If you haven't already, visit the [Brocade Overview](brocade-overview.md) page to download the latest guide package and get it ready to be served via TFTP - this unified package includes all the latest firmware, licenses, and documentation.
**Connect** to the serial/console port on the front using a program like Putty (9600 8N1), then connect the **management ethernet port** to your network (do NOT use any of the regular switch ports yet).
Power on the switch while watching your serial terminal - it will have a prompt saying ```Hit b to enter the boot monitor``` - press ```b``` quickly and you'll be dropped into the bootloader prompt, now we can upgrade the software. If you missed the prompt and it boots the OS instead, pull power and try again.
At the boot prompt, we need to give it a temporary IP in the subnet of your network, so it can talk to your TFTP server. This IP will not be used again after it leaves the bootloader. Replace the IP in the example below with an unused IP on your subnet:
**Note:** If you get an error stating `factory set-default` is not a valid command, this means your switch has a very old bootloader. In that case since we just flashed the latest bootloader, we just have to tell the switch to reset. Then it will load the new bootloader, and the command will work:
**Note:** If your switch says that it is part of a stack even after doing the above, then you will need to unstack it before being able to configure and update it. You'll see several prompts when booting that it is a stack member and the command menu will show stack specific commands (ex: stack, simulate-non-stacking-unit). You can unstack your switch by running the following command:
Now that it's booted into the full OS you may get **_TFTP timed out_** errors in the console, this is normal. just hit enter until they go away. We'll fix that in the next section. Now to make any changes we must enter the enable level:
Now we give the switch its permanent IP address. By default, all ports are in VLAN 1, so it will behave like a typical switch. First we need to give VLAN 1 its own virtual interface:
Now we need to assign that virtual interface an address. Choose an IP that is unused in your subnet, and out of your DHCP server range (ping it first to be sure it's unused):
Now your switch is set up for basic switching, and has an IP address you can use to manage the switch. But you're not done yet!
>**Note:** You should now unplug your ethernet connection from the dedicated management port, and instead connect it to any of the **regular switch ports**. If you skip this, the rest of the guides will not work.
If your switch is the PoE model, you need to update the PoE controller firmware. If it's a non-PoE model, skip this section. Assuming you completed the previous section and the switch now has in-band network access (one of the regular ports are connected), just do the following:
This optional section outlines how to use the ICX6610 rear "stacking only" QSFP+ ports as regular data ports instead. Note that two of the QSFP+ ports are 40gbE only, and the remaining two are 4x 10gbE breakout only. You must be on the latest FastIron release for this to work (so, follow the above update instructions if you haven't).
### Removing Stack Configuration
There are going to be some stacking commands automatically put in your configuration, so we need to remove them. To see what you need to remove, show the config:
```
show run
```
Towards the top you should see a stacking related block similar to the below:
```
stack unit 1
module 1 icx6610-48-port-management-module
module 2 icx6610-qsfp-10-port-160g-module
module 3 icx6610-8-port-10g-dual-mode-module
stack-trunk 1/2/1 to 1/2/2
stack-trunk 1/2/6 to 1/2/7
```
We need to remove the two ```stack-trunk``` lines. Notice that they are under the ```stack unit 1``` level, so you need to enter that CLI level first. While we're in there, we'll also disable stacking:
```
enable
conf t
stack unit 1
no stack-trunk 1/2/1 to 1/2/2
no stack-trunk 1/2/6 to 1/2/7
stack disable
exit
write mem
```
Now show the config:
```
show run
```
There should no longer be any ```stack-trunk``` commands, or any commands referencing stack ports. That's pretty much it! You can now use the ports on the rear as normal. However, see the next section on how they are laid out.
### Port Layout
Keep in mind two of the rear ports are 4x 10gbE breakout only, and the remaining two are 40gbE only. The two 40gbE-only ports will NOT run at 10gbE (for instance with a QSFP to SFP+ adapter), so use these two for 40gbE links only. The extremely professional diagram below shows the port config and their associated port numbers in the OS:
The ICX66610 power supply bricks came in 3 revisions: A, B, and C. These will have an affect on how loud the switch is. Generally with an A revision PSU anywhere, even combined with a B or C revision in the other PSU slot, the PSU fans will run louder.
The switch will be much quieter if you can find and run B and/or C revision bricks. There's no difference noise wise between B and C. Most sellers do not list the revision so you have to check the ebay pictures [for the revision marking.](store/psu-rev.jpg)
Also, it seems the PSU and fan tray position also affect fan speed. If you are running 1 PSU and fan tray, position them in the furthest left slots, when looking at the switch from the rear. If you have 2 PSUs and 1 fan tray, position the fan tray in the furthest left fan tray slot when looking at the rear of the switch.
Like other EoL ICX6xxx series switches, the ICX6610 requires license file unlocks for 10gbE port functionality as well as some advanced software features. These licenses are no longer sold. To prevent e-waste and save these from landfills, I am providing free unlocks for use in a homelab or personal environment. Once you've finished the update and configuration process, proceed to the [ICX6610 Licensing](6610.md) section to fully license and unlock your switch. If you have an FCX, you can use the [FCX Licensing](fcxlic.md) section.
