Huawei Switch Firmware Upgrade Online
| Problem | Possible Causes | Recommended Actions | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Restarted but still on old version | Startup item not set / file incompatible | Use check configuration compatible system-software ; re-run boot-loader command | | Checksum error during upload | Corrupted file / transmission error | Verify MD5 checksum; re-download and upload | | "No space left on device" | Flash memory full | Delete unnecessary files; use /unreserved to permanently remove | | Device won't boot after upgrade | Incompatible firmware | Boot from backup partition, use BootLoad menu, or perform version rollback | | Upgrade timed out | Network instability / large file size | Retry during low-traffic hours; use FTP instead of TFTP for large files |
: You can set emergency contact info (email/phone) in the configuration so Huawei can assist if an error occurs during the automated process. Standard CLI Upgrade Process
< Huawei > display version
Once the system software is safely in the flash memory, instruct the switch to use this new file during the next boot sequence. Step 1: Configure the Boot Image
Verify the setting:
For newer models like the S5700 or S6700 series, you can use the graphical interface.
Complete Guide to Huawei Switch Firmware Upgrade: Step-by-Step VRP Update Tutorial
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the process. From preparation to post-upgrade validation, we cover everything needed to execute a smooth, risk-free update, along with recovery strategies for when things don't go as planned.
Ensure your specific switch model supports the target software version. Upgrading an end-of-life (EOL) switch to unsupported firmware can cause boot loops or permanent hardware failure. Verify system requirements, including minimum memory (RAM) and flash storage space. Schedule a Maintenance Window Huawei Switch Firmware Upgrade
Download and run an FTP/SFTP server application (such as FileZilla Server or 3CDaemon) on your local PC.
The target VRP version requires an updated foundational boot loader.
Confirm that the switch has registered the new files for the next reload cycle: display startup Use code with caution.
After the switch comes back online, perform systematic checks to confirm the upgrade succeeded and the network operates normally. | Problem | Possible Causes | Recommended Actions
Transfer the new firmware to the switch using one of the following methods:
Major version jumps often invalidate old licenses (e.g., V200R010 to V200R020). Fix: Generate a new license file from Huawei’s License Center using the switch’s ESN ( display esn ). Upload it via: bash <Huawei> license active LIC_S5720_2024.dat
If the flash is full, delete old logs, backups, or the old .cc file to make room.
Upgrading the firmware (often called the system software or VRP image ) on Huawei switches is essential for: startup system-software S5720-V200R023C00SPC500.cc
<Huawei> startup system-software S5720-V200R023C00SPC500.cc
