MPX Node v1.6.1 - Release Notes and Update Instructions

Updated by Geoff Steadman

Scope

This document applies to the following Omnia MPX Node devices;

  • Omnia MPX Node Decoder - part number 2001-00522-000
  • Omnia MPX Node Encoder - part number 2001-00529-000

Description

This firmware update is advised for all users of MPX Nodes. Changes include the addition of SNMP features, support for update file encryption, memory and log storage optimizations and other internal improvements.

Version 1.6.1 (May 2023) Release Notes

Security

While Telos has consistently recommended that MPX Node be run in a secure VPN environment, we know that some customers choose to run their units on the public Internet, leaving themselves open to probes and exploits. As with our previous 1.5 release, changes in our latest release help harden the system against hackers and bad actors, proactively reducing user risk.  Security changes include: 

  • Support for Encrypted update files

Stability 

Support has seen a couple of rare cases where the GUI may become inaccessible (even while the product continues to pass the MPX signal), requiring a remote session from Telos Support or a power cycle to clear it.  Stability upgrades include: 

  • Upgraded log rotation, log compression and automatic deletion of old logs to prevent storage from filling up
  • System file check eliminates 0 byte files

New User Features

Preparing to update

If you are updating from a very early version, such as 1.1.5,  updating may clear some settings on the MPX Node. Before you update, write down existing settings or take screen shots of Setup pages and associated tabs, just in case a setting gets overwritten. 

Download the Update File

Version 1.6.0 can only be installed on units running version 1.3.37 or higher. 

If your MPX Node is running any lower software version (1.3.35 or below), you must install version 1.3.37 first before installing 1.6.0. This intermediate step installs an update component that must be present before you can install higher releases. 

Note that version 1.6.0 marks the introduction of encrypted update package files. For users who have participated in our beta program and have already installed a 1.6.0 beta, you will now need to upgrade using the encrypted .epkg file type. Other users can use the .pgk type. All future releases will migrate to .epkg delivery, and your browser should present the appropriate .pkg vs .epkg type based on your current installed version.

Save the update files to a convenient location on your computer.

Installing the Update

A cautionary note about remote updates. While updating via remote is more convenient than driving to the transmitter, there is always a risk when updating by remote since you aren’t standing right in front of the unit. In the event you need to perform a hard power cycle to your unit, be ready with a contingency plan, just in case!

The MPX Node has a dual software bank update system. You can safely update the bank that is NOT active while the unit is online without disrupting programming, then choose a convenient time to switch to the new firmware. Software updates are always uploaded to the inactive bank.

  1. Using your web browser, navigate to the main web page of your MPX Node.
TIP - The IP Address of your MPX Node can be obtained by repeatedly tapping the upper user button on the front panel until the IP Address is displayed.
  1. Log in with your username and password.
  2. From the left side menu, click on System Setup.
Picture of the main menu
  1. At the bottom of the System Setup page, click on the SELECT FILE button.
  1. Using the dialog box that opens (this will differ depending on your operating system), browse for and select the file you previously downloaded.
  2. Click the UPLOAD button. A progress bar will show you the status of the upload. Once complete, the version number in the Firmware bank that is inactive will reflect the new version number.
  3. Click the Make Active link on the bank that contains the new version.
  1. A confirmation screen will prompt you to proceed with a reboot.
Note that activating new firmware requires restarting your unit. This will take about one minute and will interrupt the audio. Make sure your MPX Node is not on-air when changing firmware or rebooting the MPX Node.

Release History:

Version 1.6.1 (May, 2023)

  • Restored missing config file that could result in a 404 error when upgrading from pre 1.6.0 versions

Version 1.6.0(April, 2023)

  • Changed system to run web GUI, µMPX app, and packet duplicator as non-root users
  • Added update package encryption at build and decryption at install.
  • Added MIB-II compliant SNMP.
  • Added detailed error handling to the software bank manager and the UI when updating.
  • Updated log processing system to handle more cases of large logs.
  • Added file system check for /config partition on every boot.
  • Added zero byte file check, delete it if zero.
  • Decoder Dashboard GUI change: Statistics now displays as a percentage of packets received, rather than a number (from 0 to 1024).

Version 1.5.0 (August, 2022)

  • Password system reworked
  • Internal security hardening
  • Login authorization required for all software endpoints
  • Removal of accounts used for demo purposes.
  • Required acceptance of our End User License Agreement (EULA).

Stability 

Support has seen a couple of rare cases where the GUI may become inaccessible (even while the product continues to pass the MPX signal), requiring a remote session from Telos Support or a power cycle to clear it.  Stability upgrades include: 

  • Upgraded log rotation, preventing logs from taking up too much storage
  • Internal service failure detection and automatic restart.  

New User Features

  • More granular settings for MPX level output and uMPX Delay settings
  • Finer resolution mouse wheel control support of all sliders

Version 1.3.35 (April 6, 2020)

Features
  • Multicast is now a supported option and can be enabled via a license key applied to the Decoder
  • Additional streams can be added via a license key applied to the Encoder

For more information on enabling new features, please refer to these Help Docs links:

Enhancements
  • Each network interface supports its own unique gateway
  • DNS is now user-configurable
  • Internal log files are now accessible on the standard system page
  • Slider controls now operate more smoothly
  • Ability to set Encoder stream DSCP and TTL settings implemented
  • improved sonic performance

With major changes to the Network stack, MPX Node is now capable of sending/receiving redundant streams over separate networks. Sending to the same IP address on both Net1 and Net2 provides packet redundancy to the decoder.

Version 1.1.5 (Jan 9, 2020)

Features
  • Maintenance release only, no new features in this version.
Fixes
  • Fixes a rare issue where an ill-timed reboot could result in corruption of the flash memory.

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