Upgrade - Huawei Switch Firmware

Upgrading a Huawei switch is a critical task for maintaining network security and stability. While the process typically involves manual file transfers via CLI or the web interface, the most interesting and modern feature for this task is Smart Upgrade. The Standout Feature: Smart Upgrade

Smart Upgrade is a "one-click" solution that connects your switch directly to the Huawei Online Upgrade Platform (HOUP) via the internet.

How it Works: The switch periodically sends its current version and serial number (ESN) to HOUP. The platform then recommends the optimal software package or patch based on Huawei's maintenance policies.

Key Benefit: It removes the need for manual downloads from support sites and complex file transfers. You can trigger the upgrade immediately through the CLI or web platform, and the switch handles the download and next-startup configuration automatically.

Safety: You can set emergency contact info (email/phone) in the configuration so Huawei can assist if an error occurs during the automated process. Standard CLI Upgrade Process

For environments without direct internet access, the traditional CLI method remains the standard procedure:

3.3 In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU)

• For modular switches with dual MPUs – zero downtime.
• Check support: display issu support.

Step 2: Set the New Firmware as Startup Software

<Huawei> startup system-software flash:/S5720-V200R023C00SPC500.cc

Confirm the setting:

<Huawei> display startup

5. Save & reboot

<SW1> save <SW1> reboot

Best Practices

• Plan the upgrade during a maintenance window: Schedule the upgrade during a maintenance window to minimize downtime.
• Test the upgrade in a lab environment: Test the upgrade in a lab environment before upgrading the production switch.
• Have a rollback plan: Have a rollback plan in case the upgrade process fails.

By following these steps and best practices, you can ensure a smooth and successful firmware upgrade of your Huawei switch. Huawei Switch Firmware Upgrade

Comprehensive Guide to Huawei Switch Firmware Upgrade Upgrading the firmware on your Huawei S-series (e.g., S5700, S6700) or CloudEngine (CE) switches is vital for maintaining network security, stability, and access to new features. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the preparation, transfer, and execution steps required to perform a successful upgrade. 1. Pre-Upgrade Preparation

Before initiating any changes, you must ensure the device is ready for the new software to avoid downtime or potential hardware bricking.

Check Current Version: Run the display version command in any view to identify your current VRP (Versatile Routing Platform) version and patch level.

Verify Storage Space: Use dir or display flash: to ensure the storage medium has enough free space for the new .cc system software and .pat patch files.

Backup Configurations: Always back up your current configuration file (typically vrpcfg.zip) to an external server. Download Target Firmware:

Enterprise Users: Log in to the Huawei Enterprise Support Website.

Carrier Users: Access Huawei Support and search for your specific model.

Select your series (e.g., S5700), go to the Software Download tab, and download the required .cc and .pat files. 2. File Transfer via FTP/TFTP Upgrading a Huawei switch is a critical task

Once you have the files on your PC, you must transfer them to the switch's flash memory.

Set Up an FTP Server: Use a tool on your PC to act as an FTP server.

Connect the Switch: Ensure the switch can reach your PC's IP address. Transfer the Files:

ftp 10.10.1.2 # Replace with your PC IP [ftp] get S5700-V200R021C00.cc # Load system software [ftp] get S5700-V200R021SPH001.pat # Load patch file [ftp] quit Use code with caution. 3. Performing the Upgrade (CLI Method)

After the files are on the switch, you must instruct the device to use them during the next boot. Specify Next Startup Software: startup system-software S5700-V200R021C00.cc Use code with caution. Specify Next Startup Patch (If applicable): startup patch S5700-V200R021SPH001.pat Use code with caution.

Handle Modular/Stack Switches: If the switch has a standby MPU or is in a stack, use the all or slave-board keyword to ensure both units are updated. startup system-software S5700-V200R021C00.cc all Use code with caution.

Reboot the Switch: Save your current configuration and restart the device. reboot Use code with caution.

Select 'Y' when prompted to save the configuration and confirm the reboot. 4. Alternative: Web-Based & Smart Upgrade For modular switches with dual MPUs – zero downtime

For users who prefer a graphical interface, modern Huawei switches support web-based upgrades or "Smart Upgrades". Upgrading a Switch - Huawei Technical Support

Failure 1: "The file is not supported on this device."

Cause: Wrong architecture. S5720-52P-PWR uses a different VRP compilation than S5720-28X. Fix: Download the specific file from Huawei’s "Software Download" section matched to your S5720-52P-PWR exact PID.

Step 4: The Critical 5-Minute Watch

During reboot, watch the console output. Key milestones:

• BootROM checksum passed.
• Loading system software... 100%
• Initiated VRP. (If it hangs here, you have a bootloader mismatch.)
• Interface state changes.

Step 1: Transfer the Firmware File to the Switch

Use any of these methods (example uses TFTP for simplicity):

<Huawei> tftp 192.168.1.100 get S5720-V200R023C00SPC500.cc

Verify file transfer:

<Huawei> dir flash:/

Step 4: Upgrade the Firmware

Use the upgrade package command to upgrade the firmware:

< Huawei > upgrade package filename filetype

Replace filename with the name of the firmware file and filetype with the file type (e.g., .ccp or .zip).