Data processing: software development – installation – and managem – Software program development tool – Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-29
2001-09-11
Chaki, Kakali (Department: 2122)
Data processing: software development, installation, and managem
Software program development tool
Translation of code
C709S223000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06289511
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to the field of networked computing elements, and in particular, to efficient and partly autonomous distribution of software in order to load (e.g., install or upgrade) software onto the individual elements of the network.
2. Description of Related Art
Computer software is rapidly changing in today's computing environment. New programs are introduced and older programs are constantly improved. This leads to an ability, and often a requirement in order to remain competitive, to frequently load software onto a computing element. The software loading may include installation of new software and/or upgrading of existing software. Originally, an operator physically visited each computer to perform a software load.
When computers are networked, however, software may be loaded from a central computer over the network to individual computing elements. Computing equipment in network elements (NEs) of telecommunications networks are among those computers that benefit from remote loading of software. In fact, remote loading is considered a key factor for achieving better profitability when upgrading and updating an existing installed base of NEs. Operators of telecommunications networks benefit from remote software loading for, for example, their switches and base stations (BSs). One exemplary benefit is faster introduction of new features into existing networks, thus increasing the revenue of operators. Consequently, the providers of network equipment and upgrade services experience a concomitant increase of revenue.
When remote loading of software in switches, BSs, and other NEs is performed, large files with the relevant software information (e.g., upgrade information) are transferred from a remote site to each one of the NEs, which are often geographically distributed. The remote site uses data communication link(s) (either physical or logical) to each of the NEs. During an upgrade process, for example, files that contain software needed for the upgrade are distributed via the communication link(s) from a local file store (FS) at the remote site. The files may be distributed to multiple NEs, where the files may be stored in a local storage media (LSM) (e.g., an Input Output Group (IOG), which is a version of the Ericsson AXE input/output part).
The time for starting the distribution is specified as well as whether the distribution is to be accomplished sequentially or in parallel (i.e., using one or several physical connections). After the files have been transferred to the target NEs, the remote site sends commands (e.g., a Man-Machine Language (MML) command) to the relevant NEs instructing them to switch over to the new software. The remote site may include an Operations Support System (OSS) that contains support for the remote loading (e.g., support for effectuating file transfer and command handling).
While the above-described procedure may enable remote software file loading, it nevertheless suffers from a lack of robustness. For example, remote loading often entails transferring large amounts of data over low capacity links. Furthermore, all control of the remote loading is centralized to one managing station (e.g., the OSS) as well as the single link (or few links) between the centralized managing station (CMS) and the targeted NEs. Consequently, the CMS as well as its link(s) become of critical importance with respect to both transfer capacity and reliability during the loading process. If either is jeopardized due to, for example, physical or logical damage or capacity overloading, then the software distribution procedure is also jeopardized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The deficiencies of the prior art are overcome by the method and system of the present invention. For example, as heretofore unrecognized, it would be beneficial if software loading continues after a critical link between a CMS and the remainder of the network is severed. In fact, it would be beneficial if software loading is disbursed among the NEs of the network such that one NE (or multiple NEs) may provide to another NE (or many other NEs) software and optionally thereafter cause the NE (or many other NEs) to load the software.
A method and system of a network enables efficient and reliable software distribution based on, at least in part, disbursing the responsibility for the loading of the software. A network includes, for example, a CMS and multiple NEs. The CMS and multiple NEs may be directly connected to a single level of a network hierarchy. According to one embodiment of the invention, the CMS transfers to at least one NE instructions for loading software and the software to be loaded. The at least one NE may subsequently provide both the software and the commands for loading the software to other NEs. The time that is required to complete the loading process for the entire network may therefore be minimized.
According to another embodiment, the CMS includes a load manager (LM) that controls the loading of software (e.g., the installing of new software, the upgrading of preexisting software, etc.) throughout either a portion of the network or throughout the entire network. Each NE further includes a load agent (LA) that receives software and instructions from the LM. Such NEs may be termed primary NEs when they receive software directly from the CMS. The LAs of the primary NEs may then implement the instructions and control the loading of software onto other NEs (e.g., secondary NEs) via their respective LAs. The secondary NEs may correspondingly then load software onto tertiary NEs as well as any subordinated NEs (S-NEs) that are directly connected to the tertiary NEs. The distribution procedure may proceed through as many phases as planned by the CMS.
According to yet another embodiment, the network also includes multiple S-NEs. A single or a group of S-NE(s) may be directly connected to an NE on a subordinate level of the network hierarchy. Each NE may load software onto the S-NE(s) directly connected thereto based on instructions therein or received from the CMS. The loading of software onto the S-NE(s) of a particular NE may be performed prior to, simultaneously with, or after the particular NE updates other NEs.
According to yet another embodiment, the LM sends to the LA of a target NE, in addition to the software to be loaded (and optionally files with instructions for loading the software), an assignment or assignments for wholly or partially loading software onto other NEs. The assignment (s) specify a number of loading options. These options include, for example, (1) address(es) of secondary, tertiary, etc. target NEs, (2) scheduled times for loading and activating the software, and (3) description(s) of which parts of received software are to be forwarded to other NEs or S-NEs.
An important technical advantage of the present invention is that it enables reliable and efficient software distribution by replicating software-loading points of origin.
Another important technical advantage of the present invention is that it enables reliable and efficient software distribution by multiplying software loading transmission links.
Yet another important technical advantage of the present invention is that it provides LAs in NEs that relieve a centrally-located LM from at least some software loading responsibilities and that are prepared to respond to network failures.
Yet another important technical advantage of the present invention is the ability to provide simple or detailed assignments (s) to NEs in one phase of the distribution for use in the next phase of the distribution and optionally for perpetuating the distribution.
The above-described and other features of the present invention are explained in detail hereinafter with reference to the illustrative examples shown in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the described embodiments are provided for purposes of illustration and understanding and that numerous equivalent embodiments are contemplated
Chaki Kakali
Jenkens & Gilchrist P.C.
Nguyen-Ba Hoang-Vu Antony
Telephonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
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