Firmware update for UCS C220 M5

[Jimjams21]

Hi,

Firs time working with UCS devices and I've just been asked to update all available firmware to the latest one for our standalone C220 M5SX. There's actually an issue with launching KVM where I kept getting login failed or timed out but I'll leave for out for now.

I can see BIOS version C220M5.4.0.2a.0.1102180244 and BMC version 4.0(2c) which I believe are old. The server also runs ESXi 6.5.0 custom Cisco image which I will also need to upgrade.

Question - what is the best way to get BIOS, BMC and whatever else that needs upgrading, updated with latest firmware, and which firmware should I be downloading, ie. Unified Computing System (UCS) Server Firmware- 4.1(3b)?

Thank you,

James.

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

If you read the Release Notes, the procedure to upgrade the CIMC firmware is incomplete and confusing.  @Rasika Nayanajith has knocked up a detailed step-by-step process (LINK) that I find very useful.  

WARNING: 

CIMC upgrade can take, on average, 70 minutes.  During this time, the server is off.  

[Kirk J · Accepted solution]

For Rack servers, you boot to the HUU iso, and select 'upgrade all'

Depending on components present, it can take an hour or so to upgrade. 

Firmware download: https://software.cisco.com/download/home/286318809/type/283850974/release/4.1(3b)?i=!pp 

General  steps: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/unified_computing/ucs/c/sw/lomug/4_0/b_huu_4_0_2/b_huu_4_0_2_chapter_01.html

Depending on what ESXi version you are looking for, there should be Cisco Customized image (i.e. 6.7U3, 7.02U2, etc) that you can download from VMware's website.  You can upgrade ESXi via booting an ISO, or applying an 'offline' zip bundle via a esx cli command

https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vSphere/7.0/com.vmware.esxi.upgrade.doc/GUID-A4301ADA-8E02-459D-BF9D-0AD308DA5325.html

Kirk...

[Jimjams21]

Thanks all for your replies.

Another question - I've managed to get KVM working but all I'm seeing is a blank screen. As mentioned before this is my first time working with UCS devices. Am I expected to see something like a menu or a login screen?

Thanks.

[Jimjams21]

So, since I can't get KVM to show anything except for a blank screen, how would I be able to upgrade the firmware remotely? Am I out of luck and need to get someone to physically upgrade the firmware?

[Leo Laohoo]

Have a look at this:  CIMC Upgrade – 8540/5520 WLC

[Jimjams21]

Thanks, I have read the article. Don't think it'll help me with my situation much as I can't get KVM to work. Haven't really found much on the webs regarding blank KVM screen.

[Leo Laohoo]

That KVM "interface" uses Java. 

Can you try using a very, very old browser that still supports Java?

[Jimjams21]

Just tried with IE11 which I consider very old and still getting a blank screen. I'm new to UCS is there any key I can type to possibly activate a KVM or something? I tried hitting random keys on the keyboard but to no avail.

[Jimjams21]

Finally managed to get KVM working so I should now be able to upgrade the firmware remotely. Thanks all for your help.

[Leo Laohoo]

Good to hear!