System and method for distributing software updates to a network appliance
First Claim
1. A network device for managing a software change over a network, comprising:
- a transceiver arranged to send and to receive a packet over the network;
a processor, coupled to the transceiver, that is configured to perform actions, including;
determining an update policy associated with the network device;
determining an availability of the software change based in part on the update policy;
selecting the software change based in part on the update policy;
receiving the software change through a distribution service according to the update policy; and
installing the software change on the network device according to the update policy.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and systems are directed to enabling automatic delivery and installation software changes over a network to a network device, such as a network appliance. An update policy associated with the network device is generated that includes information associated with how to select a software change, when the software change is to be delivered, and when it is installed on the network device. The network device monitors a distribution service for available software changes based in part on the update policy. When a software change substantially satisfies the update policy, the network device is enabled to request delivery of that software change. The delivery of the software change may include the changed software and a component upon which the software change may be dependent. When and how the software changes are installed on the network device is determined in part by using the update policy.
145 Citations
28 Claims
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1. A network device for managing a software change over a network, comprising:
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a transceiver arranged to send and to receive a packet over the network;
a processor, coupled to the transceiver, that is configured to perform actions, including;
determining an update policy associated with the network device;
determining an availability of the software change based in part on the update policy;
selecting the software change based in part on the update policy;
receiving the software change through a distribution service according to the update policy; and
installing the software change on the network device according to the update policy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for managing a software change to a network device over a network, comprising:
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determining an update policy associated with software for the network device;
determining, over the network, an availability of the software change based in part on the update policy;
selecting the software change based in part on the update policy;
receiving the selected software change over a distribution service according to the update policy; and
installing the received software change on the network device according to the update policy. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A system for communicating a change package over a network, comprising:
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a repository configured to store the change package;
a distribution service, coupled to the repository, that is configured to distribute the change package over the network; and
a client, coupled to the distribution service, that is configured to perform actions, including;
determining an update policy associated with the client;
determining an availability of the change package based in part on the update policy;
selecting the change package based in part on the update policy;
receiving the selected change package through the distribution service according to the update policy; and
installing the received change package on the client according to the update policy. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. An apparatus for managing a software change over a network, comprising:
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a transceiver arranged to send and to receive a packet over the network;
a processor, coupled to the transceiver, that is configured to perform actions, including;
a means for determining an update policy associated with the apparatus;
a means for employing the update policy to perform further actions, including;
a means for determining an availability of the software change;
a means for selecting the software change;
a means for receiving the software change through a distribution service; and
a means for installing the software change on the apparatus.
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Specification