Peer-to-peer distribution of firmware

• US 20060048144A1
• Filed: 08/31/2004
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mitel Incorporated (MLN TopCo Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Mitel Incorporated (MLN TopCo Ltd.)
• Inventors: Wongso, Mervyn, Willess, Brian
• Granted Patent: US 7,600,006 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 717/177
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/61 Installation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/065 related to network devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0817 by checking functioning
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/34 involving the movement of software or configuration parameters network booting or remote initial program loading [RIPL] G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

A firmware distribution system is disclosed with particular application to integrating a plurality of ancillary endpoints into an existing network of endpoints. The ancillary endpoints being coupled to an isolated network and a master device downloading the desired firmware to the ancillary endpoints in a peer-to-peer distribution. An administrator may be coupled to the isolated network for providing a management and control mechanism for an installer. Once the ancillary network has the firmware loaded, the network may be tested prior to integration with the existing network of endpoints. Upon verification of the download and operation of the ancillary endpoints, the ancillary endpoints can be readily integrated with the existing network without major disruption to the existing network.

Claims

1. Software distribution system for a communications network comprising:

an existing network of endpoints wherein each of the existing endpoints includes a software stored thereon that is compatible with the other endpoints on the network;

a local area network providing a communication pathway for the existing network of endpoints; and

an ancillary network of endpoints comprising,

two or more ancillary endpoints in a peer-to-peer configuration, one of the ancillary endpoints being a distributor endpoint and having a target software stored thereon that is compatible with the software on the existing endpoints,

a master device in bi-directional communication with the ancillary endpoints and providing the ancillary endpoints with an IP address,

an isolated network providing a communication pathway for the ancillary network of endpoints,

an administrator coupled to the isolated network and providing a plurality of control commands to the ancillary endpoints and the master device, the administrator commanding the distributor endpoint to distribute the target software to the ancillary endpoints and commanding the ancillary endpoints to send a status report to the master device,

whereby, upon distribution of the target software, the ancillary network of endpoints communication pathway is severed and the ancillary endpoints are coupled to the local area network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the master device comprises one of the ancillary endpoints.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the master device is designated by a user intervention.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the user intervention comprises activating one or more keys on an endpoint.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the master device comprises one of the existing endpoints.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the ancillary network of endpoints operate in a test mode prior to being coupled to the local area network.

7. A method of integrating a plurality of ancillary endpoints into an existing network of endpoints, the method comprising:

coupling the ancillary endpoints in an isolated peer-to-peer network;

couple an administrator to the isolated network;

designate a master endpoint and assign a master IP address to the master endpoint, the master endpoint having a target software stored thereon;

assign an IP address to each ancillary endpoint;

download the target software from the master endpoint to the ancillary endpoints via the isolated peer-to-peer network;

verify the distribution of the target software to the ancillary endpoints;

sever the ancillary endpoints from the isolated network; and

couple the ancillary endpoints to the existing network of endpoints.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein designating a master endpoint comprises a key selection on the endpoint.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the master endpoint comprises one of the existing network endpoints.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the master endpoint assigns the IP addresses to each of the ancillary endpoints.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein verification comprises viewing a web page corresponding to the master IP address.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein verification comprises the ancillary endpoints sending a status report to the master IP address.

13. The method of claim 7 further comprising accessing a web page from the administrator corresponding to the master IP address and viewing the web page having reports from each of the ancillary endpoints.

14. A method for adding at least two ancillary endpoints to a network of existing endpoints, the method comprising:

coupling the ancillary endpoints to an isolated hub;

coupling a computing device to the isolated hub, the computing device capable of accessing a web page and displaying the contents of the page;

initiating a programming session by accessing the web page;

selecting one or more ancillary endpoints via the web page;

designating a master endpoint as the distributor endpoint on the basis that the firmware stored on the master is to be distributed to the selected ancillary endpoints via the isolated hub;

confirming the distribution of the firmware to the selected ancillary endpoints;

coupling the computing device to the network of existing endpoints;

testing the integration of the ancillary endpoints to the network of existing endpoints;

terminating the programming session; and

coupling the ancillary endpoints to the network of existing endpoints.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the computing device comprises a portable computer.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein testing comprising the master endpoint commanding the endpoints to operate in a test mode.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising reporting a status of each ancillary endpoint to the master endpoint.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein reporting comprises transmitting data to an IP address of the master endpoint.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the master endpoint and the computing device are a single multi-functional IP endpoint.