How to download the F5 ISO image directly in BIGIP console

Introduction:

In scenarios where traditional methods like using WinSCP or configuration utility uploads are unavailable, downloading software updates directly onto your F5 device can be a lifesaver. With the F5 SSH console and internet access, you can leverage tools like Curl to effortlessly download ISO files. Let's explore this streamlined approach for downloading F5 images directly onto your device.

F5 BIGIP image download link

Login to you my.f5.com portal with your credentials, if you don't have then sign up for new account. Once you have logged in navigate to the Resources tab then select your desired image which need to be downloaded, at bottom of the page select the nearest country and click on the copy download link.

Curl Command and Options

    Before we start download using the curl ,lets understand the curl command and the options used to download the ISO image.

curl -O -L -J "download link"

curl tool, which is a command-line utility for transferring data from or to a server.

"O" This option tells curl to write the output to a file with the same name as the remote file. For example, if the remote file is example.iso, curl will save it as example.iso on your local machine.

"L" This option instructs curl to follow any HTTP redirects. This is useful if the URL provided redirects to another location. curl will automatically follow the redirection and download the file from the final destination.

"J" This option tells curl to use the Content-Disposition filename provided by the server. When a server sends a file for download, it can include a suggested filename in the Content-Disposition header. The -J option tells curl to use this suggested filename when saving the file locally.

BIGIP console access

    Now login to you BIGIP console either SSH or direct console access via Serial cable. Navigate to the Image directory  cd /shared/images/  and then using below curl command download the iso directly to the system.

curl -O -L -J https://downloads-sin-f5.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/big-ip/big-ip_v17.x/17.1.1/english/17.1.1.1/BIGIP-17.1.1.1-0.0.2.iso"

Conclusion:

In scenarios where traditional upload avenues are inaccessible, harnessing Curl's capabilities through the F5 SSH console presents a viable solution for fetching ISO files directly onto your device. By following the outlined steps and leveraging Curl's versatility, you can effortlessly procure software updates from the internet and maintain your F5 device's currency with the latest releases. This streamlined approach ensures optimal performance and fortified security for your network infrastructure.