How firmware and software updates work
To enable the latest features and keep your devices secure, the firmware and software applications for appliances and video units should be kept up to date.
Update management page
The Updates page is available in the Configuration task and on the Maintenance page of systems in the Subscriptions Portal. The page lists all devices and appliances with pending firmware updates and lets you manually install them. If you do not apply updates manually, they are installed automatically during the maintenance window shown on the page.
The Updates page currently supports firmware updates for Synergis™ Cloud Link appliances.
Automatic updates
| Device type | Downtime during update | Manual update support |
|---|---|---|
| Appliances | ||
| Axis Powered by Genetec | The first firmware update for the appliance takes about 15 - 20 minutes. Subsequent updates take about 7 - 10 minutes. During this time, access readers don’t function, and doors don’t open. | ✔ |
| Synergis Cloud Link | Firmware updates take about 30 - 60 seconds. During this time,
access readers and doors remain functional but are offline in Security Center
SaaS. As a result:
|
✔ |
| Genetec Cloudlink™ 110, 210, and 310 | Edge OS updates require the appliance to restart. After an
update, the applications on the appliance restart. Full functionality is restored
within 5 minutes. During this time, devices connected to the appliance are
offline. Application updates take about 90 seconds. During this time, the appliance remains online, but events from connected devices associated with the application are not recorded. |
|
| Video units | ||
| Axis direct-to-cloud cameras | Downtime varies by manufacturer. | |
Automatic updates occur during maintenance windows specific to the device or appliance. For more information, see Maintenance windows for automatic firmware and software updates.
Manual updates
| Device type | Downtime during update | |
|---|---|---|
| Video units | ||
| Video units connected to a Genetec Cloudlink | Cameras can be offline for up to 5 minutes during the update process. | |
To update firmware manually, select the device or appliance on the Devices page of the Configuration task. In the Software section of the details pane, click Update now.
Considerations for appliances
- Appliance updates are staggered
- To ensure system stability, Security Center SaaS staggers firmware updates across appliances. All updates are completed within the designated maintenance window.
- Updating the firmware of Axis Powered by Genetec appliances
- Security Center SaaS administrators receive an email when new firmware is available. If administrators don't perform the update manually, an automatic update occurs on the date specified in the notification email.
- Updating the firmware of Synergis Cloud Link appliances
- By default, Security Center SaaS administrators receive email notifications when new
firmware is available. You can unsubscribe from these emails in the user settings.
Pending updates are displayed on the Updates page of the Configuration task. If appliances aren't manually upgraded, an automatic update runs during the maintenance schedule displayed on the Updates page. The maintenance schedule is non-configurable.
If your firmware version is earlier than 3.2, Security Center SaaS prompts you to update to version 3.2 before updating to the latest version. After you update to version 3.2, it takes up to 15 minutes before you can perform a manual update to the latest version.
Considerations for video units
- Axis direct-to-cloud cameras
- Automatic updates occur when new firmware or Axis Camera Application Platform (ACAP) versions are available. Cameras restart during the update process, which synchronizes the camera and provides access to new features. Manual updates of firmware and ACAP are not supported.
- Video units connected to Genetec Cloudlink appliances
- After a firmware update, you must manually synchronize the camera to access new features in Security Center SaaS. For more information, see Keeping camera features up-to-date.