Updating EtherLINQ Firmware

There are 3 methods for updating firmware on the EtherLINQ:

1. The Check For Updates button

2. Manual update

3. Via USB memory stick

Unless stated otherwise in the firmware release notes, upgrading the EtherLINQ’s firmware will NOT erase any saved configuration settings, but a backup of the EtherLINQ’s configuration before updating the firmware is highly recommended. Each EtherLINQ firmware release is independent; the latest version can be installed without installing any intervening releases.

NOTE : While the EtherLINQ is installing new firmware, the top row of LEDs will rapidly flash in sequence and the OS LED will turn off. The firmware update process typically takes 6-7 minutes and the EtherLINQ will reboot at the end of the process.

DO NOT POWER OFF THE ETHERLINQ DURING A FIRMWARE UPDATE

Powering off the prematurely may permanently damage the EtherLINQ. Wait for the OS LED to remain on solid before attempting to connect to the EtherLINQ or powering the device off.

1. Check For Updates Button

On the Status tab, the button next to the current firmware release causes the EtherLINQ to contact a Proxicast server and report if newer firmware is available. For this firmware update option, the EtherLINQ must have an active Internet connection and a FAT32 formatted microSD memory card installed.

Figure 1: Check for Firmware Updates

The EtherLINQ will display a results page indicating if newer firmware is available.

Figure 2: Check Updates Status

Please review the Release Notes link to see what changes have been incorporated into the latest EtherLINQ firmware. Click the Download & Install button to begin the firmware update process. Depending on the speed of the EtherLINQ’s WAN connection, it may take several minutes for the firmware to download.

When downloading is complete, the EtherLINQ will display a confirmation page. The new firmware will be installed on the next reboot of the EtherLINQ.

Figure 3: Check Updates Confirmation

2. Manual Firmware Update

The EtherLINQ’s firmware can also be updated manually by using the firmware Update button on the Admin tab. For this option, you must first manually download the EtherLINQ firmware from the Proxicast web site. Check http://support.proxicast.com for information on the latest EtherLINQ firmware. Both firmware updates and downgrades may be performed using this process.

Figure 4: Manual Firmware Update

The Update button presents a dialog page to specify the location of the firmware image file that you downloaded from the Proxicast web site (click the Choose File button). EtherLINQ firmware image files are digitally signed to ensure that the firmware being installed is genuine Proxicast firmware. EtherLINQ firmware files have a file extension of “.signed”.

Figure 5: Firmware File Selection

Click the Upload button to transfer the firmware file into the EtherLINQ’s temporary storage. A confirmation page will display; Click the Begin Flashing button to start the actual firmware update process.

Figure 6: Firmware Flashing

3. Firmware Update via USB

EtherLINQ firmware can also be installed without access to the user interface via a USB memory stick (thumb drive). This allows field personal to perform updates while maintaining security; it is also a convenient way to update many EtherLINQs quickly. For this procedure a FAT32 formatted USB drive is required.

1. Download the desired EtherLINQ firmware image file from http://support.proxicast.com

2. Copy the file to the root directory of the USB drive. Only have one version of firmware at the root.

3. Power off the EtherLINQ and insert the USB drive into the EtherLINQ’s USB port

4. Power on the EtherLINQ

After several seconds, the EtherLINQ will detect the firmware file on the USB drive and begin the firmware update process. The top row of LEDs will flash rapidly in sequence. Wait for the EtherLINQ to reboot again and the OS LED to remain on solid. Then remove the USB drive.

NOTE : This process can only be used to install a higher numbered EtherLINQ firmware version; downgrading requires access to the EtherLINQ’s user interface. The EtherLINQ will not attempt to reinstall the same firmware version should the USB drive be left in place.