How to use EFI files

[phfr83]

Hello,

I have an E810-CQDA2 card and I download 28.2.1 Release Package.

Can you explain how to install and use "*. efi" files :

epct64e.efi

nvmcheck64e.efi

BOOTUTIL64E.EFI

nvmupdate64e.efi

...

Sincerely yours

[Fariz_Intel]

Hi phfr83,

There are several ways to use an EFI file. The most common ways are through Bootloader Installation and UEFI Shell.

For example, to use an EFI bootloader, you need to place the EFI file in a specific location on your EFI system partition (ESP). The exact location may vary depending on your operating system and bootloader. Common EFI bootloaders include GRUB, rEFInd, and Windows Boot Manager. To access the UEFI shell, you typically need to press a specific key (e.g., F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) during system boot. Once in the shell, you can run EFI files like any other command-line program.

However, each EFI file serves a different purpose. For instance, 'epct64e.efi' is The Ethernet Port Configuration Tool (EPCT), a command-line utility that allows users to change the link type of a device. You can find the steps to use it in this link Ethernet Port Configuration Tool - EFI README Text Files (epct_1.39.56.9.txt), under Installation chapter.

'BOOTUTIL64E.EFI' is for the Intel Ethernet Flash Firmware Utility (BootUtil), used to program the PCI option ROM on the flash memory of supported Intel PCI and PCI-Express-based network adapters. You can use BootUtil to update configurations. The steps can be found in this link Upgrade, Enable, or Disable Flash with the Intel® Ethernet Flash Firmware Utility.

Meanwhile, 'nvmupdate64e.efi' is used for the Intel Ethernet NVM Update Tool, which you can refer to using this link Quick Usage Guide for Intel® Ethernet NVM Update Tool for EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface). On the other hand, 'nvmcheck64e.efi' can be used from a Bash/Linux command line, for example:

> [root@localhost Linux_x64]# ./nvmcheck64e

> NVM Integrity Verification Tool v1.25.01.03

Let us know which EFI files you require assistance with.

Best regards,

Fariz_Intel

[phfr83]

Hi,

Thank you for your answer.

My card is exactly  an E810-2CQDA2.

I would like to reproduce the Intel test (DPDK_23_03_Intel_NIC_performance_report - Test #9) on my platform.

To prepare this test,  I prepare my server with the attached physical configuration (cf My_configuration.pdf).

With your software tools included in "28.2.1 Release Package" and your response, I have updated the sofware configuration of my NIC (NVM, DDP and ice Driver)

But I have one remaining problem: my links do not go up. I use a 100G Generic AOC.

Is the problem caused by my cable or by a software configuration error ?

Are there recommendations for the choice of QSFP28 and cables?

Sincerely yours

[Fariz_Intel]

Hi phfr83,

We apologize for the late response.

You may use the Intel Product Compatibility Tool, as per the link below, to check the compatibility of the QSFP28 and cables.

Intel Product Compatibility Tool > select Intel Ethernet (works great on Microsoft Edge browser)

https://compatibleproducts.intel.com/

Since you are trying to reproduce the Intel test (DPDK_23_03_Intel_NIC_performance_report - Test #9), we recommend referring to the DPDK.org site or opening an IPS case at the IPS Support site (it will require signing in or signing up), as per the link below:

DPDK.org

https://www.dpdk.org/

How to Register and have Access to Intel® Premier Support

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000057045/ethernet-products.html

Best regards,

Fariz_Intel

[Fariz_Intel · Accepted solution]

Hi phfr83,

It seems like there is a similar post to this, and we greatly appreciate your response to that post. This thread may no longer be monitored; however, feel free to submit a new question if any additional information is needed.

Best regards,

Fariz_Intel