USG FLEX H Series - Firmware Upgrade Memory Check

Zyxel_Claudia

The latest uOS update (version 1.21) introduces a firmware upgrade memory check to ensure that devices have sufficient memory available before performing a firmware upgrade. This enhancement aims to prevent upgrade failures due to insufficient memory, especially for devices with limited system memory, such as the USG FLEX 100H and USG FLEX 100HP.

Background

Firmware upgrades require sufficient memory to ensure smooth and successful updates. Fast Path optimizes packet processing using pre-allocated memory, which, along with system tasks and other functionalities (e.g., VPN connections, client device insight), consumes a significant portion of the available memory. Devices like the USG FLEX 100H and USG FLEX 100HP are particularly affected due to their system memory capacity.

Insufficient Memory Handling

1. Short-Term Solution:
   • A pop-up notification will inform users if the device needs to be rebooted to release more memory for the firmware upgrade.
   • Example notification: "Please reboot the device first before performing the firmware upgrade."
2. Long-Term Solution:
   • Optimization of memory usage across all programs is targeted for firmware version 1.30 to reduce the need for reboots before upgrades.

Memory Requirements

• Manual Firmware Upgrade:
  • Requires 700 MB of free memory space.
  • The web GUI will prompt users to reboot the device if the available memory is insufficient.
• FTP, Cloud and NCC Managed Device Firmware Upgrade:
  • Requires 350 MB of free memory space.
  • The message or log will also instruct: "Please reboot the device first and then perform the firmware upgrade".

Conclusion

The new firmware upgrade memory check in uOS 1.21 ensures that devices have sufficient memory before performing an upgrade, thereby preventing upgrade failures and ensuring smoother operations. While the short-term solution involves prompting users to reboot their devices, the long-term goal is to optimize memory usage in future firmware updates.