Appendix B - Downgrading Router Software - RuggedCom RuggedRouter RX1000 User Manual

RuggedRouter User Guide
Appendix B – Downgrading Router Software
RuggedCom recognizes that customers may need to downgrade router software:
Routers being added to the network have more recent version than that
standardized for the network.
Network staff may wish to regain confidence in the software of an
exposed router by downgrading it to its current version, essentially
reloading its software.
Network staff may wish to explore how features operated on a previous
release.
The release process involves the following steps:
1. The downgrade image file is downloaded from RuggedCom to a web server.
2. The router to downgrade is attached via one of its Ethernet ports to the web
server (either directly or via a network), configured and tested.
3. The router can also load a specific configuration archive on to the target
router. This file is also loaded on the web server.
4. The router is rebooted and is forced to enter its boot selection menu by
pressing the down arrow key of an attached terminal continuously. The router
will offer a menu that will provide the option "Software Downgrade Utility".
Select this option and press enter.
5. The router will prompt for the required information.
6. The router will downgrade the software and reboot. This will require five to
ten minutes to complete.
Note: The router must not lose power or be interrupted during the downgrade
process. The process involves a complete rewrite of the operating image. Interruption
will require that the router be returned to the factory to have the software restored.
RuggedCom suggests minimization of problems by using a standalone PC as the web
server and by powering both the PC and the router from an uninterruptible power
source (UPS).
The following information will be requested during the download:
The Ethernet port to use, whether to use DHCP or assign a static IP
address and a network mask.
A gateway IP address (if one is needed).
The URL of the image file on the web server.
The URL of the configuration archive file on the web server (if one is used).
270 RuggedCom