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.
Check Reboot immediately after update.
Warning
This reboots the BMC and the operating system.
Click Choose File
Select the firmware update file (e.g.
BMC_FW-Update.bin
).Click Upload to start the upload process.
Wait until the upload process is 100% complete.
Click Update to start the BMC firmware update process.
Wait for the update to complete and for the device to reboot.
Log back into the BMC web interface.
Verify the BMC 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.
Click Restore to start the factory reset process.
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.