AIX Microcode Update Procedure



PCIe3 4-Port 10GbE Base-T Adapter (FC EN2W)

PCIe3 4-Port 10GbE Base-T Adapter (FC EN2X)

******* PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE NOTICE *********

DATE: October 17, 2022

Table of Contents

1.0 Microcode and Document Revision History
1.5 Important Information
2.0 General information
3.0 Installation time
4.0 Machine's Affected
5.0 AIX Requirements
6.0 Determine the Current Microcode Level for AIX
7.0 Downloading the RPM Format File to the Target Server for AIX
8.0 Discovery Tool Microcode CD-ROM creation and download instructions
9.0 Verifying microcode before download and notes for AIX
10.0 Microcode Download Procedure for AIX
10.1 Setting up for Microcode download
10.2 Downloading Microcode to the Adapter
10.3 Verify and Re-configure adapters.
11.0 Microcode Download Procedure for Systems Without AIX Installed

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1.0 Microcode and Document Revision History:

Firmware Level

Description

0008000D2AD

Impact: New Severity: New
Original Release – with FCODE version 140.



Document Revision History

Description

17OCT22

Created this Readme file for the GA microcode release for this adapter. Microcode version 0008000D2AD.

1.5 Important Information:

This is the initial release of the microcode file 8680ff1514100000.000800068000D2AD with an FCODE version of 140.

· System F/W: FW1030 and above.

· VIOS: 3.1.4 and above

2.0 General information:

This Readme file is intended to give directions on how to update the microcode found on the PCIe3 4-Port 10GbE Base-T Adapter (FC EN2W, FC EN2X). The procedure is identical for both feature codes.

3.0 Installation time:

Approximately 20 minutes.

4.0 Machine's Affected:

FC: EN2W: 7063-CR2, 9043-MRX, 9080-HEX, 9105-22A, 9105-22B, 9105-42A, 9786-22H, 9786-42H

FC: EN2X: 9080-HEX, 9105-22A, 9105-22B, 9786-22H

5.0 AIX Requirements:

Basic card function is supported on:

6.0 Determine the Current Microcode Level for AIX:

Before you install the microcode, it is important to determine the microcode level of the Adapter installed in the target system. Use the following instructions to read the ROM level stored in the Adapter's VPD.

  1. List the Ethernet adapters installed in the system by typing:
    lsdev -C | grep     8680ff1514100000

    For example:
    # lsdev | grep     8680ff1514100000

    ent0       Available 00-00 PCIe3 4-Port 10GbE Base-T Adapter (8680ff1514100000)
    ent1       Available 00-01 PCIe3 4-Port 10GbE Base-T Adapter (8680ff1514100000)
    ent2       Available 00-02 PCIe3 4-Port 10GbE Base-T Adapter (8680ff1514100000)
    ent3       Available 00-03 PCIe3 4-Port 10GbE Base-T Adapter (8680ff1514100000)

    All of the Ethernet adapters that are installed will be displayed. They will be listed as entX, where X is 0, 1, etc.

  2. To check the current microcode level for the adapter or controller enter the following command:
    lscfg -vl entX

    Where “X” is the instance of the adapter. The command will produce output similar to:

    # lscfg -vl ent0

     ent0             UTMP3.C01.014C9F8-P1-C6-T0  PCIe3 4-Port 10GbE Base-T Adapter (8680ff1514100000)

         PCIe3 4-Port 10GbE Base-T Adapter:
           Part Number.................03JP015
           EC Level....................P45977  
           FRU Number..................03JP016
           Serial Number...............YA50KK299488
           Feature Code/Marketing ID...EN2W/EN2X
           Customer Card ID Number.....2F04
           Network Address.............F0B2B9002678
           ROM Level.(alterable).......000800068000CF68
           Hardware Location Code......UTMP3.C01.014C9F8-P1-C6-T0

  3. If the ROM Level is less than or equal to 000800068000CF68 you should update the microcode.

7.0 Downloading the RPM Format File to the Target Server for AIX:

Use this method to download to an AIX system:

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.

  1. Make two directories on your AIX system to receive the RPM format file.
    Enter: “mkdir /tmp/microcode”
    and then create this directory
    Enter: “mkdir /tmp/microcode/RPM”

  2. Transfer the RPM format file to the /tmp/microcode/RPM directory (using “Save as ...”).
    Change to that directory, “cd /tmp/microcode/RPM”.
    You'll see the filename for the RPM file.
    “    rpm -ihv --ignoreos 8680ff1514100000.000800068000D2AD.aix.rpm”

  3. For AIX: The microcode file will be added to /usr/lib/microcode/.

NOTE:
- “/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.

8.0 Discovery Tool Microcode CD-ROM creation and download instructions:

To obtain information how to burn a CD-ROM and run the Discovery Tool for an AIX or Linux System please go to:

https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6491185

  1. After running the Discovery Tool successfully the “/tmp/microcode/RPM” directory was created and your rpm files are copied from the CD-ROM.

  2. Change to that directory, “cd /tmp/microcode/RPM”.

  3. Unpack the file by executing the instructions below:
    Enter the command:
    rpm -ihv --ignoreos     8680ff1514100000.000800068000D2AD.aix.rpm

  4. One microcode file will be copied to “/etc/microcode”. The file size and checksum of the microcode image will be verified in Section 9.0.
    File Name: 8680ff1514100000.000800068000D2AD


NOTE:
- “/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.
- For customers using the AIX Diagnostics CD, please refer to the IBM System Hardware information Center for instructions.

