Obtaining I/O adapter and device firmware updates through an HMC with an Internet connection (AIX only)

Learn how to obtain I/O adapter and device firmware updates with an HMC with an Internet connection.

The I/O adapter and device firmware is the part of the Licensed Internal Code that enables hardware, such as Ethernet PCI adapters or disk drives.

Step 1. Ensure that you have an Internet connection

To download updates from the service and support system or Web site to your HMC or server, you must have a connection to service and support either through a modem, direct or indirect Internet, or pass-through system.

  1. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 2.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 3.
  2. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the navigation area, open Service Applications.
    2. Select Remote Support.
    3. Select Customize Outbound Connectivity.
    4. Continue with step 4.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Service Management.
    2. Select Manage Outbound Connectivity.
  4. Select the tab for the type of outbound connectivity that you chose for your HMC (Local Modem, Internet VPN, or Pass-Through Systems). For more information about these settings, see Specifying the connection type from the HMC.
    Note: If a connection to service and support does not exist, set up the service connection before proceeding with this procedure. For instructions on how to set up a connection to service and support, see Setting up your server to connect to service and support.
  5. Click Test.
  6. Verify that the test completes successfully. If the test is not successful, troubleshoot your connectivity and correct the problem before proceeding with this procedure. Alternatively, you can obtain the update on CD.

Step 2. Apply the I/O adapter and device firmware fix

  1. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 2.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 3.
  2. Perform the following steps:
    1. From the HMC, expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
    2. Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
    3. In the Contents area, click Change Licensed Internal Code.
    4. In the Target Object Selection window, click the target system, and click OK.
    5. Continue with step 4.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Updates.
    2. Select the managed system.
    3. In the Tasks area, click Change Licensed Internal Code.
  4. In the Change Licensed Internal Code window, select Start Change Licensed Internal Code wizard, and click OK.
  5. In the Specify LIC Repository window, choose from the following options:
    • If the HMC or server is connected to the Internet, select the repository location from which you want to download the fix, and click OK. The following options are available:
      • IBM service Web site (This site provides the most recent level of updates. You need a direct Internet connection to access this site.)
      • IBM support system (This site provides all available levels of updates. You can use a modem or direct Internet connection to access this site.)

      For more information about each of the repository locations, click Help.

  6. In the Change Licensed Internal Code wizard welcome window, click Next.
    Note: If there are no updates available, a message is displays that no updates are available and targets are up to date. In this situation, click Cancel to end the task.
    One of two windows is displayed, depending on the type of firmware updates that are currently available to download and install from the selected repository:
    • If server firmware updates or power subsystem firmware updates are available, the Change Licensed Internal Code wizard window is displayed with Managed System and Power LIC preselected.
      Choose one of the following options:
      • If you want to download and install the server firmware updates or power subsystem updates now, click Next, and follow the instructions in the subsequent windows to install the firmware updates.
        Notes:
        1. For all models except model 57x and 59x servers, install HMC updates before you install server firmware updates.
        2. For model 57x and 59x servers, you must install HMC updates before you install server or power subsystem firmware updates. Then either install the server and power subsystem firmware updates together, or install the power subsystem and then the server firmware updates.
      • If you do not want to install the server firmware updates or power subsystem updates now, deselect Managed System and Power LIC, and click Next.
    • If I/O adapter and device firmware updates are available, the Change Licensed Internal Code wizard window is displayed, with I/O LIC either preselected or not selected.
  7. In the Change Licensed Internal Code wizard window, ensure that I/O LIC is selected, and click Advanced Options.
  8. In the Licensed Internal Code Survey Results window, select the adapters or devices for which you want to download and install firmware updates, and click OK.
    Note: The system preselects the adapters or devices with the following characteristics:
    • The HMC can manage the adapters or devices.
    • Firmware updates are currently available.
    • The adapters or devices do not need to be taken offline when you install the firmware updates.

    You can change the preselected adapters or devices in the table to identify the I/O adapter and device firmware updates that you want to install.

    Use the information in the Effect column to determine whether the adapters or devices require you to shut down the adapter or device when you install the I/O adapter or device firmware updates.

    Use the information in the Suggested Action column to determine whether the HMC can manage the I/O adapters or devices listed in the table. If the Suggested Action column indicates Cannot Manage, you need to download and install the I/O adapter and device firmware fix through the operating system. Refer to the procedure to obtain the updates through the operating system.

    For more information about the table, click Help.
  9. In the Change Licensed Internal Code wizard window, click Next.
  10. In the Hardware Management Console License Agreement window, read the agreement and click Accept.
  11. In the Confirm the Action window, perform the required actions, and click Finish.
  12. Continue with Step 3. Verify that the fix installed correctly.

Step 3. Verify that the fix installed correctly

  1. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 2.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 4.
  2. Ensure that the managed systems and power frames (if you have a model 575 or 59x server) are in the correct state.
    1. From the HMC, select Server and Partition.
    2. Select Server Management and ensure that the State is Power Off, Standby, or Operating.
    3. If you have a model 575 or 59x server, select Frame Management and ensure that the state is Standby.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. From the HMC, expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
    2. Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
    3. Select Change Licensed Internal Code for the current release.
    4. In the Target Object Selection window, click the target system, and click OK. The target is the managed system for which you want to verify the firmware level.
    5. In the Change Licensed Internal Code window, select View system information, and click OK.
    6. Continue with 5.
  4. Perform the following steps:
    1. Click Updates.
    2. Select the system.
    3. In the Tasks area, click View system information.
  5. In the Specify LIC Repository window, select None, and click OK. A window is displayed that shows system information for the target system.
  6. In the window, click View I/O Levels.
  7. In the Licensed Internal Code Survey Results window, verify that the firmware level indicated in the Current Level column matches the fix that you installed.
  8. If the level of firmware displayed is not the level that you installed, you will need to apply it through the operating system. For details, refer to Obtaining I/O adapter and device firmware updates for a system that is not managed by an HMC and is running AIX.