Ufs Firmware Update
Pirjo
Firmware is programming that's written to a hardware device's non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory is a form of static random access memory where the content is saved when a hardware device is turned off or loses its external power source.
Hardware makers use embedded firmware to control the functions of various hardware devices and systems, much like a computer's operating system (OS) controls the function of software applications. Firmware may be written into read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or flash memory.
American computer scientist Ascher Opler is said to have coined the phrase firmware in a 1967 issue of the publication Datamation. He used the term to describe a type of microprogram in between hardware and software.
Firmware updates are often issued to fix bugs, prevent firmware hacks, roll out new features, improve security or interact with new media. Firmware updates consist of code that tells the hardware how to behave in a new or modified way.
Some internet-connected devices regularly check for new firmware and automatically download and install it. Other device manufacturers require the user to visit the manufacturer's website to download and install firmware updates manually. Manufacturers release updates on a regular basis.
The frequency of firmware updates will vary depending on the device. The firmware in a smart light bulb may not need frequent updates. However, the firmware on a smart thermostat may need to be updated periodically to remain compatible with smartphone OS updates. Smartphones commonly automate firmware upgrades alongside software updates so the phone remains functional and users don't have to manually update firmware versions to coincide with software updates. The process of remotely updating firmware by downloading upgrades from the service provider is sometimes referred to as firmware over the air.
Many electronic devices also require that the device remains powered on while updating firmware so that the update doesn't get corrupted. Corrupting a device's firmware can damage some devices or cause them to malfunction.
Firmware is software that provides basic machine instructions that allow the hardware to function and communicate with other software running on a device. Firmware provides low-level control for a device's hardware. For this reason, it is sometimes called "software for hardware." Another distinguishing feature is that firmware is not generally designed to be user friendly.
Software is designed for users to interact with to accomplish specific tasks. It sits above the firmware, abstracted from the hardware, and uses the firmware to communicate with the underlying hardware. Software is more complex and not as bound to the underlying hardware.
Examples of software include computer programs such as OSes. Applications for word processing, video conferencing and listening to music are also examples of software. A software program can usually be changed out without replacing a hardware component, whereas firmware often can't.
Firmware that is embedded in flash memory chips can be updated more easily than firmware written to ROM or EPROM. As flash memory plays a bigger role in the enterprise, admins must learn about the types of flash and their use cases.
Firmware is a form of microcode or program embedded into hardware devices to help them operate effectively. Hardware like cameras, mobile phones, network cards, optical drives, printers, routers, scanners, and television remotes rely on firmware built into their memory to function smoothly.
Hardware manufacturers regularly release firmware updates so their devices remain secure and compatible with new media. For example, Android and iOS devices periodically get firmware updates that enhance their performance, add new features, and protect them against security threats and vulnerabilities. Updates for firmware for devices like game consoles and televisions are typically done by accepting prompts to download and install the latest patch.
Aside from the device startup process, the BIOS is responsible for checking the Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS), which is a piece of memory that stores BIOS settings, and other chips on a device. It also checks signals that are sent to the RAM, such as when a user presses a key, to help the operating system understand what action to take.
The original EFI firmware is used in Macs and can only support Intel processors. Unified EFI (UEFI) is a piece of firmware designed to replace the BIOS in new Windows computers and supports AMD and Intel processors. UEFI is used to load and start up operating systems in devices that run Windows 8 and beyond.
The firmware version of a hardware device can be discovered by opening the Devices Manager folder, selecting the hardware, and clicking Properties. Within the Details tab, navigate to the Property menu, open the Hardware IDs option, and the firmware version will be listed in the Value table.
Firmware updates enable hardware devices to continue operating efficiently and securely. These updates typically involve some form of program alteration that fixes a known bug or patches against specific vulnerabilities.
Hardware devices are vulnerable to firmware attacks, which can lead to hackers embedding malware into the firmware. The BIOS has proven to be particularly insecure because different devices often share the same code, enabling attackers to discover and exploit common vulnerabilities.
