HP A180 Technical manual

HP Integrity Servers and HP 9000 Servers
Firmware Update Options
HP Part Number: 5992-1077
Published: January 2012
Edition: 3

© Copyright 2010, 2012 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P
The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express
warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Contents
Introduction..............................................................................................................................4
HP Integrity and HP 9000 firmware update solutions.....................................................................5
HP Integrity Systems.............................................................................................................5
HP 9000............................................................................................................................6
HP Smart Update Manager (HP SUM).........................................................................................7
HP FM....................................................................................................................................7
HP OSIFM..........................................................................................................................8
HP OFM.............................................................................................................................8
Additional firmware installation options.......................................................................................8
EFI image...........................................................................................................................8
iLO 3.................................................................................................................................8
MP-Initiated.........................................................................................................................8
Firmware update options comparison..........................................................................................9
Frequently Asked Questions.....................................................................................................11
How can I be notified when new firmware packages are available?.........................................11
Where can I download firmware packages?..........................................................................11
How can I view the firmware version installed on my system?...................................................11
When is a reboot required after updating firmware?..............................................................11
Feedback...................................................................................................12
Glossary....................................................................................................13
A Updating firmware using iLO 3..................................................................14
Files to use to update through iLO3...........................................................................................14
How to update firmware through iLO 3......................................................................................14
Contents 3

Introduction
This document is updated when new methods or firmware components are introduced.
A new firmware update method was introduced in May 2010 starting with the new Integrity server
blades that were released. This method uses a tool, HP Smart Update Manager, that comes bundled
with the firmware update packages. Previous firmware update methods will continue to support
systems shipped prior to 2010.
In May 2011 a new version of HPSUM was provided in the firmware bundle. The enhancements
included:
•Flash screens providing information on the firmware update
•New user interface showing errors and warning messages in one screen
•The reboot delay is now the default behavior
•Some dependencies are now managed by the utility
•Able to specify multiple repository sources containing firmware bundles
•Ablilty to generate reports in XML or HTML format
•A support utility for reporting issues to HP Support that automatically gathers log files needed
for troubleshooting
Starting January 2012, HPSUM 5.0 will now be released as part of the firmware bundle. The
enhancements include:
•Common application with Proliant.
◦The same HPSUM 5.0.0 tool can be used to update Integrity and/or Proliant products
at the same time.
•Support for Superdome 2 servers.
•Automatically discover all blades and supported modules in c-Class enclosures.
◦Only the Onboard Administrator IP address and credentials are required. All other IP
addresses within the enclosure are discovered. Blade iLO connections are established
without needing to enter credentials individually. Only separate Virtual Connect credentials
need to be entered, if installed.
•Firmware recipe recognition and installation.
Recipe revisions are displayed at the top level instead of individual component firmware
revisions.
◦
◦Component firmware revisions are available in a drill-down dialog box if, needed.
•Support for updating Virtual Connect Interconnect modules.
•Inter-target Dependency Checking.
•The minimum firmware revisions needed for Onboard Administrator and Virtual Connect are
verified before blade upgrades are allowed.
•Ability to also update Virtual Connect.
•When a reboot is required to activate the system firmware, the default behavior is to delay
the reboot.
A product demo and lecture are provided on HP.com for HPSUM 3.7.1 , for HPSUM 4.9.5 and
will also be provided for HPSUM 5.0.
To see the demo and lecture for HP SUM 3.7.1, go to: http://h30430.www3.hp.com/?
fr_story=f4946a339cab256965af3fa62862cb133b6953a5&rf=bm
Links to the HPSUM 4.9.5 demo and lecture on Youtube and HPTV:
4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKsHYC1ACg0
http://h30431.www3.hp.com/?fr_story=decac91306df535ded43615ad247ee2bbf5a7fb4&
rf=bm
Other HP SUM versions will be provided as we continue to improve the firmware update process
and tool. For further information on HP SUM please see the HP Smart Update Manager User Guide
at http://www.hp.com/go/bizsupport.
NOTE: Firmware compatibility matrices are provided at http://www.hp.com/go/bizsupport.
For HP 9000 and HP Integrity systems shipped prior to 2010, Hewlett-Packard offers a simple,
flexible procedure for updating system Firmware called HP Firmware Manager (HP FM). HP FM
will continue to be available for systems introduced prior to 2010.
With the new 2010 Integrity blades, HP provides an IO card bundle, with an OS initiate-able
method to update the firmware on the IO cards.
All firmware update solutions are available on http://www.hp.com/go/bizsupport.
Each firmware package includes:
•Firmware
•Firmware update tools
•Release notes that include the installation instructions
•A web read me file that describes any last minute changes (if needed)
This document describes the various HP Firmware update mechanisms for HP Integrity and HP
9000 enterprise systems, and their advantages and benefits to help choose the most suitable option
for each business need.
If you have registered your product through the HP Subscriber's Choice website, you can subscribe
to email notifications when firmware updates are available for download. The HP Subscriber's
Choice service is available at:
http://www.hp.com/go/subscribe-gate1
HP Integrity and HP 9000 firmware update solutions
HP Integrity Systems
This table lists the HP Integrity systems and their various Firmware update options as of April 2011.
It does not include the IO cards firmware update options.
Table 1 HP Integrity supported firmware update methods
Through MP (ILO)OAOthersHP FM (Firmware Manager)
HP SUM
online
HP
Integrity
Systems
ILO 3 GUI
& CLI
MP-initiatedOA GUI,
TUI, or CLI
EFI
Image
HP
OFM
HP OSIFMHP Smart
Update
Manager
From ILOFrom MPOS
independent
OfflineOfflineOpenVMSWindows®Linux®HP-UXOS
Independent
Cellular Systems
NANAxNANANANANANAxSuperdome
2
NAxNANAxxxxxNASuperdome
sx2000
NAxNANAxxxxxNArx8640
HP Integrity and HP 9000 firmware update solutions 5

