This article explains how to upgrade the firmware on a Digi TransPort or Sarian router using Flashwriter via your Ethernet port.
If you need to upgrade your firmware using Flashwriter via the serial port, please see this article: How to upgrade the firmware on a Digi TransPort router using Flashwriter – Serial Procedure
Please note that upgrading the firmware using Flashwriter will erase any existing configuration files on the router.
1) Download and install Flashwriter.
2) Obtain the latest Flashwriter firmware zip file, which can be found at one of the following links depending on your model:
Cellular Routers Support Page
It is very important that the correct firmware file is used for the model number being upgraded. If you attempt to load firmware designed for one model onto a different model the router may cease to function and will be difficult to recover.
Note that there is at least one variation of firmware dependent on the module. To determine which module module you have, please see the following article: How to Determine which module to select in the Flashwriter Procedure. This article will also come into play on step 14 of this procedure.
To locate the correct firmware for your model, after clicking on a link above, select the subdirectory containing the version you wish to download (the newest version is recommended) then the subdirectory relating to your model. Select the zip file to download it. The format of the file name is as follows:
<model name>-<firmware version>.zip
As an example, the file called WR44-5162.zip is firmware for the WR44 model and is firmware version 5.162.
3) Extract all of the files, from the downloaded zip archive, to a directory on your PC.
4) Close any other programs that are running on your PC.
5) Connect the LAN 0 port of the router to the local Ethernet network, unless the model appears in the list below, in which case please use the specified LAN port. If you are connecting the router to your PC 'directly' via Ethernet (i.e. not via a local network) please ensure that a (non-managed) switch is connected between the router and PC.
Model Port Number
VC7400 LAN 4
VC5100 LAN 1
MW3520 LAN 1
6) Run the Flashwriter program that was installed in step 1).
7) Select 'Eth' as the 'Communications port number/Interface' in Flashwriter, which is the last entry in the drop down list.
8) On the main Flashwriter screen, ensure that:
- The 'Configure only' check box is NOT ticked
- The 'Use event driven mode' check box IS ticked
- The 'Use Xmodem 1K' check box is NOT ticked
- The 'Use TFTP' check box IS ticked
9) Click the 'Load' button.
10) Click 'Yes' when prompted with the warning message.
11) Enter the serial number of the router. This is located on the label on the underside of your TransPort. On the label, you will note a line that shows SN / HW Rev / Batch. These correspond with the values to the right of those. The SN stands for serial number. This is the six digit number which is the value Flashwriter is looking for.
Once you enter the serial number of the TransPort, click OK.
12) A message will pop up, “Next enter the location of the .all file. Click OK.
13) Enter the location of the '.all file' that you extracted from the zip file earlier (step 3) and then click Open.
14) Select the W-WAN module that is in your TransPort.
Please see the following article on determining which module you have: How to Determine which module to select in the Flashwriter Procedure.
Click OK after selecting the module.
At this point the Flashwriter program will update your firmware.
If you have any issues, please note what, if any, error messages pop up.
If it does error out, please try to run the procedure once again.
Please note: The TFTP firmware load takes place via Ethernet. However, Flashwriter can establish initial contact with the router either via the serial port or via Ethernet. The Ethernet option is provided because it is more convenient, but please note that the Ethernet option does not work in all circumstances:
- Some older products do not support Ethernet
- Some older bootloaders do not support Ethernet
- If the firmware on the unit is badly corrupted, Ethernet may not work
Some common issues:
- Selecting a serial port when actually using an Ethernet cable
- If there is a firewall in place, make sure it is not blocking port 69.
- Bad or no Ethernet connection
- Sometimes we see an error message and it’s something in the laptop or computer itself. Maybe trying another PC or laptop will resolve the issue.
- Ensure you are loading the correct firmware.
- If you are connecting the router to your PC 'directly' via Ethernet (i.e. not via a local network) please ensure that a (non-managed) switch is connected between the router and PC.
|