Huawei Switch Firmware Upgrade Guide: A Step-by-Step Approach
Introduction
Huawei switches are widely used in modern networks for their reliability, scalability, and advanced features. However, like any other network device, they require periodic firmware upgrades to ensure they stay secure, efficient, and compatible with evolving network standards. Upgrading the firmware of a Huawei switch can seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be a straightforward process. This document aims to provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to upgrade the firmware of a Huawei switch.
Preparation
Before initiating the firmware upgrade, ensure you have: huawei switch firmware upgrade link
Checked the Current Firmware Version: Log in to your Huawei switch and check the current firmware version. This information will help you determine if an upgrade is necessary and what version to upgrade to.
Selected the Correct Firmware Version: Visit the official Huawei website or contact Huawei support to find and download the latest or required firmware version for your specific switch model.
Understood the Upgrade Path: Some Huawei switches may require an intermediate firmware version before you can upgrade to the latest one. Ensure you follow the recommended upgrade path.
Backed Up Configuration: Always back up your switch's current configuration. Upgrading firmware might reset certain configurations or, in rare cases, fail, potentially causing loss of configuration. Checked the Current Firmware Version : Log in
Connected via Console or SSH: For maximum safety, performing the upgrade via a console cable or a secure SSH connection is recommended. This prevents loss of access during the upgrade.
Power Supply Stability: Ensure the switch has a stable power supply. An interruption during the upgrade can cause irreversible damage to the switch.
Firmware Upgrade Process
display interface briefdisplay vlandisplay ip routing-table.cc file from the flash memory to free up space.There is a common misconception that Huawei switch firmware is hidden behind a "Great Wall" of bureaucracy. While it is not as open-source as some Linux distributions, it is accessible to partners and registered users. Selected the Correct Firmware Version : Visit the
This is the golden rule. Save your current configuration before an upgrade.
save configuration.cfg
And preferably back this file up to a TFTP/FTP server as well.
Huawei uses dynamic URLs, but a past pattern for an S5700 firmware looked like:
https://download.huawei.com/download/downloadCenter?downloadID=123456
However, as of 2025–2026, all downloads require session-based tokens. You cannot bookmark or share raw download links reliably—they time out within hours.