BROCADE IP PRIMER

Software (and where it's stored)Let's look at another command:Switch#show flashCompressed Pri Code size = 1888271, Version 03.1.02bTc1(fes03102b.bin)Compressed Sec Code size = 2059596, Version 03.3.01eTc1(FES03301e.bin)Compressed Boot-Monitor Image size = 45598, Version03.1.02aTc4Compressed Boot-Tftp Code size = 184112, Version 03.1.02aTc5Default BootROM Contents Info:Boot Loader Rev: 1aMonitor Image Version: 01.00.00Tc4Boot-Tftp Image Version: 01.00.00Tc5Code Flash Free Space = 12386304Notice that this command refers to a “Pri Code” (or “Primary Code”) and a“Sec Code” (or “Secondary Code”). Each switch has two locations two storesoftware code: primary flash and secondary flash. This is of crucialconvenience.Let's say I wanted to upgrade to a new version of code for my switch. I am currentlyusing my old version, 1.2.0a, and I want to upgrade to 1.3.0d. Thesoftware binary file for 1.2.0a is stored in my switch's primary flash. I copy1.3.0d into my switch's secondary flash, and I tell the switch to boot off of secondaryflash. When I reboot, I discover that there's a problem with 1.3.0d thatis making it incompatible with my environment. Instead of having to reload1.2.0a, I can simply tell my switch to boot off of primary flash (the location of1.2.0a), and all is restored back to normal. The idea of primary and secondaryflash is that they allow you to move to new versions of code, but to keep thelast known functioning version of code handy, just in case.Perhaps we should take a moment to discuss the boot process of the switch.In hardware, there is a boot ROM. This contains very basic code that instructsthe switch how to boot. The boot ROM calls the Boot-Monitor. This is stored inflash (in its own space, not primary or secondary). This is also a very basicstructure, but it gives you the opportunity to perform basic diagnostic functionsbefore loading the actual OS. It also allows you to configure your switchto boot off of primary flash, secondary flash, or even a TFTP server.Next, the Boot-Monitor loads the config file from flash, and checks to see ifthere are any special instructions on whether to boot from the primary or secondaryflash. Finally, the OS from either primary or secondary flash is loaded.The OS applies the settings in the config file, and the switch boot process isfinished.To get into the Boot-Monitor, you must be connected to the serial console onthe switch. You cannot use the Boot-Monitor via Telnet or SSH. After turning on(or rebooting) the switch, within 2 seconds, press the “b” key. This will interruptthe boot process and put you into the Boot-Monitor. The monitor has very limitedcommands, and it is beyond the scope of this book to go into full detail ofthe available commands. To escape the Boot-Monitor and continue with theBrocade IP Primer 129