How to Upgrade Firmware for HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch

Learn how to upgrade firmware for HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch, which is an end-of-life product that requires a special procedure to obtain the latest firmware version.

If you have an HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch, you may want to upgrade its firmware to the latest version for optimal performance and security. However, since this product is end-of-life, you cannot download the firmware from the HPE Support Center website. In this article, we will show you how to upgrade firmware for HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch using a workaround method that involves contacting HPE support and requesting a temporary license.

What is HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch?

HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch is a fibre channel switch that provides 8 Gbps connectivity for storage area networks (SANs). It supports up to 24 ports and can be configured as a standalone switch or as part of a larger fabric. It offers high availability, scalability, and security features for enterprise-class SANs.

Why upgrade firmware for HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch?

Firmware is the software that runs on the switch and controls its functions and features. Upgrading firmware can improve the performance, stability, and security of the switch, as well as enable new features and fix bugs. The latest firmware version for HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch is 8.2.3d, which was released on May 10, 2023. This version includes enhancements and fixes for various issues, such as:

• Improved compatibility with HPE 3PAR StoreServ Storage and HPE Primera Storage
• Enhanced security with FIPS 140-2 Level 1 validation and support for AES-256 encryption
• Improved fabric management with Fabric Vision technology and SANnav Management Portal
• Support for new hardware platforms, such as Brocade X6 Director and Brocade FC32-48 Port Blade

How to upgrade firmware for HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch?

Since HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch is an end-of-life product, you cannot download the firmware from the HPE Support Center website. However, you can still upgrade the firmware using a workaround method that involves contacting HPE support and requesting a temporary license. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Contact HPE support

You need to contact HPE support and request a temporary license for the firmware upgrade. You can do this by phone, email, or chat. You will need to provide the following information:

• Your HPE account number and contract number
• Your switch model and serial number
• Your current firmware version and the firmware version you want to upgrade to

HPE support will verify your eligibility and generate a temporary license for you. The temporary license will be valid for a limited period of time, usually 30 days, and will allow you to download and install the firmware.

Step 2: Download the firmware

Once you receive the temporary license from HPE support, you can download the firmware from the HPE Support Center website. To do this, you need to:

1. Go to the HPE Support Center website and sign in with your HPE account credentials
2. Select your product from the list or use the product search function
3. Click on “Get drivers, software and firmware”
4. Click on “Firmware” under “OS Independent Downloads”
5. Find the firmware version you want to upgrade to and click on “Obtain Software”
6. Accept the end user license agreement and enter the temporary license key
7. Download the firmware file to your computer

Step 3: Install the firmware

After you download the firmware file, you need to install it on your switch. To do this, you need to:

1. Connect to your switch using a serial console, Telnet, SSH, or Web Tools
2. Transfer the firmware file to your switch using FTP, SFTP, or SCP
3. Verify the integrity of the firmware file using the checksum or digital signature
4. Install the firmware using the firmwaredownload or firmwaredownloadstatus commands
5. Reboot the switch to complete the installation

For detailed instructions on how to install the firmware, refer to the [Fabric OS Administrator’s Guide] and the FOS 8.2.x Firmware for HPE B-Series Fibre Channel Switches Release Notes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What are the prerequisites for upgrading firmware for HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch?

Answer: Before upgrading firmware, you need to:

• Back up your switch configuration and data
• Check the compatibility and interoperability of the firmware with your SAN devices and applications
• Plan the upgrade path and schedule the downtime
• Disable any features or services that may interfere with the upgrade process, such as Fabric Watch, Advanced Performance Monitoring, or SNMP

Question: How long does it take to upgrade firmware for HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch?

Answer: The time required to upgrade firmware depends on several factors, such as the size of the firmware file, the speed of the network connection, and the number of switches in the fabric. Generally, it takes about 15 to 20 minutes per switch to complete the upgrade.

Question: How can I check the firmware version of my HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch?

Answer: You can check the firmware version of your switch using the firmwareshow command or the Web Tools interface. The firmware version will be displayed as a string of numbers and letters, such as v8.2.3d.

Question: How can I troubleshoot any issues that may occur during or after the firmware upgrade?

Answer: If you encounter any issues during or after the firmware upgrade, you can:

• Check the switch logs and messages for any errors or warnings
• Run the switch diagnostics and health checks to identify any problems
• Contact HPE support for further assistance and guidance

Summary

In this article, we have shown you how to upgrade firmware for HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch, which is an end-of-life product that requires a special procedure to obtain the latest firmware version. We have explained what is HP StorageWorks 8/24 SAN Switch, why upgrade firmware, and how to upgrade firmware using a workaround method that involves contacting HPE support and requesting a temporary license. We have also provided some FAQs related to the topic. We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. HPE is not responsible for any damages or losses that may result from following the instructions in this article. Always consult the official documentation and support resources before performing any firmware upgrade.