Understanding the current firmware version of your Mellanox CX311a network adapter is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and security. This guide outlines how to check the Mellanox CX311a firmware version using the Command Line Interface (CLI), ensuring you have the latest updates installed.
The Mellanox CX311a adapter, known for its high-performance and reliability, benefits from regular firmware updates. To ensure compatibility and security, verifying the firmware version through the CLI is a straightforward process. This initial step involves accessing the adapter's configuration settings directly from the command line.
First, gain access to the server or host where the Mellanox CX311a adapter is installed. Ensure you have administrative privileges to execute the necessary commands. This is fundamental as checking firmware versions often requires elevated permissions.

2. Utilize Mellanox CLI Tools
Mellanox provides specific CLI tools for managing its network adapters. One such tool is mlnx-tools, which includes commands like mlnxos-query. To check the firmware version of the CX311a, execute the following command:
bash sudo mlnxos-query -d /dev/mst/mt4119_pciconf0 -a
Replace /dev/mst/mt4119_pciconf0 with the actual device path if different. This command retrieves detailed adapter information, including the firmware version.
3. Interpret the Output
The output of the mlnxos-query command will display various attributes of the Mellanox CX311a adapter. Look for the line that specifies the firmware version. It typically appears as FW Version. Note this version for comparison against the latest releases available from Mellanox.

Regularly checking the firmware version of your Mellanox CX311a adapter is vital for maintaining peak performance and addressing potential security vulnerabilities. By following the outlined steps—accessing the server, utilizing Mellanox CLI tools, and interpreting the output—you can ensure your network adapter operates with the most up-to-date firmware. Keeping your Mellanox CX311a firmware current not only enhances system stability but also aligns with best practices in network management.
