Dynamic asymmetric partitioning of program code memory in network connected devices

• US 20080263348A1
• Filed: 04/09/2008
• Published: 10/23/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/17/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Texas Instruments, Inc.
• Inventors: Genzel, Eran, Zaltsman, Etai, Senderovitz, Ran, Lapid, Adam
• Application Number:
  US12/100,383
• Publication Number:
  US 20080263348A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 713/2
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 8/63 Image based installation; Cloning; Build to order

Abstract

A novel asymmetric memory partitioning mechanism for providing resolving and reducing memory limitations when an increase in software image size is required. Two partitions are created in non-volatile memory, one smaller than the other. The smaller partition stores a degenerated version of the full-functionality software comprising only essential program code for booting the device and repeating the download and installation procedures until the full-functionality software image is successfully installed in non-volatile memory. The larger portion stores a full-functionality version of the software comprising both essential and non-essential program code. The mechanism also provides the capability of converting devices already deployed in the field. The legacy symmetrical partitioning of the memory in these devices is removed and replaced with asymmetrical partitioning, wherein the smaller partition stores the degenerated software image and the larger partition stores the full-functionality software image.

Claims

1. A method of partitioning non-volatile memory in a network connected communications device, said method comprising the steps of:

storing a degenerated software image in a first partition of said non-volatile memory; and

storing a single copy of a full-functionality software image in a second partition of said non-volatile memory, said second partition asymmetrical to and larger in size than said first partition.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said degenerated software image comprises code for downloading said full-functionality software image from a server over said network.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said degenerated software image comprises code for installing said full-functionality software image in said non-volatile memory.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said degenerated software image comprises code for enabling said communications device to repeat an upgrade process until said full-functionality software image is successfully installed in said second partition.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein an updated version of said full-functionality software image is written to said non-volatile memory such that the contents of said second partition are overwritten by said updated version of said full-functionality software image.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said full-functionality software image comprises non-essential program code.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of booting said communications device from said degenerated software image stored in said first partition in the event said full-functionality software image is not written to said second partition successfully.

8. A method of partitioning non-volatile memory in a network connected communications device, said method comprising the steps of:

receiving an updated full-functionality software image, a single copy of which is to be installed in said non-volatile memory, wherein said non-volatile memory having a first partition for storing a degenerated software image therein and a second partition for storing a full-functionality software image, said second partition asymmetrical to and larger in size than said first partition; and

overwriting the current contents of said second partition with said updated version of said full-functionality software image.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of booting said communications device from said degenerated software image stored in said first partition in the event said updated full-functionality software image is not written to said second partition successfully.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein said degenerated software image comprises code for downloading said full-functionality software image from a server over said network.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein said degenerated software image comprises code for installing said full-functionality software image in said non-volatile memory.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein said full-functionality software image comprises non-essential program code.

13. A method of converting non-volatile memory in a previously deployed network connected communications device, said method comprising the steps of:

creating a first partition in said non-volatile memory;

creating a second partition in said non-volatile memory, wherein said second partition is asymmetrical to and larger in size than said first partition;

storing a degenerated software image in said first partition; and

storing a single copy of a full-functionality software image in said second partition of said non-volatile memory.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein said degenerated software image comprises code for enabling said communications device to repeat an upgrade process until said full-functionality software image is successfully installed in said second partition.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein an updated version of said full-functionality software image is written to said non-volatile memory such that the contents of said second partition are overwritten by said updated version of said full-functionality software image.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein said full-functionality software image comprises non-essential program code.

17. A non-volatile memory for use in a network connected communications device, comprising:

a first partition for storing a degenerated software image; and

a second partition for storing a single copy of a full-functionality software image, wherein said second partition is asymmetrical to and larger in size than said first partition.

18. The memory according to claim 17, wherein said degenerated software image comprises code for enabling said communications device to repeat an upgrade process until an updated version of said full-functionality software image is successfully installed in said second partition.

19. The memory according to claim 17, wherein an updated version of said full-functionality software image is written to said non-volatile memory such that the contents of said second partition are overwritten by said updated version of said full-functionality software image.

20. The memory according to claim 17, wherein said full-functionality software image comprises non-essential program code.

21. A cable modem, comprising:

one or more memory modules comprising a non-volatile memory, said non-volatile memory comprising;

a first partition for storing a degenerated software image;

a second partition for storing a single copy of a full-functionality software image, wherein said second partition is asymmetrical to and larger in size than said first partition;

one or more interface ports;

a downstream system connected to a CATV radio frequency (RF) signal input and operative to output a plurality of channel data therefrom;

an upstream system connected to said CATV radio frequency (RF) signal input; and

a processor coupled to said one or more memory modules, said one or more interface ports, said downstream system and said upstream system, said processor operative to implement a media access control (MAC) layer operative to generate a plurality of output channels.

22. The cable modem according to claim 21, wherein said plurality of output channels comprises Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) channels.

23. The cable modem according to claim 21, wherein said degenerated software image comprises code for enabling said communications device to repeat an upgrade process until an updated version of said full-functionality software image is successfully installed in said second partition.

24. The cable modem according to claim 21, wherein an updated version of said full-functionality software image is written to said non-volatile memory such that the contents of said second partition are overwritten by said updated version of said full-functionality software image.

25. The cable modem according to claim 21, wherein said full-functionality software image comprises non-essential program code.