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Updating the Virtual I/O Server's firmware and device microcode with an Internet connection

Learn how to use the Integrated Virtualization Manager (IVM) to generate a microcode survey of the managed system and to download and upgrade microcode when you have an Internet connection from your system.

Note: Updating server firmware is a disruptive process.
To update the Virtual I/O Server's firmware and device microcode through the IVM when you have an Internet connection from the management partition, perform Steps 1 through 3.
Parent topic: Obtaining updates for the Virtual I/O Server

Step 1. View the existing firmware level

  1. Under the Service Management menu, click Updates.
  2. On the Updates page, click the Microcode Updates tab.
  3. Click Generate New Survey. A list of devices is displayed.
  4. Record the current level of firmware that is displayed for the type of system.

Step 2. Apply firmware and device microcode using the IVM

  1. Note the following items:
    • If you update the server firmware for device sys0, you will need to shut down all client logical partitions before applying the firmware.
    • If you update some device's microcode, you might need to take the device offline using the rmdev command before applying the firmware.
  2. In the IVM window, click Service Management > Updates.
  3. On the Updates page, click the Microcode Updates tab. The default for the Microcode download base path field uses the correct address. Do not change it.
  4. Click Generate New Survey. A list of devices is displayed.
  5. From the Microcode Survey Results list, select one or more items to upgrade.
    Note: If you select to update the firmware for device sys0, the system will shut down and restart when you apply the firmware. If you select a device, you might need to take the device offline. You can view the Impact column to determine the action you need to take. Perform the action before you enter the command to install the update in step 12.
  6. Click the Download link in the task area. Information about the selected devices, such as the available microcode level and the commands that you need to install the microcode updates, is displayed.
  7. Record the commands for use later in the procedure.
    Tip: You might want to copy and paste the commands that you need to a text document.
  8. Select the Accept license check box in the work area.
  9. Click OK to download the selected microcode and store it on the disk.
  10. Open a terminal window to the Virtual I/O Server.
  11. Log into the IVM.
  12. Enter the appropriate installation command that you recorded in step 7.
    Note: If you copied the commands to a text document, you can use them now.

Step 3. Verify that the firmware was updated correctly

  1. Under the Service Management menu, click Updates.
  2. On the Updates page, select the Microcode Updates tab.
  3. Click Generate New Survey. A list of devices is displayed.
  4. Ensure that the current level of firmware that is displayed for updated devices matches the level you installed.
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Last updated: Wed, March 28, 2012