Linux Networking Cookbook

2.13. Updating the Soekris comBIOS

Problem

The comBIOS on your Soekris board is old, so you have downloaded a newer version. How do you install it? Is it safe? Will you turn your routerboard into a hightech doorstop?

Solution

Relax, it's fast and easy. The only risk is if the power fails during the actual installation; if that happens, your board could indeed be rendered useless. The installation takes a few seconds, so the risk is minute.

First, download the updated comBIOS to your PC from http://www.soekris.com/downloads.htm.

Then, upload the file over the serial link to the Soekris board. To do this, enter the comBIOS by pressing Ctrl-P before Pyramid boots. Next, at the BIOS command line, enter the download - command (that's download, space, hyphen). Then, hit Enter.

Next, press Ctrl-A, S (that's Ctrl-A, release, S, release) to bring up Minicom's download menu. Select Xmodem from the list of protocols. Navigate to the upgrade file by using the spacebar to select any directories you want to change to, and then the file itself. (Sometimes it takes a couple of spacebar hits to change to a new directory.) The file is small, but it takes a couple of minutes to upload. You'll see something like Figure 2-2.

When the file is finished downloading, and you are back at the BIOS command prompt, type flashupdate:

	> flashupdate
	.Erasing Flash.... Programming Flash......... Verifying Flash.... Done.

	>

Reboot, and that's all there is to it.

Discussion

You're using both comBIOS and Minicom commands to ...