Furthermore, devices like laptops are packed with firmware that powers hardware like batteries, sound cards, and webcams. This introduces a security risk, as producers of these components may not design the firmware with cybersecurity top of mind. As a result, they could be vulnerable to firmware hacking, which leads to malware attaching itself to the firmware and remaining hidden without being detected by antivirus and other security tools.
Firmware attacks can come through various vectors, from malware and rootkits to infected hard drives, corrupted drives, and insecure firmware products. Hackers do not have to physically touch a device to carry out an attack. They can do so through remote connections like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This means that the growing market of connected devices, such as game consoles, mobile phones, and television, is increasingly becoming vulnerable to firmware hacking.
Enterprises must prioritize firmware security and be aware of the threats they face to prevent hackers from accessing and taking control of their machines. Firmware security is mainly reliant on hardware manufacturers to keep their devices current and safe. As a result, manufacturers create measures that ensure their firmware withstands attacks, as well as release regular patches and updates.
Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices are especially vulnerable to cyberattacks because they often lack the security measures that are built into laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. As a result, IoT devices have become popular targets for attackers to embed malware and malicious code in an attempt to compromise systems.
Device manufacturers increasingly address IoT security by deploying over-the-air (OTA) updates to firmware, a process that reduces disruption and increases the extensibility, reliability, and security of IoT firmware. The updates also patch any bugs that could pose a threat.
Firmware is a microcode or program that is embedded into the memory of hardware devices to help them operate. It enables hardware like cameras, mobile phones, network cards, optical drives, printers, routers, scanners, and television remotes to function smoothly.
A program that informs a device's processor how to begin the startup process is considered firmware. Computers, mobile phones, and tablets rely on firmware like Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) and Extensible Firmware Interface (EFI) to load their operating systems.
Starting from GRP260x firmware 1.0.5.26, Grandstream GRP260x IP phones support Click2Dial add-in on various web browsers.
HERE is the User Guide.
Click on the link below for the extension for each web browser.
For Chrome
For Firefox
For Edge
For Safari
First, I tried using the upgrade wizard using a 940-0127E cable and then a straight USB cable (yes, we removed NMC 2). I wasn't sure if we should use the USB or the console port (APC Telco support said the console port - RJ45). With USB and the 4.0 Upgrade wizard, all I got was something to the affect that there was no compatible upgrade available (the driver did install completely and properly). When I tried the 940-0127E on the console port, we only got a warning that no port could be found (I assume the wizard only looks for COM ports below a certain number?). Tried on 3 machines all with Windows 7 Ultimate. Also tried safe mode and with pretty much everything that I could disable, disabled..... No luck.
Next, I tried a different approach and used FTP to place the firmware file suggested in FA164737 onto the UPSFW directory on the NMC2. That worked fine, but I keep getting "incompatible with this UPS" warnings. The file suggested is SMT4UPS_07-1_Le_NOT750.enc. I tried a few others with the same results. I was just guessing.....
I am standing down until I get some guidance. I am confused as to what the current firmware revision should be anyway. Looks like the wizard is pushing 7.1, but in other places I have seen references to > 8.0.
In summary, some pieces of hardware, while they have the same SKU i.e. SMT1500, have different hardware. The ID you see, 14, identifies the hardware to me. The different hardware versions support different firmware to support their different internal hardware. Functionality is the same.
So, according to How do I update the firmware of my SMT, SMX, SMC, or SRT series Smart-UPS? FAQs Schneider Electr..., ID14's newest firmware version I can see available is indeed SMT4UPS_07-1_Le_NOT750.enc. >8.0 would be for different SMT1500 "IDs."
Also, this UPS has USB port then "UPS Monitoring Port (Serial). USB appears to be a standard A to B and the RJ-45 is part number 940-0625A (or 940-1525A would be fine too). The 940-0127 cable is for use with Back-UPS and some older Smart-UPS. You wouldn't use it with anything SMT/SMX related for sure. Do you have 940-0625 handy if we need it?
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