Table 1 HP Integrity supported firmware update methods (continued)
Through MP (ILO)OAOthersHP FM (Firmware Manager)
HP SUM
online
HP
Integrity
Systems
ILO 3 GUI
& CLI
MP-initiatedOA GUI,
TUI, or CLI
EFI
Image
HP
OFM
HP OSIFMHP Smart
Update
Manager
From ILOFrom MPOS
independent
OfflineOfflineOpenVMSWindows®Linux®HP-UXOS
Independent
NAxNANAxxxxxNArx7640
Non-Cellular Systems
NANANANAxNANAxxNAcx2600
NANANANAxNANAxxNAcx2620
NANANAxxNANAxxNAzx2000
NANANAxxxAP onlyxxNArx1600
NANANAxxxxxxNArx1620
NANANAxxxxxxNArx2600
NANANAxxxxxxNArx2620
NANANAxxxxxxNArx2660
xNANANANANANANANAxrx2800 i2
NANANAxxxxxxNArx3600
NANANAxxxxxxNArx4640
NANANAxxNAxxxNArx5670
NANANAxxxxxxNArx6600
NANANAxxNAxxxNABL60p
NANANAxxNAxxxNABL860C
NANANAxxNAxxxNABL870C
xNANANANANANANANAxBL860c i2
xNANANANANANANANAxBL870c i2
xNANANANANANANANAxBL890c i2
Legend:
•NA = Not applicable
•x = Available
•* = Future
HP 9000
The following table lists the HP 9000 systems and their various firmware update options as of April
2011.
6

