1-1 
1  Boot ROM and Host Software Loading 
Traditionally, switch software is loaded through a serial port. This approach is slow, time-consuming and 
cannot be used for remote loading. To resolve these problems, the TFTP and FTP modules are 
introduced into the switch. With these modules, you can load/download software/files conveniently to 
the switch through an Ethernet port. 
This chapter introduces how to load the Boot ROM and host software to a switch locally and remotely. 
When configuring the Boot ROM and host software loading, go to these sections for information you are 
interested in: 
z  Introduction to Loading Approaches 
z  Local Boot ROM and Software Loading 
z  Remote Boot ROM and Software Loading 
Introduction to Loading Approaches 
You can load software locally by using: 
z  XModem through Console port 
z  TFTP through Ethernet port 
z  FTP through Ethernet port 
You can load software remotely by using: 
z  FTP 
z  TFTP 
 
 
The Boot ROM software version should be compatible with the host software version when you load the 
Boot ROM and host software. 
 
Local Boot ROM and Software Loading 
If your terminal is directly connected to the Console port of the switch, you can load the Boot ROM and 
host software locally. 
Before loading the software, make sure that your terminal is correctly connected to the switch.