Installing Firmware for the LTE Modem (Sierra EM7565)

Installing Firmware for the LTE Modem (Sierra EM7565)

Note: If cellular connectivity with the current SIM(s) and firmware provides reliable connectivity, there is no need to update the firmware.  We only recommend updating firmware to potentially resolve technical issues.

Examples of the commonly used carrier firmware has been circled (AT&T, Verizon, and GENERIC). Firmware files are also available in the ZPE's Sharefile (requires credentials). 



Important Notes:

First it is important to know the difference between a "carrier configuration" and the firmware itself.  Both are listed via the firmware button on Network :: Wireless Modem or via the 'show settings/wireless_modem/global/<card slot>/firmware/' command in the CLI.  Carrier configurations are named based on the firmware version referenced and the carrier's name; i.e. 01.07.02.00_ATT.  The firmwares themselves will not list a carrier in their name; i.e. 01.07.02.00.

This is important because the modem card can only carry 4 firmware files at a time, making it best to only upload the ones that you know you will need or plan to use in the future.  Up to 20 carrier configurations can be installed, though they will only function properly if they reference installed firmware.  If removing an unused firmware, be sure to remove all associated carrier configurations which reference that firmware to avoid unexpected behavior if a related SIM is installed at a later time.  We recommend keeping the GENERIC configuration and its related firmware as this is the fall back used in case the carrier cannot be identified or no related carrier configuration is installed.  We want to save you the trouble or headaches in the future.

Here is an example of a clean implementation: This lab system uses an AT&T SIM and may use Verizon in the future.  In addition to these carrier configurations & firmware, GENERIC and Spint configurations are installed which happen to reference the same firmware which is also installed.  This modem still has room for a fourth firmware and/or additional carrier configurations that reference one of the installed firmwares:

  build id             type                   unique id  
  ===================  =====================  ===========
  01.08.04.00          Firmware Image                    
  01.07.02.00          Firmware Image                    
  01.14.20.00          Firmware Image                    
  01.07.02.00_ATT      Carrier Configuration  002.008_004
  01.08.04.00_GENERIC  Carrier Configuration  002.012_001
  01.08.04.00_SPRINT   Carrier Configuration  002.001_000
  01.14.20.00_VERIZON  Carrier Configuration  002.058_000

Warning: When updating firmware, each zip file includes both the carrier configuration and the related firmware.  If uploading a file which includes a new firmware and four are already installed, one of the existing firmwares will automatically be deleted to make room for the new firmware.  This will leave the modem with one or more carrier configurations installed which reference firmware that is not available.

Update steps via GUI:

Log onto your Nodegrid's management portal and click on "Wireless Modem" (Network :: Wireless Modem).  Place a check next to the modem interface (example "Channel-A") and then the "Firmware" button will become active.  Click on the "Firmware" button.


Once you click on the "Firmware" button, the window below will appear.  Click on "Upgrade" and this will now open another window, which will now allow you to upload a firmware of choice.



Click on "Choose File" button below and navigate to the firmware that you had just downloaded in your laptop/PC.  After you select it, click on the "Upgrade" button.  This will upload and save the firmware to modem. Repeat this step for all other firmware that you need to upload.



Once the modem detects the carrier on the SIM card, it will load the correspondent firmware.  You can check on the progress of the update on some Nodegrid OS versions using the "Upgrade Log" button.

Update steps via CLI:


1. First, transfer the Sierra Wireless.zip file to Nodegrid under /var/sw/ folder (for example, you can use WinSCP from Windows or SCP command from Linux / Mac OS).
2. Then, access Nodegrid as admin (or user with admin permission), and type the commands below (with example of a Verizon file and modem on Channel A):

cd /settings/wireless_modem/global/Channel-A/firmware/
upgrade
set file_location=local_system
set filename=SWI9X50C_01.14.20.00_VERIZON_002.058_000.zip
upgrade

3. Once the upgrade is complete, the modem will reboot, and should come up after a minute or so.
4. You can check the version actively being used by typing the following from the root shell (accessed via: shell sudo su -):
mmcli -L
mmcli -m x (where x is the number for the modem)

Example:

root@nodegrid:~# mmcli -L
    /org/freedesktop/ModemManager1/Modem/0 [Sierra Wireless, Incorporated] EM7565
root@nodegrid:~# mmcli -m 0
  ----------------------------------
  General  |                   path: /org/freedesktop/ModemManager1/Modem/0
           |              device id: 34a77695517cf7c9a1c3f291c1f9087a7bc2ee20
  ----------------------------------
  Hardware |           manufacturer: Sierra Wireless, Incorporated
           |                  model: EM7565
           |      firmware revision: SWI9X50C_01.24.20.00 6c91bc jenkins 2018/06/13 23:08:16
           |         carrier config: default
           |           h/w revision: 10001
           |              supported: gsm-umts, lte
           |                current: gsm-umts, lte
           |           equipment id: 359260080499442
  ----------------------------------

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