Switch Administration Overview; File Transfer - Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch AOS Release 6 Manual

Managing System Files

Switch Administration Overview

The OmniSwitch has a variety of software features designed for different networking environments and
applications. Over the life of the switch, it is very likely that your configuration and feature set will change
because the needs of your network are likely to expand. Also, software updates become available from
Alcatel-Lucent. If you change your configuration to upgrade your network, you must understand how to
install switch files and to manage switch directories.
The OmniSwitch Series switches have varying amount of usable flash memory as listed in the specifica-
tions table. You can use this memory to store files, including executable files (used to operate switch
features and applications), configuration files, and log files.
You need to understand the various methods of loading files onto the switch for software upgrades and
new features. Once the files are on the switch, the CLI has commands that allow you to load, copy, and
delete these files. The CLI also has commands for displaying, creating, and editing ASCII files directly on
the switch. You may also want to establish a file directory structure to help organize your files on the
switch.
All the files and directories on the switch bear a time stamp. This is useful for switch administration
because the time stamp allows you to tell at a glance which files are the most recent. You can set the
system clock that controls these time stamps as well as other time based switch functions.

File Transfer

The switch can receive and send files by using industry standard local and remote transfer methods. Each
of these methods is defined and explained. Because file transfers can involve logging onto the switch from
a remote host, security factors, such as DNS resolver and Authenticated Switch Access requirements
should be considered.
User's Host
It is not enough to simply transfer a file onto the switch. Once files are on the switch, they must be
registered in order to become functional. The OmniSwitch has a directory structure that allows you to
install new software while maintaining a backup copy of your old configuration. This directory structure is
explained in the "Switch Directories" section on page
OmniSwitch AOS Release 6 Switch Management Guide
File Transfer from User's
Host to the OmniSwitch
File Transfer to OmniSwitch
1-4.
July 2010
Switch Administration Overview
OmniSwitch
page 1-3