System and method for activating and downloading executable files for a line card without requiring the use of boot code on the line card
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for activating a card in a network element comprising one or more switch cards, the method comprising:
- automatically holding a processor on the card and placing the card in a reset mode in response to powering up of the card;
in response to placing the card in reset mode;
communicating a signal indicating a type of the card;
retrieving an executable file stored remotely from the card and switch cards based at least in part on the type of the card; and
downloading the executable file to a memory for a processor on the card without requiring the use of boot code on the card; and
removing the card from the reset state and operating the card using the executable file without the use of boot code.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method is provided for activating a card in a network element comprising one or more switch cards. The method includes determining a type of the card. An executable file stored remotely from the card and switch cards is retrieved based on the type of the card. The executable file is downloaded to a memory for a processor on the card without using boot code on the card. The card is operated using the executable file.
20 Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method for activating a card in a network element comprising one or more switch cards, the method comprising:
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automatically holding a processor on the card and placing the card in a reset mode in response to powering up of the card; in response to placing the card in reset mode; communicating a signal indicating a type of the card; retrieving an executable file stored remotely from the card and switch cards based at least in part on the type of the card; and downloading the executable file to a memory for a processor on the card without requiring the use of boot code on the card; and removing the card from the reset state and operating the card using the executable file without the use of boot code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for activating a card in a network element comprising one or more switch cards, the system comprising:
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a line card comprising a processor and an associated memory and operable to hold the processor and place itself in a reset mode automatically upon powering up of the card; a common card operable to communicate with a plurality of line cards and operable, while the line card is in a reset mode, to communicate a signal indicating a type for the line card, to retrieve an executable file for the line card based at least in part on the type of the line card, the executable file stored remotely from the line card and the common card, and to download the executable file to the memory on the line card without requiring the use of boot code on the line card; and the processor operable to operate the line card using the executable file without the use of boot code on the line card. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A line card for a network element comprising one or more line cards, the line card comprising:
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a processor; a memory associated with the processor; an activation system operable to place the line card in a reset mode automatically upon powering up of the card and, while in the reset mode, operable to identify the line card to the network element, to hold the processor while the network element downloads an executable file for the line card to the memory without requiring the use of boot code on the line card, and to release the processor subsequent to the downloading of the executable file; and the processor operable to operate the line card using the executable file without the use of boot code on the line card. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A system for activating a card in a network element comprising one or more switch cards, the system comprising:
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logic stored on at least one computer-processable medium; the logic operable to place the card in a reset mode automatically upon powering up of the card and, while in the reset mode, operable to communicate a signal indicating a type for the card, to retrieve an executable file for the card based at least in part on the type of the card, the executable file stored remotely from the card and the switch cards, to download the executable file to the memory on the card without requiring the use of boot code on the card; and
to operate the line card using the executable file without the use of boot code on the card. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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29. A method for card activation in a network element, comprising:
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transitioning into a power up status at a card comprising a processor and a memory accessible to the processor; in response to the transition, communicating a signal at least partially identifying the card; receiving an executable file at the card in response to communicating the signal; while preventing the processor from accessing the memory, storing the executable file in the memory; and operating the line card using the executable file without the use of boot code on the card by executing the executable file using the processor. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
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Specification