AP8653 firmware update

[whoamigr]

Hi, I have a question. I have several AP8653 that I updated to the latest firmware, with some of them upgraded to version v7.1.4 and others individually to v3.1.1.4. All the PDUs are the same model AP8653 but have different NMC models, AP9538 and ON-1570. Can I push the same update to all PDUs, or does each NMC require its own specific version?

[Teken]

Your first task is to confirm what NMC is installed to each unit: NMC2, NMC3, etc

Next, confirm which NMC is subscribed to the APC SNS if at all. Knowing both above will guide you to which firmware is applicable to your specific environment.

The NMC2 is end of life and the latest firmware is v7.1.6. The NMC3 without the SNS Subscription you can use v7.1.6 firmware also. 

New APC NMC3 coming out of the factory come with 3.XX firmware and also have the option to subscribe to the Secure NMC System (SNS).

Lastly, to add even more confusion when the SNS was first launched the firmware started at v1.XX ~ 2.XX firmware which is now as of 2024 3.XX! 🤦‍♂️

NOTE: Once you have confirmed which firmware version applies to you. Ensure you have the APC FAQ as it relates to recovering the NMC should the firmware go sideways! 

Do (NOT) try to upgrade a NMC that is at a major level behind. 

IE: NMC 2 Increment from say v5.XX -> 6.XX - 7.XX. Any NMC 3 that is on the SNS firmware say 1.XX must be upgraded to 2.XX before you go to 3.XX.

Lastly, better have a hot spare available! 🤣

[whoamigr]

Dear TekenThank you so much for your detailed response! Your explanation was very clear and easy to understand. I appreciate the guidance, and I'll make sure to follow your advice regarding the NMC models and firmware updates.

Thanks again!

[jeremyhu]

Where do we actually find these incremental (and latest) firmware?  Searching SE's site for AP8653 firmware only results in apc_hw21_rpdu2g_2-5-0-6.nmc3.  As expected based on this post, this fails for my NMC2 units.  However, it also fails to deploy to my NMC3 units running rpdu2g v1.2.0.4.  Also, this doesn't seem to be the latest version as I have a newer unig with v3.0.0.5 ...