Table 2 HP 9000 supported firmware update methods
OthersHP Firmware Manager (FM)
HP 9000
Systems
MP-initiatedEFI ImageHP OFMHP OSIFM
OpenVMSWindows®Linux®HP-UX
Cellular Systems
xNANANANANAxHP 9000
Superdome
sx2000
xNANANANANAxrp8440
xNANANANANAxrp7440
Non-Cellular Systems
NANANANANANAxC8000
NANANANANANAxrp24xx
NANANANANANAxrp54xx
NANANANANANAxrp7400
NANANANANANAxrp3410
NANANANANANAxrp3440
NANANANANANAxrp4440
Legend:
•x = Available
•NA = Not applicable
HP Smart Update Manager (HP SUM)
HP SUM is a tool that runs from a networked Windows X86 or a Linux X86 workstation or laptop.
The tool is included in the HP Smart Update Firmware Bundle for the supported servers (see table
above). HP SUM discovers the new firmware packages you currently have, the firmware versions
currently installed on your systems, which firmware components need to be updated, and allows
you to upgrade, downgrade or re-install firmware on one or multiple systems and enclosures. Since
HP SUM runs from a separate networked workstation, it is independent of the operating system
installed on your Integrity server. HP SUM can update the system firmware, ILO firmware , FPGA
firmware, and power monitor firmware regardless of the OS running on the blade or server. Using
HP SUM, you can perform firmware updates while the Integrity system is online or offline, powered
on or powered off while still connected to standby or housekeeping power.
Although the update might be done online, the activation of the system firmware and the FPGA
firmware requires a reboot. With the new version of HP SUM, the default behavior delays firmware
activation until you reboot the system at a convenient time. If you want HP SUM to activate the
firmware immediately, choose Upload and Activate.
The next time you reboot the system, the firmware will be activated. Before the reboot, you can
use the ILO GUI or CLI to verify the firmware versions. The firmware state will appear as Pending.
HP SUM has an interactive Graphical User Interface (GUI) and a non-interactive Command Line
Interface (CLI).
HP FM
HP Firmware Manager (HP FM) offers two types of firmware installation solutions: HP OS Initiated
Firmware (HP OSIFM) and HP Offline Firmware Manager (HP OFM).
HP Smart Update Manager (HP SUM) 7

The HP FM solutions are packaged with the tools and documentation necessary to manage the
update process.
HP FM manages firmware updates for HP 9000 and pre-2010 HP Integrity systems.
HP OSIFM
HP OSIFM enables firmware installation that takes advantage of standard operating system software
installation tools. The installation procedure begins and ends with the operating system, although
an OS reboot might be performed by the tool. On Integrity high-end systems, HP OSIFM enables
you to update one partition or the whole complex.
HP OSIFM is delivered as a software update for each OS. HP delivers HP OSIFM Windows® and
Linux® in a Smart Component and HP OSIFM HP-UX as an HP-UX patch or as a Software Distributor
product.
HP OSIFM supports HP 9000 systems and pre-2010 HP Integrity systems.
HP OFM
HP OFM provides an intuitive, OS independent and menu driven procedure for firmware installation.
The installation procedure begins and ends in the offline state.
The HP OFM tool is delivered as an ISO image that must be burned onto a CD. The system must
be booted from the CD to invoke HP OFM. All interactions between HP OFM and the system occur
while the system is offline.
HP OFM supports pre-2010 HP Integrity systems.
Additional firmware installation options
EFI image
The EFI image solution is available on pre-2010 HP Integrity systems as an offline firmware update
process. The EFI image provides the user with written procedures which guide the user through
step-by-step instructions for copying the EFI image onto an EFI disk partition, shutting down the
system, and running the EFI image to update the firmware at the EFI Boot Manager.
iLO 3
IMPORTANT: HP recommends using HP SUM to perform firmware updates on your system.
Updating firmware using iLO 3 should only be used if you require a method that does not use a
networked Windows X86 or a Linux X86 workstation or laptop to update your server.
The iLO 3 management processor enables you to perform a firmware update on HP Integrity systems
introduced in 2010, including the BL860c i2, the BL870c i2, the BL890c i2, and the rx2800 i2
(See tables in the “HP Integrity and HP 9000 firmware update solutions” (page 5) section above).
For information on how to update firmware using iLO 3, see Appendix A (page 14).
MP-Initiated
For the pre-2010 cellular systems only, the ability to update all Firmware components from the MP
is still available.
The MP initiated package is used for this method.
8

