Process of Upgrading EPLD on Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switch

CE.

Sure, I can explain the process of upgrading an EPLD on a Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switch.

Firstly, EPLD stands for "Electrically Programmable Logic Device", which is a type of firmware that is embedded in hardware components on the switch, such as modules, line cards, or power supplies. The EPLD is responsible for controlling the functions and performance of the hardware component.

Now, let's address each statement and see which ones describe the process of upgrading an EPLD:

A. EPLDs are only capable to be upgraded to the latest EPLD image.

This statement is true. EPLDs can only be upgraded to the latest available version, which is typically obtained from the Cisco website. Before upgrading, it is recommended to check the release notes and compatibility matrix to ensure that the new EPLD image is compatible with the switch software and hardware.

B. EPLD upgrades are capable to be completed without powering down the module during the upgrade.

This statement is also true. EPLD upgrades are designed to be non-disruptive, meaning that they can be completed without causing any downtime or impacting the normal operation of the switch. The EPLD upgrade process is usually performed online, while the switch is still running, and does not require any manual intervention or configuration changes.

C. An upgrade verification identifies the impact of each EPLD upgrade.

This statement is true as well. After upgrading the EPLD, it is recommended to perform an upgrade verification to ensure that the new image is functioning correctly and does not cause any issues or errors. The verification process may involve checking the logs, running diagnostic tests, or verifying the module status.

D. The EPLDs for all the modules on a switch must be upgraded at the same time.

This statement is not entirely accurate. While it is recommended to upgrade all the EPLDs on a switch to the latest version, it is not mandatory to do it at the same time. The EPLD upgrade can be performed on individual modules or groups of modules, depending on the specific requirements and constraints.

E. EPLDs are capable to be upgraded without replacing the hardware.

This statement is true. Unlike some other types of firmware or hardware components, such as ASICs or FPGAs, EPLDs can be upgraded without replacing the physical hardware. This makes the upgrade process easier and less expensive, as it does not require any additional equipment or resources.