Updating the Baseboard Management Controller Firmware

Occasionally there are updates to the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) firmware on the Netgate 8300 to address problems or improve features. This firmware can be updated using the web interface on the BMC which also contains Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) functionality.

Warnings & Precautions

Warning

The firmware should only be updated at the direction of Netgate TAC.

Warning

The device must be rebooted multiple times during this process. This reboots the BMC and the operating system, which will disrupt traffic passing through the device.

Warning

Completing this process requires removing power to the device temporarily, which requires physical access or separate out of band power control.

Warning

As a part of this update process the BMC must be factory reset, which will remove any customizations made to the BMC and IPMI, including any network configuration, additional users, and any password changes.

Obtain the Firmware Update File

Before starting, contact Netgate TAC and request the BMC firmware update file. It will have a filename such as BMC_FW-Update.bin and may be compressed. If it is compressed, decompress it before proceeding.

The file should be on the same computer with the web browser being used to access the BMC web interface.

Connect to the Web Interface

This update is performed in the browser-based web interface on the BMC. To access this web interface, follow the directions in Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI).

Tip

As this update process requires a factory reset, make sure to note any customized settings before proceeding so they can be reconfigured after the update is complete.

Update the Firmware

  • Navigate to Configuration > Firmware Update in the web interface.

    ../_images/marbella-update-bmc-menu.png

    Firmware Update menu location

  • Check Reboot immediately after update.

    ../_images/marbella-update-bmc-reboot-setting.png

    Check the box to automatically reboot when the update finishes

    Warning

    This reboots the BMC and the operating system.

  • Click Choose File

  • Select the firmware update file (e.g. BMC_FW-Update.bin).

    ../_images/marbella-update-bmc-select-file.png

    Select the firmware update file (e.g. BMC_FW-Update.bin)

  • Click Upload to start the upload process.

    ../_images/marbella-update-bmc-uploading.png

    Firmware file upload in progress

  • Wait until the upload process is 100% complete.

    ../_images/marbella-update-bmc-progress.png

    Firmware update in progress

  • Click Update to start the BMC firmware update process.

    ../_images/marbella-update-bmc-updatebutton.png

    Click Update to perform the firmware update

  • Wait for the update to complete and for the device to reboot.

  • Log back into the BMC web interface.

  • Verify the BMC version.

    ../_images/marbella-update-bmc-check-version.png

    Checking the BMC firmware version

Factory Reset

To complete the update, the BMC must be factory reset.

Warning

This factory reset will remove any custom settings, including network configurations, additional users, and password changes.

  • Navigate to Diagnostics > Factory Reset.

    ../_images/marbella-update-bmc-reset.png

    Factory Reset menu location

  • Click Restore to start the factory reset process.

    ../_images/marbella-update-bmc-reset-restore.png

    Click Restore to perform the factory reset

  • Shut down and turn off power to the device.

    Note

    To fully power off the device, switch off or unplug all power supplies.

  • Restore power to the device.

  • Wait for the device to boot.

  • Log back into the BMC web interface with the default credentials and change the password.

    Tip

    When logging back in after the factory reset, use the default credentials and change the password as described in Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI).

  • Change any other settings and make any other customizations as needed.