9.0 Verifying microcode before download and notes for AIX:

Please verify the file size and checksum of the raw microcode file matches what is listed below.

Note: Microcode download must be performed separately for each Adapter bus under distinct Logical Partitions (LPAR's). Please save current and older versions of the microcode update files in case you need to restore the system.

Installation Time: Approximately 30 min System Time.

Please verify the file size and checksum of the raw microcode file matches below:

For AIX:
“ls -l /usr/lib/microcode/8680ff1514100000.000800068000D2AD” to verify file size is 8388608.
“sum /usr/lib/microcode/8680ff1514100000.000800068000D2AD” to verify Checksum is 29806.

10.0 Microcode Download Procedure for AIX:

Microcode download must be performed separately for each Adapter under each Logical Partitions (LPAR's).

10.1 Setting up for Microcode download:

  1. Stop all applications that use this interface/adapter

  2. Remove the interface/IP address from the all ports identified in section 6.0 for the adapters that will be upgraded.

    a. Before detaching the interface, record the ip address and any other pertinent information that was configured on the Adapter.  This information may be needed if the microcode update overwrites this section on the Adapter.

  3. If the interfaces are members of an SEA, the SEA devices must be moved to a defined state.

    a. “rmdev -l enX” – where “X” is the interface number for the Shared Ethernet Adapter.

    b. “rmdev –l entX” – where “X” is the interface number for the Shared Ethernet Adapter.

  4. If the interfaces are members of an EtherChannel, the EtherChannel device must be moved to a define state.

    a. “rmdev -l enX” – where “X” is the interface number for the EtherChannel adapter.

    b. “rmdev –l entX” – where “X” is the interface number for the EtherChannel adapter.

  5. For every port associated with the adapter, the enX interfaces must be changed to a defined state.

    a. “rmdev -l enX” - where “X” is the interface number for the adapter port

    b. This command will be run 4 times, once for each port on the adapter.

10.2 Downloading Microcode to the Adapter:

  1. At the command line type “diag”

  2. Select the “Task Selection” from diagnostics menu.

  3. Select “Download Microcode” or “Microcode Tasks” then select “Download Microcode” from the menu.

  4. Select one of the PCIe3 4-Port 10GbE Base-T Adapter (8680ff1514100000) devices (ports) for each adapter that need to be updated. Select from the list of devices (ports) by using the arrow keys to highlight the entry and pressing "Enter" to mark it. The devices (ports) will be displayed as entX, where “X” is the number of the device. Press “F7” or “ESC+7” when you are done mark all the adapters you want to flash. Note: Only one device and or port per adapter needs to be selected for the microcode update.

  5. Select “/usr/lib/microcode” or “/etc/microcode”.

  6. A dialogue box may be displayed on screen. It will state that the current microcode level on the adapter is not in the /usr/lib/microcode directory. This is acceptable because the adapter will reject any incorrect code. Press “Enter” to continue.

  7. Select 800068000D2AD level and press “Enter” to flash the adapter.

  8. The following message will appear on the screen when download is completed: “Microcode download complete successfully. The current microcode level for the device entX is ... Please run diagnostics on the adapter to ensure that it is functioning properly.”

  9. If you selected more than one adapter to update, then steps 6-9 will repeat until all adapters are updated.

  10. Exit diagnostics.

10.3 Verify and Re-configure adapters

  1. Verify the code level is 000800068000D2AD by typing “lscfg -vl entX” for each Ethernet adapter updated. Where “X” is the instance of the Ethernet adapter.

  2. Re-Configure the adapter and interfaces by executing the following command: “cfgmgr”

  3. Re-configure/Verify the adapter's interface IP information through the “smit” menus.

If the customer runs into VIOS specific issues please contact IBM VIOS support.

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

11.0 Microcode Download Procedure for Systems Without AIX Installed:

Use this procedure if the system has no OS installed or the installed OS (e.g., Linux) does not support microcode download for this device.

  1. Boot the system via a Standalone Diagnostic's CD

    a. To obtain a Standalone Diagnostic CD-ROM please go to the following web page and follow the instructions: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6474531

    b. After booting to Standalone Diagnostics, the Diagnostic's CD can be removed.

  2. The Diagnostic's CD should be replaced by a CD containing the unpacked microcode image.

    The CD containing the microcode images should be prepared prior. Create a CD-ROM with the firmware 8680ff1514100000.000800068000D2AD mentioned in section 8.0 and burn the CD with Joliet CD file system.

  3. From the Define a System Console menu either type or select vt320.

  4. Select the “Task Selection” from diagnostics menu then select “Download Microcode”.

  5. Select resource PCIe3 4-Port 10GbE Base-T Adapter (8680ff1514100000) that microcode will be applied to and PRESS ENTER.

  6. Press “F7” or “ESC+7” to coFirmware Release and Management Tracking Toolmmit.(The current microcode level of the resource you selected earlier will be displayed at the top of the screen).

  7. Select Input Device (CD-ROM or DVD) then choose the Microcode level to download.

    NOTE: A prompt will ask you to insert the microcode CD-ROM into the CD/DVD drive. Insert the CD-ROM which accompanies these instructions. If this level is already installed in the drive you've selected a message will let you know. A message also may come up to let you know that the CD_ROM does not have the previous level microcode file. This is true and is not required to complete the download. PRESS “F7” or “ESC+7” to commit.

  8. You will receive a message on the screen. “Current Microcode is....” and “Download has completed successfully” (this may take a few minutes).

  9. Return to the Tasks Selection menu and repeat this procedure for each adapter that requires this microcode.

  10. Exit diagnostic and reboot system in normal mode.