Alcatel Carrier Internetworking Solutions omniswitch User Manual

Managing System Files

Loading Software onto the Switch

OmniSwitch 6600 Family Switch Management Guide

page 2-19

There are three common methods for loading software to and from your switch. The method you use 
depends on your workstation software, your hardware configuration, and the location and condition of 
your switch. These methods are discussed here.

• FTP Server—You can use the switch as an FTP server. If you have FTP client software on your work-

station, you can transfer a file to the switch via FTP. This is normally done to load or upgrade the 
switch’s software or configurations. For details see 

• FTP Client—You can use the switch as an FTP client by connecting a terminal to the switch’s console 

port and using standard FTP commands. This feature is useful in cases where you do not have access to 
a workstation with an FTP client. For details see 

• Zmodem—You can load software directly through the serial port with any terminal emulator that 

supports the Zmodem protocol. Note that a Zmodem transfer of large files may take several minutes to 
complete. For details see 

.

The switch can act as an FTP server for receiving files transferred from your workstation. You can trans-
fer software files to the switch using standard FTP client software located on a host workstation. This is 
normally done to load or upgrade the switch software. 

The following describes how to transfer files where the switch is acting as an FTP server.

1 Log into the switch. Use your workstation’s FTP client software just as you would with any FTP 
application. To log in to the switch, start your FTP client. Where the FTP client asks for “Name”, enter the 
IP address of your switch. Where the FTP client asks for “User ID”, enter the username of your login 
account on the switch. Where the FTP client asks for “Password”, enter your switch password.

Note. If you are using Authenticated Switch Access (ASA), the port interface must be authenticated for 
FTP use and the username profile must have permission to use FTP. Otherwise the switch will not accept 
an FTP login. For information about ASA, refer to the “Managing Switch Security” chapter in the Switch 
Management Guide.

2 Specify the transfer mode. If you are transferring a switch image file, you must specify the binary 
transfer mode on your FTP client. If you are transferring a configuration file, you must specify the ASCII 
transfer mode.