Acquiring Firmware

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Firmware files are available from the StarOS Download Page. Download accounts are available for free, but do require e-mail validation. After logging in, firmware releases are available by selecting the Latest Firmware folder followed by the Release folder. Inside the Release folder, firmware releases are organized by version number.

For 1.1 series firmwares, choosing a firmware version will take you to folders for individual platforms, which will contain the appropriate files for the selected platform. For 1.3 series firmwares, choosing a firmware version will allow you to choose between FCC and World versions of the firmware, followed by a choice between "gen" and "vnc" versions. The "gen" version is a non-branded firmware release designed for use in OEM applications, while the "vnc" version is Valemount Networks branded, similar to the 1.1 series firmwares. After choosing "gen" or "vnc", you will be presented with folders for individual platforms, which will contain the appropriate files for the selected platform.

For all firmware versions, upgrade files are available with a .pkg extension. Pkg files can be uploaded to equipment via starutil, which will then allow you to use the "Upgrade Firmware" option (in the System menu) to update the firmware. Most firmware versions also include a .bin or .cf file which is designed to be loaded onto equipment that does not contain an existing StarOS image. Loading methods for .bin and .cf files vary by platform.

StarOS Firmware Versions

MIPS-COMPEX

The MIPS-COMPEX release is created specifically for the 1 port WAR board (WAR-1). WAR-1 boards are designed especially for use as client access units and include one mini-PCI wireless port and two ethernet ports. The two ethernet ports are switched together and recognize as one ethernet port in the firmware; Lonnie has stated that the second ethernet port will be removed in a future hardware revision.

X86-PC

The X86-PC release is designed for use in a wide variety of Linux-capable PC's and is specialized for use in core/border routers. As of January 1, 2008, StarV3 does not include BGP, but this feature is planned for future inclusion in the X86-PC version. The X86-PC release includes drivers for a number of different motherboards and ethernet adapters. In addition, the X86-PC release requires that the boot image is loaded on a DOM or CF set to primary master and cannot be licensed without a supported ethernet device.

X86-WRAP

The X86-WRAP release is designed for the PC Engines Wireless Router Application Platform, or WRAP boards. WRAP boards are now considered end of life and have been superseded directly by the PC Engines ALIX board, as well as indirectly by the different models of WAR boards. WRAP boards came in a variety of hardware revisions that had from one to three ethernet ports and one or two mini-PCI slots. In addition, most WRAP board revisions include serial ports that can be used to access the system console. WRAP serial ports require settings of 38400/8/N/1. As noted in this forum thread, the X86-WRAP release does not work properly on the ALIX board (the ethernet ports will not be recognized).

XSCALE-L2

As of January 1, 2008, the XSCALE-L2 release is for a hardware platform that has not yet been released.

XSCALE-METRO

The XSCALE-METRO release is for a specially designed 4-port WAR board known as the WAR-4/METRO or WAR-METRO. The METRO differs from the WAR-4 in that all four mini-PCI slots are on the same side of the board, specifically the side opposite the ethernet ports and other components. The XSCALE-WAR release will not work on a METRO, and the XSCALE-METRO release will not work on a standard WAR-4. Some hardware revisions of the METRO require 24V DC power while others require 48V DC power. Both revisions are rated to support four high powered radios (commonly used high-powered cards include Ubiquiti's SR and XR series), while the standard WAR-4 will only support two high powered radios.

XSCALE-WAR

The XSCALE-WAR release is used for boards based on the Gateworks embedded PC boards. There are WAR boards with both 2 and 4 mini-PCI slots, known as the WAR-2 and WAR-4 respectively. Both types of boards have two ethernet ports and two mini-PCI slots on one side of the board (usually considered the front); the WAR-4 also has two additional mini-PCI slots available on the back of the board. Depending on the hardware revision, WAR-2 and WAR-4 boards may have serial ports available. When available, these serial ports can be used to access the system console of a board and perform a factory reset. According to Tony, the serial settings required are 115200/8/N/1.

XSCALE-WP188

The XSCALE-WP188 release is designed for the 4-port WAR boards used in the Lucaya X4000 series hardware. A specifications sheet is available from Valemount Networks. These boards, like the original WAR-4, have two mini-PCI adapters on each side of the board as well as two ethernet adapters on one side of the board.

Starutil Firmware Commands

In order to upload locally stored firmware to a StarOS device using starutil, the syntax is:

starutil {ip address} {password} [-p port] -f {firmware file}

{} = required information
[] = optional information

Using starutil version 1.16 or later and uploading firmware to a device running StarOS 1.3.0 or later, allows direct application of the new firmware without opening an SSH session. In order to use this feature, add the -a tag to the end of the starutil command.

Regardless of how the new firmware is applied, the system must be rebooted after the flash procedure in order to use the new firmware. To do this using starutil, the syntax is:

starutil {ip address} {password} [-p port] -reboot

{} = required information
[] = optional information