DFE Switch Won't Boot when installed with Operational DFE Switches

[FAQ_User]

Article ID: 5131

Products
Matrix N-Series
DFE

Changes
Installed new device

Symptoms
Won't boot
"The chassis has no compatible version"

Cause
What follows is an enhanced partial extract from firmware 6.02.01.0006 release notes, INSTALLATION AND CONFIGURATION NOTES section:Installing a New DFE
When installing a new DFE type to an existing system, the system's
operating firmware image needs to be compatible with the new DFE. It is
recommended that the system be upgraded prior to installing the new DFE.
If the system isn't upgraded prior to the installation, the new DFE will
not complete initialization and join the rest of the chassis. It will
remain in a halted state until the running chassis is upgraded to a
compatible firmware version.

Minimum Firmware Image Required:
2G4072-52 5.36.03
4G4202-60 3.11.04
4G4202-72 5.27.01
4G4205-72 5.27.01
4G4282-41 3.11.04
4G4282-49 5.27.01
4G4285-49 5.27.01
4H4202-72 3.11.04
4H4203-72 3.10.03 (first Gold release)
4H4282-49 3.10.03 (first Gold release)
4H4283-49 3.10.03 (first Gold release)
4H4284-40 3.11.04
4H4285-49 4.21.09
7G4202-30 1.07.23
7G4202-60 3.11.04
7G4202-72 5.27.01
7G4205-72 5.26.04
7G4270-09 3.11.04
7G4270-10 3.11.04
7G4270-12 1.07.19 (first Platinum release)
7G4280-19 5.14.01
7G4282-41 3.11.04
7G4282-49 5.27.01
7G4285-49 5.26.04
7GR4202-30 5.36.03 (first Diamond release)
7GR4270-12 5.36.03 (first Diamond release)
7GR4280-19 5.36.03 (first Diamond release)
7G-6MGBIC-B 5.41.25
7H4202-72 3.11.04
7H4203-72 2.00.13
7H4284-49 3.00.33
7H4382-25 3.11.04
7H4382-49 1.07.19 (first Platinum release)
7H4383-49 2.00.13
7H4385-49 4.21.09
7K4290-02 4.05.07
7K4297-02 6.02.01.0006
7K4297-04 6.02.01.0006
7KR4290-02 5.36.03 (first Diamond release)
7KR4297-02 6.02.01.0006
7KR4297-04 6.02.01.0006
7K-2XFP-6MGBIC 5.41.25

System Behavior
If a new DFE is inserted into the system, the new DFE will inherit all
system parameters and all firmware files stored on each module in the
system. Any firmware files stored on the new device, which are not common
to the system, will be automatically removed. If the new DFE does not have
a copy of the current system's boot image, it will automatically be
upgraded and then the module will re-initialize and join the system.
NOTE: If the new DFE requires a newer firmware image than the image
running in the chassis, the master module MUST be upgraded to the newer
firmware before inserting the new DFE. If the system isn't upgraded prior
to the installation, the new DFE will not complete initialization and join
the rest of the chassis. It will remain in a halted state until the
running chassis is upgraded to a compatible firmware version.For the full disclosure statement, consult the latest release notes for the 7xxxxx-xx (Platinum/Diamond) or the 4xxxxx-xx (Gold) line, as appropriate.

When a DFE cannot initialize because the chassis is not running a compatible firmware version, the following message is displayed every 20 seconds in a serial management session to the switch in question: The chassis has no compatible version of xx.xx.xx to run on this module. ...where "xx.xx.xx" represents the version of firmware that the chassis is running.

Solution
There are four general scenarios that could be used to introduce a new DFE switch (7G4202-30 with firmware 1.07.23, for example) into a chassis of DFE switches (7H4382-49s with firmware 1.07.19, for example):

1. Install the new DFE switch into the chassis containing operational DFE switches.
   The Management DFE switch will automatically install the (old) running firmware and configurations onto the new switch. If the firmware version is lower than what is required by the new switch (as in this example), it will not receive the firmware and it will instead hang on bootup.
   
   • Power down the chassis, install the new DFE switch, and power up the chassis.
     The first operational DFE switch will assume the Management role. If one of the older DFE switches boots up faster than the new one, the result will be as in scenario 1. Otherwise, the result will be as in scenario 3.
     
   • Upgrade the operational DFE switches (5040) before installing the new DFE switch.
     The Management DFE switch will automatically install the (new) running firmware and configurations onto the new switch, after which it will boot up and become operational.
     
   • Back up the configuration of the old DFE switches (5035), remove them from the chassis backplane (5036), install and power up the new DFE switch, download and activate the saved configuration (5035), and re-install the old DFE switches (5036).
     The new Management DFE switch will automatically install the (new) running firmware and configuration onto the old switches, which will then boot and become operational.
   If the image transfer is interrupted due to power outage or backplane problems, the user might see scenario 2, or multiple Masters in the same chassis.