Understanding OBFL
OBFL provides a mechanism to store hardware, software, and environment related critical data in a non-volatile memory, such as flash EPROM or EEPROM on routers. The logging information is used by the TAC team to troubleshoot and fix hardware issues.
OBFL collects data like temperatures and voltages. It stores the data in a dedicated area of the flash memory of the router. This data is retrieved by TAC personnel to troubleshoot routers. It can also be analyzed by back-end software to detect failure patterns, and possibly to recommend specific quality improvements.
Retrieval of the OBFL message
If the hardware is defective and the system cannot boot up, any data in flash is inaccessible. In that case, use any one of the following methods to recover OBFL data:
- Read the flash through JTAG: this requires provisions in hardware design and back-end hardware and software support tools.
- Repair the system; boot it; use the OBFL CLI commands.
Recording OBFL Messages
Data is recorded in any of the following formats:
- Continuous information that displays a snapshot of measurements.
- Samples in a continuous file, and summary information about the data being collected.