The update subcommand is used with fwupdate to update component firmware. This might be system firmware (such as Oracle ILOM) or device firmware (such as a controller or disk drive). For Oracle Solaris 11.3, the preferred method for updating component firmware is with an XML metadata file.
Using fwupdate with a metadata file is referred to as automatic mode. This method uses information contained in an metadata file that is packaged with the patch to update the component firmware. This metadata contains information about the specific component(s) supported with the update and automates the update process to include any required host/device resets or power cycles. See the release notes included with the component firmware patch for more details. This is the most accurate and the recommended firmware update method to use.
Check the download package and its release notes to determine whether or not a metadata file is available, or simply look for the metadata file in the download package. The platform product notes might also contain important update information specific to the device you are updating.