Selecting the Utilities option from the Main Menu opens the LoadMaster Utilities screen.

Software Upgrade

Using this option, you can install or remove patches for the operating software of the LoadMaster. A number of options are available when the Software Upgrade option is selected:

  • Install Update

    With this option, you can download a patch onto the LoadMaster from a remote server. The server must be running an SSH daemon.

    Once the patch has been downloaded, the patch is unpacked and verified. If the patch is valid, then the name of the patch is displayed and you are asked to confirm if the patch should be installed. A copy of the current operating software is saved before the patch is installed. You can recover this software at a later date using the “rollback update” option.

  • Rollback Update

    If a patch needs to be removed, this option allows the previous version of the operating software to be recovered. Only one previous version is available. When the software has been recovered, it is not possible to recover any earlier versions.

  • Reset to Factory Defaults

    Reset the configuration of the appliance with the exception of the license information, usernames, and passwords.

Transfer Protocol

This option allows you to specify which transfer method should be used to transfer data between the LoadMaster and a remote server. The selected method is used to store a backup on a remote server or to download software patches. The default method is “ftp”.

  • Use ftp protocol

    Using this option, the Internet standard “ftp” protocol is used. Most servers support this protocol.

  • Use scp protocol

    The “scp” - secure copy – transfer method may be selected. This is more secure than “ftp” but is normally only supported on UNIX servers. If this mode is selected, the transfer of SSL certificates can only be performed using the menu system and not using the Web interface.

  • Use http protocol

    Using this transfer method, backups to a remote server cannot be performed.

    Software patches can however be downloaded from any web server where the patch has been made available.

License Management

This option permits the input of a new license key, for example, when updating from an evaluation to a full license. We recommend rebooting after updating the license.

Diagnostics

This menu allows the user to perform diagnostic functions on the LoadMaster. The following options are available

  • Ping Host

    You can "ping" a remote host.

  • Self Test

    Tests that the Layer 4 and Layer 7 daemons are running correctly.

  • View Log Files

    Allows you to view various messages (boot.msg, warning messages, standard messages, and the HA logfile) in a terminal view.

  • Software Versions

    Displays the software version running on the LoadMaster.

  • Enable Diagnostic Login

    Allows root access to the kernel. An ‘Xroot key’ is also supplied that enables temporary (six hours) xroot access

    Note: The option Enable Diagnostic Login should only ever be enabled when requested to by LoadMaster Support staff.

    If this option is enabled in normal operation, this may result in unauthorized access to the LoadMaster. The diagnostic login will be disabled upon reboot of the LoadMaster or it can be disabled from this menu.

  • Disable Diagnostic Login

    Disables the diagnostic login.

  • Diagnostic Shell

    Opens a shell where you can perform diagnostic operations on the LoadMaster kernel.

    Telnet can be used as a troubleshooting tool for testing connectivity from within the Diagnostic Shell.

    Note: This should only be done with the assistance of a Support Engineer.