ds20 v72 fw relnote

This document provides release notes and update procedures for the AlphaServer DS20 V7.2 firmware, released in June 2006.

Key Information:

1. Purpose & Audience: It outlines significant firmware changes and describes methods to update console firmware (SRM and AlphaBIOS) and supported I/O options. The document is intended for individuals responsible for operating system installations, upgrades, and firmware updates.
2. Update Principles:
   • Firmware should always be updated before installing or upgrading an operating system.
   • Both SRM and AlphaBIOS consoles must be updated for compatibility.
   • A system reset/re-initialization is required after OS shutdown and before running the update utility.
   • Crucially, users are warned not to load firmware that is older than what is currently installed.
3. V7.2 Specific Changes (Read Me First):
   • Console Enhancements: Updates to I/O Option Firmware for various devices (e.g., LP8000, LP9002, LP9802, LP10000 with specific revisions), new module naming for DE602-FA and DEGXA-SB/TB devices, and a WWIDMGR code change to avoid UDID attempts on Fibre Channel SAN for certain SCSI devices.
   • show bios / run bios commands: Detail how to list and invoke BIOS expansion ROMs.
   • OS/Firmware Matrix: Specifies minimum OS versions required: OpenVMS V7.1-2+, Tru64 Unix V4.0F, Windows NT V4.0. The SRM version is V7.2 and AlphaBIOS is V5.71.
   • SRM Environment Variables: Introduces user_def1 and user_def2 (from V7.0) for customer-specific, non-volatile data accessible from Tru64 UNIX.
   • Known Anomalies: Highlights issues such as run bios not being supported in graphics mode via KVM (use serial console), OpenVMS halt with 3D Labs Oxygen VX1 not resetting the monitor, and the critical requirement to install HAL Revision G before AlphaBIOS V5.70 to prevent system hangs.
4. Firmware Update Procedure: Updates are performed using the Loadable Firmware Utility (LFU) from either the SRM or AlphaBIOS console. The steps involve booting from the firmware CD, then using the update command. The list command can display loaded images and supported ROMs.
5. "Not Connected" Devices (FFAUTO and FFNEXT):
   • The console prevents booting from devices in a "not connected" state.
   • FFAUTO (a persistent environment variable) can be set to ON to automatically force "not connected" devices in the autoboot list to a "connected" state if other boot attempts fail.
   • FFNEXT (a volatile, one-shot environment variable) can be set to ON to force the next command to a "not connected" device to treat it as "connected," then resets itself to OFF.
6. Firmware Change History: Detailed changes are provided for previous versions (V7.1, V7.0, V6.9, V6.8, V6.7), including I/O option firmware updates, bug fixes (e.g., WWIDMGR hang, Fibre Channel booting issues, Gigabit Ethernet driver fixes), and new feature support (e.g., ATM adapters, increased SCSI targets).