Description:
This article describes the different ways in which firmware updates can be performed for LANCOM routers and access points.
Important:
Note that the device will restart following a firmware update. Perform the firmware update only when a brief loss of the device functions is practicable.
Separate release processes exist for firmware versions that are provided via the Auto Updater, the software update in LANconfig, and the LANCOM Management Cloud. As a result, new firmware versions on these platforms are available slightly later.


Procedure:
1) Update using the Auto Updater integrated in LCOS:
LANCOM routers and access points offer an Auto Updater feature for firmware versions as of LCOS 10.20. This enables devices to keep their firmware up to date independently. The device has to be connected to the Internet for this.
1.1) Open the device configuration in LANconfig, navigate to the menu Management → Software update and adapt the parameters to your individual needs.
  • Update mode: Leave this option set to Check & update in order for the device to update firmware automatically.
  • Check interval: Choose between Daily and Weekly.
  • Update policy: Choose between the different settings.
    • Latest version:
      The system will always update to the highest available firmware version (e.g. from 10.20 Rel to 10.20 RU1 or even 10.30 Rel).
    • Current version:
      An update is performed within a release only (e.g. from 10.20 Rel to 10.20 RU1 but not to 10.30 Rel).
    • Security patches only: Default setting
      Updates are performed for security updates only (e.g. 10.20 Rel to 10.20 SU1, but not to 10.20 RU2).
    • Latest version w/o release:
      Updates are performed for release updates, security updates and patch releases only (e.g. 10.20 RU1 to 10.30 RU1, but not to 10.30 Rel).
  • Check time frame: Enter the desired time frame during which checks for new firmware versions are carried out.
  • Installation time frame: Enter the desired time frame during which new firmware is installed.
  • E-mail notification : If desired, you can receive information about software-update events by e-mail.


In order for e-mail to work, the SMTP account must be set up.



2) Update using the Online Updater integrated in LANconfig:
As well as firmware updates, the LAN tools (LANconfig and LANmonitor/WLANmonitor) can also be updated.
2.1) Navigate to LANconfig Tools → Options → Update and adjust the settings according to your needs.
2.2) The LANCOM software update searches for new firmware versions at the specified interval and offers them for installation.


You can also trigger this process manually by going to LANconfig  Tools → Check for updates .




3) Manual firmware upload in LANconfig:
3.1) Download the firmware from the download area and save it to your PC.
3.2) Mark the device in LANconfig, right-click on the device and, in the context menu, select Firmware management → Upload new firmware.


You can also drag and drop the firmware file (*.upx) from your download folder to the selected device in LANconfig.

 3.3 Select the firmware and click Open.


Optionally the new firmware can be started in test mode. If the firmware isn't set active within a certain time (default is 5 minutes) the old firmware is activated again.

If the device is reachable after the reboot, LANconfig displays a message where you can activate the firmware in test mode. 

As an alternative you can also activate the firmware by accessing the menu Firmware Management in the context menu of the device and executing the command Activate Firmware running in Test Mode.




4) Manual firmware upload using the web interface (WEBconfig):
4.1) Download the firmware from the download area and save it to your PC.
4.2) Connect to the device via the web interface (WEBconfig) and go to Extras → File management → Perform a Firmware Upload.
4.3) Select the firmware file and upload it to the device.


Optionally you can start the firmware in test mode and enter a time span. If the new firmware isn't set active within this time span, the old firmware is activated again.  

The firmware in test mode can be activated in the menu Extras → LCOS Menu Tree → Firmware → Switch-Firmware.




5) Central firmware management by WLAN controller:
In a WLAN controller scenario, the firmware of managed access points and Wi-Fi routers can be updated by the WLAN controller.
Instructions are available in this Knowledge Base article.



6) Firmware update via the LANCOM Management Cloud:

Devices managed by the LANCOM Management Cloud (LMC) can receive firmware updates via the LMC.

6.1) Login to the LMC and click on Devices.

6.2) Mark the device to be updated, click on the three dots in the upper right corner, and select Firmware update.