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, the parameter values specifying classes of behavior for conducting the firmware update of the multi-protocol network adapter, to: determine an update scope indicating which of a plurality of different communication protocol functions of the network adapter are affected by the firmware update based on the parameter values; and determine a write scope indicating which of the plurality of different communication protocol functions of the network adapter are to receive a write request for writing the firmware update to the network adapter based on the parameter values; and wherein the update tool is operable to: send a message to the network adapter indicating to the determined communication protocol functions based on the update scope that a firmware update process is beginning; send a write request to the network adapter to write the firmware update to the determined communication protocol functions based on the write scope; send a reset request to the network adapter to reset the determined communication protocol functions to activate the firmware update based on the parameter values; and send a message to the network adapter indicating to the determined communication protocol functions that the firmware update process is complete.