to /etc/microcode

 NAME                        DESCRIPTION
--------                        -----------
14106902.GOL021     Actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter


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5.0.0 Downloading Directly to the Target System

To download directly to the system in which the adapter you intend to update resides. NOTE:  If the system is running LPAR, you must determine what partition has the resources assigned.
           Keep in mind all installed adapters must be assigned to a partition to receive this code update.
             The other option is put the system in Full System Partition mode to update all adapters.
            The code update will only occur on that LPAR.  You must perform the same procedures
             across all LPARs to update the adapters in the entire system. If installing code from a floppy diskette,
             ensure that the floppy drive must be configured as part of that LPAR. Follow this procedure for each partition:

1) Provide a directory on your AIX system to receive the download.

      Enter:
                     cd /etc/microcode

2) Transfer the AIX format file to the /etc/microcode directory (using the "Save To/As61; Window, after selecting the 60;Save it to Disk61; option).

The name of the file is flash5701.bin.

3) Unpack the microcode package by executing the flash5701.bin file as
shown below. You'll be asked for the password from the license agreement.

      Enter the commands:
                    cd   /etc/microcode
                    chmod   +x flash5701.bin
                    ./flash5701.bin

[Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]

These files are unpacked into the working directory.

NAME                         DESCRIPTION
--------                        -----------
14106902.GOL021     Actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter
 

Proceed directly to Updating the Adapter's Microcode.


5.0.1 Downloading to an Intermediate AIX System and Using FTP

NOTE:  If the system is running LPAR, you must determine what partition has the resources assigned.

            Keep in mind all installed adapters must be assigned to a partition to receive this code update.
            The other option is put the system in Full System Partition mode to update all adapters.
            The code update will only occur on that LPAR.  You must perform the same procedures
            across all LPARs to update the adapters in the entire system. If installing code from a floppy diskette,
            ensure that the floppy drive must be configured as part of that LPAR. Follow this procedure for each partition:

1) Provide a directory on your intermediate AIX system to receive the download.

      Enter:

mkdir /tmp/flash5701

2) Transfer the AIX format file to the /etc/microcode directory (using the "Save To/As61; Window, after selecting the 60;Save it to Disk61; option). The name of the file is flash5701.bin.

3) Transfer this file to the target system via ftp, provided you have access to the target system. From your intermediate AIX system, enter the following commands:

ftp  {name of target system}
{Login with a valid userid and password}
bin
lcd  /tmp/flash5701
mkdir /tmp/flash5701
cd  /tmp/flash5701
put  flash5701.bin
quit

Copy the flash5701.bin file to the /etc/microcode directory.

4) On the target system, unpack the update file by executing the flash5701.bin file as shown below. You'll be asked for the password from the license agreement.       Enter the commands:

cd   /etc/microcode

chmod  +x flash5701.bin
./flash5701.bin

[Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.] These files are unpacked into the working directory  /etc/microcode..

NAME                         DESCRIPTION
--------                        -----------
14106902.GOL021     Actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter
 

Proceed directly to Updating the Adapter's Microcode.


5.0.2 Downloading to an Intermediate AIX System and Using a Diskette

NOTE:  If the system is running LPAR, you must determine what partition has the resources assigned.

            Keep in mind all installed adapters must be assigned to a partition to receive this code update.
            The other option is put the system in Full System Partition mode to update all adapters.
            The code update will only occur on that LPAR.  You must perform the same procedures
            across all LPARs to update the adapters in the entire system. If installing code from a floppy diskette,
            ensure that the floppy drive must be configured as part of that LPAR. Follow this procedure for each partition:

1) Provide a directory on your intermediate AIX system to receive the download.
    Enter:
         cd /etc/microcode

2) Transfer the AIX format file to the /etc/microcode directory (using the "Save To/As61; Window, after selecting the 60;Save it to Disk61; option).

The name of the file is flash5701.bin.

