How to update the Controller Firmware of the PowerVault MD34xx – MD38xx Array

 

 

This tutorial explains how to update the controller your PowerVault MD34xx or MD38xx.


 

Warning:

 
This update requires a production shutdown to be implemented. As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a complete backup of the present date on the array.
 If the servers connected to this array are under Microsoft Windows operating system, think of updating the MPIO (DSM) drivers.



 

Prerequisites:

 

• Latest version of MDSS to manage your MD34XX or your MD38XX. The file is in the section "Resource CD"
• Latest version of the controller firmware. The file is in the section "Storage Controller" and called
  "Dell PowerVault MD 34/38 Series Storage Controller Firmware and NVSRAM firmware"

• The array is in an optimal state in the management software.
• Both management ports answer correctly the ping.

 
 

Steps:

 

1. Update procedure

1) Uninstall the MDSM software currently present.
 
2) Install the latest MDSM version on a desktop PC, which can access (ping test) to the management ports of the array.
 
3) Shutdown the production (if the redundancy isn’t validated) by unsettling the LUNs of the servers, or by switching off the servers having access to the LUNs of the array.
 
4) Erase the event log in MDSM

• Go on the grey bar menu at the top of the screen and click on: Monitor > Reports > Event log, and then click on Clear All.

Figure 1: Monitor



Figure 2: Event log



Figure 3: Clear All



 

2. Updating Controller firmware

On the grey bar menu at the top of the screen, go on: Upgrade-> RAID Controller Module Firmware -> Upgrade
You will have the following warning: Click on OK. 

Select the update file to update the controller firmware ( MD34X0_MD38X0_Series_Firmware_08_xx_xx_xx.dlp )
To update of the NVSRAM, select the MD34xx_MD38xx_NVSRAM_N27XX-xxxxxx-xxx.dlp file.



 
Note: The process can last up to 30 minutes.

MDSM risks to lose the access to the management of the array: it’s normal; it will find access to the array as soon as the controllers will have finished their start routine.
 

-

-