Appendix D - Firmware Upgrades - CalAmp Fusion User Manual

APPENDIX D — FIRMWARE UPGRADES
Upgrading firmware in the Fusion and cell modules is a two-part (or three-part, if two cell modules are installed and
both require firmware upgrades) requiring moderate technical know-how and skill. CalAmp has developed detailed
instructions to guide you through the process of upgrading the Fusion router and cell module firmware. Completing
this requires downloading the firmware upgrade files to a PC, and then uploading to the Fusion or cell module, as
applicable.
Firmware upgrades become available occasionally. When upgrading firmware it is important to remember there are
two distinct components (or three) involved, each requiring and running with its own version of firmware that is
completely different from the firmware required for the other component or components.
The Fusion itself requires firmware for which upgrades may become available occasionally. Firmware for the
Fusion is different and distinct and different from the firmware in the cell modules.
Each Cell module in the Fusion requires firmware for which upgrades may become available independently of
upgrades for the Fusion firmware and possibly different from the firmware upgrades for the other cell module if
modules are different models or for different cell providers. Cell module upgrades vary and are specific to the cell
module manufacturer, model number, and cellular provider.
When obtaining a firmware upgrade, it is important to know and keep in mind which component the upgrade is for:
the Fusion, the WWAN0 cell module, or WWAN1 cell module. Attempting to perform a firmware upgrade for a
component using a firmware upgrade file intended for a different component can cause the component (and the
Fusion router) to become inoperable.
Generally when CalAmp sends notification that a firmware upgrade or upgrades are available:
Cell modules in the Fusion should be upgraded to the most current version supported by CalAmp and available
from CalAmp or the cellular provider to ensure compatibility and optimal performance on the cellular network.
Fusion routers should be upgraded to the most recent router firmware compatible with the latest cell module
firmware to take advantage of the most recent improvements and enhancements.
Firmware upgrades may be performed OTA (Over-The-Air) or through a network connection to the Fusion and this is
how upgrades are normally migrated in the background using the features of the new DeviceOutlook™ client app. The
following figure shows a simplified illustration of a typical network setup for OTA firmware upgrades.
Note: For upgrades of the Fusion firmware, the unit remains fully operational for the duration of the upload phase.
However, the unit automatically reboots once the upload completes, thus taking the Fusion out of service during
approximately one to two minute. Unless otherwise stated, the user is not expected to take any special precautions.
For upgrades of the WWAN cell module, the WWAN interface will be down for the duration of the upgrade procedure,
which may require up to 15 minutes to complete.
Caution: It is important to have a stable power source and ensure that power to the Fusion is not interrupted during a
firmware upgrade.
Fusion Multi-Network LTE Router PN 001-0000-602 Rev. B
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