Update DDF files from the APC website vs. check Firmware Updates?

[DCIM_Support]

Hi all!

Essence of my question and my already solved problem: using DCE client it is impossible to execute update DDF files from the APC website and, besides, it is impossible to execute check Firmware Updates.

And, I solved the last problem quickly, as I understood, that for successful execute check Firmware Updates it is required to open outgoing connection from the DCE server to production update URL: https://updates.apc.com:443/. And practically only it is already enough for successful execute check Firmware Updates from the DCE client.

I was also a little surprised, when I in FA293307 read:

Resolution:

Data Center Expert reaches out to updates.apc.com to obtain the latest available firmware. Using HTTP to navigate to the URL and then FTP to download the catalog file. In most cases the reason that Data Center Expert doesn't have the firmwares available is because one or both protocols are being blocked. Generally, opening or adding an exception to a firewall allowing the Data Center Expert server to reach the web corrects this issue.

 Why are specified, wrong in my opinion, the HTTP protocol and still, besides, the FTP? And why the correct HTTPS (443) protocol isn't specified only? Check Firmware Updates is executed only according to this protocol, what it is possible to be convinced easily, if just to see inside archive of a Configuration Backup of the DCE server nbcServer.tar in the table update_retrieval_settings of the built-in postgresql DB netbotz:

sqlconfiguration_xxxxx_xxxxx_7.4.2/nbcServer.tar#utar/data/tmp/dbdump/netbotz-- -- Data for Name: update_retrieval_settings; Type: TABLE DATA; Schema: public; Owner: root -- COPY update_retrieval_settings (settings_id, update_url, is_dev, is_upgrade, check_interval, check_date) FROM stdin; current https://updates.apc.com:443/isxc/ f t 1 2017-01-28 10:37:55.765+00 \. 

Ok, appeared to deal with the first mentioned problem, i.e. update DDF files from the APC website a little more difficult. I fondly believed, that having opened above the mentioned network access from the DCE server, update DDF files from the APC website shall be carried out successfully. But as it appeared isn't work :-(. After short researches of a network traffic, it turned out, that in this case it is already necessary to open similar network access, but from the PC where DCE client is worked :-). I.e., successful execute update DDF files from the APC website requires to open outgoing connection from the DCE client PC to production update URL: https://updates.apc.com:443/. Notice: only one HTTPS (443) protocol, but not HTTP and not FTP.

And again I was surprised, but this time because these nuances of setup outgoing network ports of the DCE client it isn't mentioned anywhere in all. Even in quite detailed Online Help: StruxureWare Data Center Expert Version 7.4.1. Why?

Very thanks for the support.

(CID:111415036)

[DCIM_Support]

Hi Spezialist,

I'll speak to engineering and verify ports/protocols and update the k-base as necessary. 

Steve

(CID:111415272)

[DCIM_Support · Accepted solution]

So apparently older versions did use http and FTP and now https only is used. K-base has been updated accordingly.

(CID:111938892)

[DCIM_Support]

Thanks for the made really correct corrections in k-base 😀.

(CID:111938925)

[DCIM_Support]

What would cause this error ?

Alarm Type:

DDFSYNC

Alert Raised Time:

01/15/2019 03:24:31 pm  

Device Info:

Model:  APC  

IP Address: 10.10.205.63

Firmware Version: 7.5.0.62

Description

Device status may be inaccurate because an attempt to transfer a device definition file (DDF) failed.

Make sure 'Device File Transfer Settings' lists the Username, Password and IP Range combination needed to access this device.  Also make sure the device is connected to the network and operating normally, with the file transfer protocol enabled.  If the problem persists, contact APC Support (http://www.apc.com/go/direct/index.cfm?tag=support).

*** This message is generated by StruxureWare Data Center Expert ***

Sent By Host : apc.csb.com

When updating firmware on Rack PDU's and Transfer Switches, does it cause any kind of power interruption during that process?

(CID:137733107)

[DCIM_Support]

Dear Jim Kuder,

Your questions do not relate of this topic: it would be better to create a separate question.

From your question:

What would cause this error ?..

On this problem here on EcoStruxure IT there are many topics with answers. To avoid this problem, you must follow the instructions StruxureWare Data Center Expert message "Device status may be inaccurate due to attempt to transfer ....

When updating firmware on Rack PDU's and Transfer Switches, does it cause any kind of power interruption during that process?

Of course not.

With respect.

(CID:137733214)

[DCIM_Support]

This question is closed for comments. You're welcome to start a new topic if you have further comments on this issue.