B 1.5.0 Firmware Update Best Practices - NComputing N500 User Manual

4.2b 1.5.0 Firmware Update Best Practices

As of version 1.5.0, each new N-series firmware release will include two firmware files.
The first, intended for use as a single-version, sequential update, works exactly as previous firmware
versions. That is, as an update from the last official release to the current release. The second file,
intended as a complete, standalone install of the current firmware, can be used to update a device that
is several versions behind the current release version in a single step; without the need to
progress through each previous version in the order of their release.
This new system offers new flexibility and streamlines the firmware update process when devices are
several versions behind the current release, while retaining the ability to perform rapid, single version
updates using minimal file sizes when possible.
The following sections will outline some of this new functionality and provide administrators with
detailed installation steps for implementing firmware 1.5.0 using a number of different install methods.
Identifying the new firmware files:
The single-version update file and full, standalone update file are differentiated by the first set of digits
in their version number. The full update's value is incremented by 100, while the remaining digits
remain identical. For example:

Nxxx_FW_ver_1_5_0.tar.gz
single-version sequential update, for use with the previous official release.

Nxxx_FW_ver_101_5_0.tar.gz
full update, usable when a device is several versions behind.
Note that both of these files should be added to your firmware repository before updating to 1.5.0.
Administrators must only direct their devices to the Nxxx_FW_ver_1_5_0.tar.gz file (not the 101.5.0
file). The firmware will automatically use the full update file if the update in question spans more than
two versions.
Installing 1.5.0 via N-series GUI
When installing 1.5.0 on a device for the first time using the device GUI, follow these steps:
1. Ensure both of the firmware files (sequential and full) have been uploaded to an FTP accessible
folder. If you are unfamiliar with this process, consult the FileZilla example in the following KB
document: http://www.ncomputing.com/kb/afile/370/342/
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NComputing N-series User Manual rev10.08.13_1.5.0