3) Create a diskette to transfer this file to your target system. Insert a blank, 2MB (HD) diskette in your intermediate AIX system diskette drive and enter the following commands:

cd  /etc/microcode
ls flash5701.bin | backup -ivr

Label the resulting diskette " F/C 5701 10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter Microcode Update."

4) Place the "F/C 5701 10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter Microcode Update" diskette in diskette drive of target machine and enter the following commands:

cd /etc/microcode
restore -xq

5) Unpack the update file by executing the flash5701.bin file as shown below. You'll be asked for the password from the license agreement. Enter the commands:

chmod   +x flash5701.bin
./flash5701.bin

[Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.] These files are unpacked into the working directory  /etc/microcode.

NAME                DESCRIPTION
Readme     ----                -----------
14106902.GOL021    Actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter
 

Proceed directly to Updating the Adapter's Microcode.


5.0.3 Downloading File from the Microcode CD-ROM

Copy microcode updates from the CD-ROM to standard locations on your local disk:

1. RPM packaged microcode files will be copied to "/tmp/microcode/RPM"
2. Microcode files will be copied to the location specified in the individual ReadMe file for the microcode being copied.  Please reference the ReadMe for the files being copied for more details.

Notes:
 - "/etc/microcode" is a symbolic link to "/usr/lib/microcode".
 - If permission does not allow the copy to the above stated directory or file then the user will be prompted for a new location.

Proceed directly to Updating the Adapter's Microcode.


6.0.0 Updating the Adapter's Microcode

  NOTE:  If the system is running LPAR, you must determine what partition has the resources assigned.
                Please save current and older versions of the microcode update files in case you need to restore your system.

        Keep in mind all installed adapters must be assigned to a partition to receive this code update.
        The other option is put the system in Full System Partition mode to update all adapters.
        The code update will only occur on that LPAR.  You must perform the same procedures
        across all LPARs to update the adapters in the entire system. If installing code from a floppy diskette,
        ensure that the floppy drive must be configured as part of that LPAR. Follow this procedure for each partition:

CAUTIONS/WARNINGS:
Do not power down or reset the node while the update is in progress.   If process is interrupted, the adapter may be left in an indeterminate state and may not be able to do NIM boots. 

Ensure you're logged in as root, if not issue the following command and enter the password:

su root

PLEASE NOTE:  The language environment must be set to US-English before executing the flash-script. smitty

         System Environments
         Manage Language Environment
         Change / Show Primary Language Environment
         Change / Show Cultural Convention, Language, or Keyboard

6.0.1 Using the AIX Command-Line Method

You are now ready to FLASH the EEPROM in the adapter using the single command:

    diag -d entX -T download

Where X is the number found from the "lsdev -C | grep ent " command.
Self-explanatory menus will step you through the microcode installation.
Repeat each step above for all the cards that need the update.

To back level the firmware

    diag -d entX -T "download -f -l previous"

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6.0.2 Using the AIX Command-Line Method

From the command line login, log in as root.

Enter
  diag
Select
    Task Selection (Diagnostics, Advanced Diagnostics, Service Aids, etc.)
Select
    Download Microcode
Select the device returned for above


 Press enter when prompted to download the microcode

Upon completion, a message will state that the firmware has been successfully downloaded and that the new level is updated.

  Exit.

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6.0.3 Verifying the Update
 

1. List the Ethernet PCI adapters installed in the system by typing:

    lsdev -C | grep "ent"

 Note the device names of all the Gigabit Fiber Channel PCI Adapters installed. The adapter device names will be entX, where X is 0, 1, or some other number.

2. To check the current microcode level for the adapter enter the following command

      lscfg -vl entX

Where X is the number of the adapter returned by the previous lsdev command.

 

The update procedure should take less than 2 minutes per adapter. Also, since the utility tests, flashes the adapter, and retests it, it is not necessary to verify the microcode level.
 

6.0.4 Updating the Machine Records

This is a "Use As Required" microcode change.
 

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