HPE Broadcom NX1 Online Firmware Upgrade

[Jiri3]

Hi guys,

our machine ProLiant DL360 Gen10 has a Network Adapter Broadcom, HPE Ethernet 1Gb 4-port 331i,
Firmware version 20.14.57, configured as Embedded LOM.

Our OS is Debian/bullseye and it is why we tried upgrade by offline SPP, ver. 2021.04 - it shows Optional
Requirement to version 20.18.31 (firmware-nic-broadcom-2.27.6-1.1.x86_64.rpm).

But Installation Instructions for this Firmware on
https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/swd/detail?swItemId=MTX_3b7a3d2719434e0abdc9438ebd
do not specify any procedure via SPP, it shows only
"Steps to update the adapter firmware using the rpm package:.".

Does'it offline remote SPP method for Debian safe and applicable? Or is it required to upgrade via any
manually modification of some rpm command? Or is it acceptable to keep the current version?

Thanks George

[support_s]

System recommended content:

1. Advisory: (Revision) Linux - Attempting to Update the Firmware on HPE Broadcom Netxtreme-E Devices and Other Adapters May Not Complete if the Recommended Driver Is Not Installed and Loaded Prior to the Firmware Update

2. Advisory: VMware - HPE Broadcom NX1 Online Firmware Upgrade Utility for VMware Fails During The Self Inventory Phase

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[Cali]

Did you try to Update the Firmware using iLO?

iLO > Firmware > Update should accept RPM Files.

Cali

[Jiri3]

Hi Cali,

thank you for your recommendation.

I have questions about both variants, ILO or SPP, according Installation Instructions:
- all Ethernet ports brought up before firmware can be updated.
As I have 4 ports on the server but only one of them is up and running, the others are sleep, 
how to to bring up all interfaces, when the case of a remote ILO or SPP?
- Network connectivity may stop during the firmware upgrade process and may need to be restarted after completion.
ILO and server share one port. How to restart network connectivity on a remote ILO or SPP?

Thanks for your answer.

George

[Cali · Accepted solution]

- all Ethernet ports brought up before firmware can be updated.
As I have 4 ports on the server but only one of them is up and running, the others are sleep, 
how to to bring up all interfaces, when the case of a remote ILO or SPP?

You can insert a Loopback Plug or simply plug a Patch Cable from Port #2 to Port #3.
Personally, I would first try out whether it works without "Link Up".

- Network connectivity may stop during the firmware upgrade process and may need to be restarted after completion.
ILO and server share one port. How to restart network connectivity on a remote ILO or SPP?

This used to be a problem in the past, but the Gen10 servers solved it brilliantly. Here the update is first copied into the NVRAM of the server and then started from there (locally).
And yes, almost always, when you update firmware, it leads to an interruption or even a reboot.
When updating the firmware of a network card, I usually see an interruption of a few seconds, after which everything continues.
You can find additional information in my Blog here:
https://d8tadude.com/2021/01/28/simplified-driver-and-firmware-update-with-ilo-5/

Cali

[Jiri3]

Hi Cali,

thank you for the excellent instructions. I'll try it right after the Christmas holidays.

All the best!

George

[Jiri3]

Hi Cali,

Success!

One surprise only: after the reboot, the connection to the ILO, but not to the server.
I had to use the "momentary press" button.

Once again thank!

[Cali]

Glad to hear that and thank you for your Kudos.
Cali