1. A method, comprising: reading, by an update tool executed by a processor unit of a host, parameter values for a firmware update of a multi-protocol network adapter to: determine an update scope indicating one or more functions of the network adapter affected by the firmware update; and determine a write scope indicating which of the one or more functions of the network adapter should receive a write request for writing the firmware update to the network adapter; and wherein the update tool is operable to: send a message indicating to the one or more functions based on the update scope that a firmware update process is beginning; send a write request to write the firmware update to the one or more functions based on the write scope; send a reset request to reset the one or more functions to activate the firmware update; and send a message indicating to the one or more functions that the firmware update process is complete.