Alcatel Carrier Internetworking Solutions omniswitch User Manual

Managing System Files

Switch Administration Overview

OmniSwitch 6600 Family Switch Management Guide

page 2-3

The OmniSwitch has a variety of software features designed for different networking environments and 
applications. Over the life of the switch, it is very likely that your configuration and feature set will change 
because the needs of your network are likely to expand. Also, software updates become available from 
Alcatel. If you change your configuration to upgrade your network, you must understand how to install 
switch files and to manage switch directories.

The OmniSwitch switch has 32 MB of usable flash memory. You can use this memory to store files, 
including executable files (used to operate switch features and applications), configuration files, and log 
files. 

You need to understand the various methods of loading files onto the switch for software upgrades and 
new features. Once the files are on the switch, the CLI has commands that allow you to load, copy, and 
delete these files. The CLI also has commands for displaying, creating, and editing ASCII files directly on 
the switch. You may also want to establish a file directory structure to help organize your files on the 
switch.

All of the files and directories on the switch bear a time stamp. This is useful for switch administration 
because the time stamp allows you to tell at a glance which files are the most recent. You can set the 
system clock that controls these time stamps as well as other time based switch functions. 

The switch can receive and send files using industry standard local and remote transfer methods. Each of 
these methods are defined and explained. Because file transfers can involve logging onto the switch from 
a remote host, security factors, such as DNS resolver and Authenticated Switch Access requirements 
should be considered.

It is not enough to simply transfer a file onto the switch. Once files are on the switch, they must be 
registered in order to become functional. The OmniSwitch has a directory structure that allows you to 
install new software while maintaining a backup copy of your old configuration. This directory structure is 
explained in the 

 and instructions are given on how to execute the 

install command in the 

.