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Storing files in flash memory – Allied Telesis AR400 Series Router User Manual

Page 57

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Operating the router

57

Software Release 2.6.1
C613-02021-00 REV D

Storing Files in FLASH Memory

When you purchase the router, the router software release, the online help files,
and a default configuration file are stored in FLASH memory, where they are
saved even if the router is powered down. You will use the FLASH memory to
store updated software releases or patches, and files that record the router’s
configuration. FLASH memory is like a flat file system, with no subdirectories.

The router also has Random Access Memory (RAM). The router software uses
RAM to run the router. When you enter commands to configure the router
these commands affect the dynamic configuration in RAM.

FLASH memory is like a flat file system, with no subdirectories.

File names of up to 16 characters long, with extensions of 3 characters (DOS
16.3 format), are supported on the router. However, files on the router are
stored

in FLASH using the DOS 8.3 format of 8 characters long, with

extensions of 3 characters. For example, the file

extralongfilenam.cfg

may

be saved as

extral~1.cfg

in the FLASH File System. Therefore, files can be

accessed via two file names, either of which can be used for file management.

A translation table, named

longname.lfn

, converts file names between DOS

16.3 format and DOS 8.3 format. To reconcile file names the router consults the
translation table which is synchronised with file contents in memory. For more
information about working with files see the Working With Files section,
Operation chapter, AR400 Series Router Software Reference.

To display the files in FLASH, enter the command:

SHOW FILE

Figure 11: Example output from the SHOW FILE command.

The Locks field indicates the number of concurrent software processes using the file.

The router automatically compacts FLASH memory when a maximum
threshold of deleted files is reached. Compaction frees space for new files by
discarding garbage. A message will appear when FLASH compaction is
activated. Another message appears when FLASH compaction is complete.

While FLASH is compacting, do not restart the router or use any commands
that affect the FLASH file subsystem. Do not restart the router, or create, edit,
load, rename or delete any files until a message confirms that FLASH file
compaction is completed. Interrupting flash compaction may result in damage
to files.

Filename Device Size Created Locks

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

28-72.pat flash 111764 05-May-1997 12:41:42 0

28-74ang.rel flash 2013756 09-May-1997 15:58:55 0

28f72-06.pat flash 123268 18-Apr-1997 15:58:16 0

release.lic flash 32 08-May-1997 16:43:49 0

test.cfg flash 1698 09-May-1997 10:39:42 0

sixteenalongfile.scp flash 24 30-May-1997 15:10:12 0

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