Firmware update options comparison
Table 3 Firmware update options features and benefits
OA
SuperDome 2
MP textual
interface line
Insight
manager
ILO3 GUI/CLI
EFI ImageHP OFM -
ISO Image
HP OSIFMHP SUMInstallation
Options:
All firmware
components-
All firmware
components-
All firmware
components-
All firmware
components
Non cellular
pre 2010
only
All firmware
components
Pre-2010
systems only
All firmware
components
Pre-2010
systems only
All firmware
components
Starting with
2010
systems
Features &
benefits -
Considerations Cellular
ONLY
Superdome 2
only
Cellular
ONLY
starting with
2010 only
non cellular
Bundle
Version
number
Version
number
(MP-initiated)
Bundle
Version
Windows
X86
Version
number - (EFI
image)
Version
number -
(ISO image)
Version
number -
(HP-UX)
(Linux)
Bundle
Version
Windows
x86
Name
displayed on
the Web -
install format (Windows
x86)Linux X86
(Windows)Linux x86
(Linux x86)
Update all
Firmware
Update all
firmware
Update all
Firmware
Update
Offline
Update
Offline
Update from
the OS
Update from
X86 OS-
Summary
componentscomponentscomponents
from the ILO
method at
the EFI
prompt
method
using a CD
Target
system can
be online or
offline
from On
Board
Administrator
from the MP
console
Integrity
Cellular New
generation
Only on
some Mid
and High
end systems
Integrity Entry
level 2010
generation
All Integrity
entry-level
systems
All Integrity
entry-level
systems
HP 9000 and
Integrity
entry-level
systems
Integrity
Entry level
2010
generation
Systems
supported
FTP serverWeb serverNoCD burnerNoWindows
X86 or Linux
Requirements
X86 PC or
laptop
OS
independent
OS
independent
OS
independent
OS
independent
OS
independent
HP-UX
Windows®
Runs from
Windows
X86 and
Linux X86
OS supported
Linux®
Regardless
of Target
OpenVMS
(2007)
OS- OS
independent
AllAllAllAllAllAllAllAll firmware
components
MinimalMinimalMinimalMinimalMinimalNo
interaction or
minimal
MinimalInteraction
GUIMP textual
interface line
GUI or CLICommand
line
Menu drivenTextual
interface,
GUI & CLIInterface
command
line, or GUI
Downtime or
not
Downtime or
not
Downtime or
not
Most
downtime
Most
downtime
Minimal
downtime
Reboot
required for
Down time
depending ondependingdepending onsome
the Firmwareon thethe Firmwarefirmware
component(s)firmwarecomponent(s)components
being
updated
component(s)
being
updated
being
updated
- Can delay
reboot.
Target OS
Firmware update options comparison 9

Table 3 Firmware update options features and benefits (continued)
OA
SuperDome 2
MP textual
interface line
Insight
manager
ILO3 GUI/CLI
EFI ImageHP OFM -
ISO Image
HP OSIFMHP SUMInstallation
Options:
can be
running, or
offline, or
power up or
down
Reboot or not
depending on
Reboot or
not
Reboot or not
depending on
One rebootOne rebootOne reboot
Automated
One reboot
Automated
or delayed
Reboot to OS
the Firmware
component(s)
depending
on the
the Firmware
component(s)
being
updated
firmware
component(s)
being
updated
being
updated
YesYesYesNoYesYesYesAbility to
remotely May be
remotelymanage
managedFirmware
but requiresupdate
process a physical
DVD-ROM
be inserted
in the target
system
NoNoYesNoNoYesYesInitiate
Firmware
update on
multiple
systems
NoNoYesYesNoYesYesEnable
automation
NoNoNoNoNoYesNALeverage OS
Software
update
process
OA GUIMP
commands
HP SUM or
ILO GUI/CLI
commands
EFI
commands
Recording
and booting
from CD
Software
distributor
process for
HP SUMKnowledge
required
HP-UX, Smart
component
for
Windows®
and Linux®
MinimalPrior to
Firmware
MinimalWhen
system is
When
system is
down
Prior to
shutdown
Prior to
starting
firmware
update
Built in
firmware
verification update and
prior to
down, while
doing the
activation,actual
MP toolsFirmware
update check the
system state
at every step
of the
update.
10

Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be notified when new firmware packages are available?
You can receive automatic notification when a new firmware package is posted on the HP web
site.
To receive the notification, you need to subscribe to alerts. This subscription is free of charge.
To subscribe, go to http://www.hp.com/go/myalerts.
Where can I download firmware packages?
Each firmware package is intended for specific systems.
Each country may have a different URL to reach the firmware packages, so a specific URL cannot
be provided. You can use the URL provided in the email notification or use the steps below.
1. Go to HP web site http://www.hp.com.
2. Click on the Support and Drivers tab.
3. Choose Drivers and Software.
4. Enter the system type in the product field and press Enter. For example: BL870 i2.
5. Select your system from the list displayed, or skip to step 6 if no list is displayed.
6. Select the Operating System or Cross Operating System from the list.
7. Click Firmware - System or Firmware bundle.
8. Click the description link of the firmware package and it will display the release notes.
9. To download, click Download.
NOTE: To find the firmware package and tools that use HP OSIFM, click the specific OS link for
your OS (such as Windows, OpenVMS or HP-UX).
To find the firmware packages for offline firmware updates, clickCross Operating System.
To find the firmware package for your BL860c i2, BL870c i2, BL890c i2, or rx2800 i2, click the
link of the OS installed on your server. HP SUM runs on a networked Windows or Linux X86
workstation used to upgrade the firmware for your server.
How can I view the firmware version installed on my system?
You can use HP SUM to display the firmware version installed.
Also, on some platforms you can now view the firmware versions installed using the Firmware
Revision Instance Provider.
For more information and the list of supported platforms, see the latest Firmware Revision Instance
Provider data sheet or SFM Release Notes at:
http://www.hp.com/go/hpux-diagnostics-docs
When is a reboot required after updating firmware?
A reboot is usually necessary if the System Firmware or the FPGAs are updated. Other firmware
components such as ILO, OA, VC and PIC do not require a reboot of the target system and the
update and activation are done immediately.
"Offline" tools mean that the target system must be shutdown to perform the update.
"Online or OS- initiate able" means that the target system can be up and running to start the
firmware update. A reboot may be necessary to activate the firmware.
NOTE: With HPSUM online, the reboot-activation can be delayed until a more convenient time.
This is the default in the new HPSUM version that will provided in the bundle starting in May 2011.
After the next reboot, the Firmware will be activated. If you look at the ILO GUI the firmwaree state
will show as "pending".
Frequently Asked Questions 11

Feedback
As we are continue to improve the Firmware update process, we welcome your feedback on this
document and on the Firmware update process. Send feedback to:
[e-mail]
NOTE: If you encounter issues while performing a firmware update, please contact HP support.
12 Feedback

