Installing a Memory Upgrade

You can install additional system memory in a PIX Firewall to bring the total RAM capacity to 128 MB. All models of PIX Firewalls can be upgraded including the PIX 515 (if you have a PIX-515-UR feature license), PIX Firewall, PIX10000, PIX 510, PIX 520 AC model, and PIX 520 DC model. References to "PIX Firewall" in only this section refer to any models that preceded the PIX10000. References to "PIX Firewall" in the rest of the book refer generically to all PIX Firewall models.

The memory upgrade requires PIX Firewall software version 4.2(1) or later.

For DC models:

Warning Before performing any of the following procedures, ensure that power is removed from the DC circuit. To ensure that all power is OFF, locate the circuit breaker on the panel board that services the DC circuit, switch the circuit breaker to the OFF position, and tape the switch handle of the circuit breaker in the OFF position.

For both AC and DC models:

Warning Before working on a system that has an On/Off switch, turn OFF the power and unplug the power cord.

Note Always remove old memory before installing new memory. Do not attempt to install more than the 128 MB of memory in a PIX Firewall.

After you remove the power cord from the firewall unit, you can install additional system memory as follows:

Step 1 If the unit is rack-mounted, remove network wires and any cords connecting to the firewall unit. Then remove the unit from the rack and place on a stable working surface. Ensure that the unit is unplugged from its power source.

Step 2 Unpack the items in the memory upgrade kit.

Remove the top access panel from the firewall unit. Remove all screws holding the top access panel in place. Refer to "Opening a PIX Firewall Chassis" for information on how to open the top access panel.

Step 3 Determine the location of your system memory sockets:

PIX 515: refer to Figure 6-1.
PIX Firewall or PIX10000 unit: refer to Figure 6-2.
PIX Firewall "Classic" unit with a serial number before 06004000: refer to Figure 6-3. The serial number is listed at the rear of the unit.
PIX 510 or PIX 520: refer to Figure 6-4.

Figure 6-1: PIX 515 System Memory Location

Note The PIX 515 comes with either 32 MB or 64 MB of memory. If you are upgrading a 32 MB system, you must first remove the 32 MB DIMM memory strip and insert the two 64 MB DIMM strips into the two slots. Either DIMM can go into either slot. If you have 64 MB to start with, add the additional 64 MB DIMM in the empty slot. Proceed now to Step 4.

Figure 6-2: PIX Firewall and PIX10000 System Memory Location

Note The location of the system memory sockets is shown by the "Bank 1" and "Bank 0" notations. The actual text for the banks is inscribed in white lettering on the circuit board near or between the SIMM or DIMM slots.

Figure 6-3: PIX Firewall Units with Serial Numbers Prior to 06004000

Figure 6-4: PIX 510 and PIX 520 System Memory Location

Step 4 Locate the wrist grounding strap in the accessory kit and connect one end to the unit as shown in Figure 6-5, or to the PIX Firewall chassis, as shown in Figure 6-6, and securely attach the other to your wrist so it contacts your bare skin.

Figure 6-5: Attaching the Wrist Strap to a PIX 515

Figure 6-6: Attaching the Wrist Strap to a PIX Firewall

Step 5 With the wrist strap on your wrist, carefully grasp the memory strip from either end. Note that a SIMM strip used for the PIX Firewall and PIX10000 units has circular holes at each side. A DIMM strip used for the PIX 510, PIX 515, or PIX 520 has notches.

Step 6 PIX Firewall or PIX10000 units with serial numbers 06004001 and higher: remove the old SIMM strip(s) as shown in Figure 6-7. Remove the installed SIMM strip by simultaneously pulling outward on the tabs to unlatch them and raising the SIMM to a vertical position, then remove each strip.

PIX Firewall "Classic" units with a serial number before 06004000: refer to Figure 6-8 for how to remove the SIMM.

Figure 6-7: Removing a SIMM from a PIX Firewall or PIX10000

Figure 6-8: Removing a SIMM from a PIX Firewall "Classic"

Step 7 PIX Firewall or PIX10000 units with serial numbers 06004001 and higher: refer to Figure 6-9 and Figure 6-10 for how to insert each SIMM strip in a socket and then swing it forward to secure it.

PIX Firewall "Classic" unit with a serial number before 06004000: refer to Figure 6-11 and Figure 6-12 for how to insert the SIMM at an angle and then swing it down to secure it.

You can install the new memory strips both in either Bank 0 or both in Bank 1. Do not position the strips so that one is in one bank and the other is another.

Figure 6-9: Inserting a SIMM Memory Strip into a PIX Firewall or PIX10000

Figure 6-10: Swinging the SIMM Memory Strip Forward in a PIX Firewall or PIX10000

Figure 6-11: Inserting a SIMM in a PIX Firewall "Classic"

Figure 6-12: Swinging the SIMM Strip down into Place in a PIX Firewall "Classic"

Step 8 To install a DIMM strip:

(a) Remove the old memory strip by opening the two plastic wing connectors, and pulling the old strip up. Discard the old strip.

(b) The PIX 515 comes with either 32 MB or 64 MB of memory. If you are upgrading a 32 MB system, you must first remove the 32 MB DIMM memory strip and insert the two 64 MB DIMM strips into the two slots. Either DIMM can go into either slot. If you have 64 MB to start with, add the additional 64 MB DIMM in the empty slot. Refer to Figure 6-13 and Figure 6-14 for more information.

(c) If you are installing the memory strip in a PIX 520 or earlier model as shown Figure 6-15 and Figure 6-16, install the new strip in Bank 0 by opening the two plastic wing connectors, inserting the strip, and closing the wing connectors.

Figure 6-13: Inserting a DIMM Memory Strip in a PIX 515

Figure 6-14: Securing a DIMM Memory Strip in a PIX 515

Figure 6-15: Inserting a DIMM Memory Strip in a PIX 510 or PIX 520

Figure 6-16: Securing a DIMM Memory Strip in a PIX 510 or PIX 520

When you finish inserting new RAM memory, close the top of the PIX Firewall case, reattach the screws, if desired, rack mount the PIX Firewall, and attach all cables and cords as discussed in previous sections. After the PIX Firewall is installed, you can view the amount of RAM memory in the system startup messages or with the show version command.

Table of Contents

Installing a Memory Upgrade

Installing a Memory Upgrade