Flash Memory; Testing Flash Memory - Allied Telesis AR Series Hardware Reference Manual

Hardware Reference
C613-03031-01 REV E

Flash Memory

Flash memory is a nonvolatile reprogrammable memory storage device for
router software releases, allowing upgrades to be remotely loaded from any
WAN or LAN port. Flash memory is also used to store other types of data such
as patches, logs and configurations.
AR300 Series routers have 2 MB of fixed, non-expandable flash memory. AR720
routers have 4 MB of fixed, non-expandable flash memory (early models of the
AR720 can be upgraded to 8 MB of flash). AR740 routers have 6 MB of fixed,
non-expandable flash memory. AR725 and AR745 routers have 16 MB of fixed
flash memory. A compact flash module will be supported in the future.
An AR router with 2 MB of flash memory can have at least one software release
upgrade stored at any time, while 4 MB of flash memory allows up to 3 releases
to be stored. The hardware descriptions earlier in this reference state how
much flash is provided with each model of router.

Testing Flash Memory

There are several ways to check that flash memory is installed and operating
correctly. First, check that the router has recognised the flash memory, using
the command:
SHOW SYSTEM
to display system information (Figure 30 on page 64). The second part of the
display shows the types and sizes of memory installed in the router. If flash
memory is installed then there should be an entry giving its size. If the flash
memory size is less than the size which has been installed, then the router's
boot process has not correctly detected the flash memory's presence. If the flash
memory is on a SIMM stick, the most likely cause is that the SIMM connector is
not plugged into its socket correctly. Repeat the installation process, paying
particular attention to Step 3.
Use the SHOW SYSTEM command (from Chapter 1, Operation, of your
router's software reference) again. If the display is still not correct, contact your
authorised Allied Telesyn distributor or reseller.
Next check details of the flash SIMM, using the command:
SHOW FLASH PHYSICAL
to display flash memory size, device type and location. A typical display is
shown in Figure 31 on page 64.
Lastly, the Flash File System (FFS) can be checked to ensure that it has
successfully formatted the flash, using the command:
SHOW FILE
If flash memory has been used in the past then it may already be formatted and
contain files. With erased or new flash memory that has been correctly
formatted an, 80 byte hidden system file is present. A typical display for an FFS
containing files is shown in Figure 32 on page 65.
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