Glossary
EFI The Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) defines the interfaces between the operating system and
the system Firmware and between the Firmware driver and the system Firmware. It is processor
architecture agnostic.
FPGA Field-programmable gate array. An integrated component of a server that can be updated with
new firmware by users after manufacturing.
FTP Acronym for File Transfer Protocol. It is a TCP/IP-based protocol used on the Internet to copy files
to and from FTP servers located elsewhere on a network.
HP SUM HP Smart Update Manager
This tool is not a product. It is included in the Firmware bundle. It allows a method discover new
firmware bundle versions, lists installed firmware versions, provides an indication of what needs
to be updated, verifies dependencies, downloads the firmware bundle from the web if desired,
updates Firmware, and delays the reboot-when selected.
iLO Integrated Lights-Out (iLO), lights-out remote management with Integrated Lights-Out (iLO). It is
an intelligent management processor available on newer Integrity servers.
ISO ISO 9660, a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization, defines
a file system for CD-ROM media. It aims to support different computer operating systems such as
Microsoft Windows®, Mac OS, and systems that follow the UNIX specification, so that data may
be exchanged.
ISO 9660 file system images (ISO images) are a common way to electronically transfer the
contents of CD-ROMs. They often have the filename extension .iso and are commonly referred
to as "ISOs." An .iso file may be:
•A single ISO 9660 file system image
•A multi-track disc image with a table of contents
MP A management processor provides "OS running" and "OS down" access, control, and monitoring
of a system. The management processor, in a cellular system, manages system attributes that
span hardware partitions. The management processor is frequently abbreviated as "MP". The
MP is also referred to as "GSP" (Guardian service processor) or the "service processor".
13

A Updating firmware using iLO 3
Files to use to update through iLO3
You must extract the firmware files from the HP Integrity firmware bundle before upgrading firmware
through iLO 3.
1. Download the HP Integrity firmware package. For information on how to download the
firmware bundle, see “Where can I download firmware packages?” (page 11).
2. Extract the files to a temporary directory.
3. Locate the Smart Component Bundle in the extracted folder. It will have a filename like
cp0XXXXX.exe
4. Extract the files to another temporary directory. It will contain files such as:
Example
(BL8x0c i2 version 26.11)
bl8x0c_ilorom_01_41_01.bin
bl8x0c_sysrom_01.80.bin
cp015356.xml
cp_data.xml
entry.bsh
The .bin files are the firmware bits which iLO requires for the firmware update.
How to update firmware through iLO 3
IMPORTANT: Updating firmware through iLO 3 is a two step process. You must update the iLO
firmware BEFORE you update the system firmware.
Do not interrupt the upgrade process. Allow sufficient time to complete each firmware upgrade
(up to 45 minutes total).
To complete the system firmware update, you must power off your server with the iLO pc command
or the server front panel power button. The system UID LED flashes while the firmware update is
in progress, which can be observed through the OA GUI or on the server itself. You cannot power
on the server while the update is in progress.
NOTE: For information on iLO 3 commands, see the HP Integrity iLO 3 Operations Guide at
http://www.hp.com/go/bizsupport.
1. Upload the firmware .bin files to an HTTP server that can be accessed by the iLO 3, or save
them on a USB flash memory stick and connect the USB stick to the OA USB port.
If you use the USB stick, the URL required in step 4 is in the format
http://<OA-ip_address>/media/usbkey/d1/<filename>
Where <OA-ip_address> is the IP address of the enclosure Onboard Administrator, and
<filename> is the name of the firmware .bin file.
2. Connect to the iLO CLI using a terminal emulator.
3. At the Command Menu prompt CM>, enter the command fw, followed by the command ufor
URL.
4. Enter the full URL of the iLO firmware image file. For example, for a BL8x0 i2 system, the iLO
firmware image filename is in the format bl8x0c_ilorom_xx_xx_xx.bin.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for the System firmware. For example, for a BL8x0 i2 system, the system
firmware image filename is in the format bl8x0c_sysrom_xx_xx.bin.
IMPORTANT: Monitor the system firmware update process using the fw command. To
complete the system firmware update, you must power off your server with the iLO pc command
or the server front panel power button.
14 Updating firmware using iLO 3

6. When the system firmware update is complete, power on the server and check the firmware
versions with the sysrev command.
How to update firmware through iLO 3 15