hp-firmware

hp-firmware [OPTIONS]
hp-firmware --list [--all]
hp-firmware --update <COMPONENT> <FIRMWARE_FILE> [--force] [--reboot]
hp-firmware --version
hp-firmware --help

--list
    Lists the currently installed firmware versions for recognized hardware components on the system.

--update <COMPONENT> <FIRMWARE_FILE>
    Initiates a firmware update for a specified <COMPONENT> using the provided <FIRMWARE_FILE>. The component name must match one recognized by the utility.

--all
    Used in conjunction with --list to display all recognized components, including those for which no firmware update is currently applicable or available.

--force
    Forces the firmware update, overriding any version checks or warnings. Use with caution as forcing an update can potentially lead to system instability if the firmware is incompatible or corrupted.

--reboot
    Automatically reboots the system after a successful firmware update, if a reboot is required by the firmware for the changes to take effect.

--host <IP_ADDRESS>
    Specifies the IP address of the Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) interface for remote firmware management operations.

--user <USERNAME>
    Specifies the iLO username for authentication when performing remote operations.

--password <PASSWORD>
    Specifies the iLO password for authentication when performing remote operations. It is generally recommended to avoid entering passwords directly on the command line for security reasons.

--log-file <FILE>
    Redirects the output and log messages of the command to the specified <FILE> instead of standard output.

--version
    Displays the version information of the hp-firmware utility.

--help
    Displays a concise help message with available options and syntax, then exits.

The hp-firmware command is a utility provided by Hewlett Packard (HP) / Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) for managing firmware on their server and workstation hardware running Linux.

It enables administrators to query the current firmware versions of various system components (like System ROM, iLO, network adapters, storage controllers, etc.) and to apply new firmware updates. This tool is crucial for maintaining system stability, security, and performance by ensuring that hardware components are running the latest compatible firmware.

It typically operates in conjunction with other HP/HPE system management tools and often requires specific firmware update files obtained from the HPE support website. While hp-firmware is still used on many legacy systems, newer HPE hardware and Linux distributions might utilize more modern tools like hpe-fwupdate or the fwupd daemon with its fwupdate utility.

The hp-firmware utility is specifically designed for Hewlett Packard (HP) / Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) hardware and may not function on other vendor's systems.

It typically requires root privileges to execute. Firmware updates carry inherent risks; always ensure stable power and proper files before initiating an update. Incorrect or interrupted updates can render hardware components, or even the entire system, inoperable.

For newer HPE hardware or recent Linux distributions, hp-firmware might be deprecated or replaced by more modern tools like hpe-fwupdate or the general Linux fwupd framework. Always consult HPE's official documentation for your specific server model and Linux distribution for the recommended firmware update procedures.

Firmware update files used by hp-firmware must typically be downloaded from the official HPE Support website. These files are usually provided in specific formats, often as `.bin` or `.rpm` packages containing the actual firmware image. Ensure you download the correct firmware version for your specific hardware model and operating system before attempting an update.

Before performing any firmware update: 1. Backup critical data. 2. Ensure stable power (e.g., using a UPS). 3. Verify the firmware file integrity (checksums). 4. Read the release notes associated with the firmware update for specific instructions or prerequisites. 5. Schedule downtime as updates often require a system reboot and can take some time to complete.

The hp-firmware utility emerged as part of HP's suite of Linux management tools, designed to provide enterprise-grade firmware management capabilities directly from the operating system.

It was developed to simplify the process of maintaining and updating server and workstation firmware, often working in conjunction with tools like HP System Management Homepage (SMH) and HP Insight Diagnostics. Its existence reflects the increasing need for integrated system management solutions in complex server environments, moving away from purely out-of-band updates or DOS-based flashing utilities. While still relevant for older HP/HPE systems, its role has been evolving with the advent of more generic firmware update frameworks in Linux and newer HPE-specific utilities.

hponcfg(8), ssacli(8), dmidecode(8), lshw(1), hpe-fwupdate(8)