Distributed embedded software for a switch
First Claim
1. A method of distributing firmware services across multiple processors in a network switch, the method comprising:
- discovering the multiple processors within the network switch;
computing a distribution scheme for the firmware services among the identified multiple processors; and
selectively assigning individual firmware components associated with each firmware service to the identified multiple processors in accordance with the distribution scheme; and
selectively loading the firmware components assigned to each processor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A flexible architecture for embedded firmware of a multiple protocol switch can be implemented on a variety of hardware platforms. Hardware components of a SAN switch are embodied as cooperative modules (e.g., switch modules, port modules, service modules, etc.) with one or more processors in each module. Likewise, firmware components of a SAN switch can be assigned at initialization and/or run time across a variety of processors in any of these modules. The processors and firmware components can communicate via a messaging mechanism that is substantially independent of the underlying communication medium or the module in which a given processor resides. In the manner, firmware components can be reassigned (e.g., in a failover condition), added or removed without substantial disruption to the operation of the SAN.
75 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method of distributing firmware services across multiple processors in a network switch, the method comprising:
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discovering the multiple processors within the network switch;
computing a distribution scheme for the firmware services among the identified multiple processors; and
selectively assigning individual firmware components associated with each firmware service to the identified multiple processors in accordance with the distribution scheme; and
selectively loading the firmware components assigned to each processor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A networking switch supporting distribution of firmware services across multiple processors, the networking switch comprising:
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a discovery module that identifies the multiple processors within the network switch;
a computation module that computes a distribution scheme for the firmware services among the identified multiple processors;
a deployment module that selectively assigns firmware components associated with each firmware service to the identified multiple processors in accordance with the distribution scheme; and
a subsystem module that selectively loads the firmware components assigned to each processor. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification