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Chapter 5. Configuring
Update the firmware and use the management module and the system management services (SMS) to
configure the PS703 or PS704 blade server.
Updating the firmware
IBM periodically makes firmware updates available for you to install on the blade server, the
management module, or expansion cards in the blade server.
Important: To avoid problems and to maintain proper system performance, always verify that the blade
server BIOS, service processor, and diagnostic firmware levels are consistent for all blade servers within
the BladeCenter unit. See "Verifying the system firmware levels" on page 218 for more information.
Plan to use a method of applying blade server firmware updates other than the management module.
The enhanced service processor has a larger firmware image that makes it impractical to download and
install over the RS-485 bus of the management module. Therefore, a firmware update for the blade server
is not supported from the management module.
You can still use the other methods of performing firmware updates for the blade server:
v In-band operating system capabilities, such as the update_flash command for Linux and AIX or the
ldfware command for Virtual I/O Server
v The firmware update function of AIX diagnostics
v The firmware update function of the stand-alone diagnostics CD
v If the blade server is managed by the IBM Systems Director Management Console (SDMC), an
out-of-band update can be made using the SDMC.
Attention: Before the installation of the new firmware to the temporary side begins, the contents of the
temporary side are copied into the permanent side. After the firmware installation begins, the previous
level of firmware on the permanent side is no longer available.
To install blade server firmware using an in-band method, complete the following steps:
1. Start the TEMP image as described in "Starting the TEMP image" on page 217.
2. Download the PS703 single-wide blade firmware or the PS704 double-wide blade firmware.
a. Go to the IBM Support website (http://www-947.ibm.com/systems/support/) to download the
updates.
b. Select your product, type, model, and operating system, and then click Go.
c. Click the Download tab, if necessary, for device driver and firmware updates.
d. Download the firmware to the /tmp/fwupdate directory.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2011
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