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Method and apparatus to enhance platform boot efficiency

  • US 7,398,382 B2
  • Filed: 12/29/2004
  • Issued: 07/08/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2004
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:

  • storing a plurality of boot images on a boot server;

    receiving a first boot image download request from a client at the boot server;

    downloading one of the plurality of boot images from the boot server to the client;

    caching the boot image at a network device along a communication path linking the client to the boot server, wherein the network device is one of a plurality of network devices linking the client to the boot server;

    maintaining a list of which boot images are cached at each of the plurality of network devices;

    receiving a second boot image download request at the boot server; and

    sending a directive from the boot server to the network device to download the boot image that is cached on the network device to the client;

    embedding caching indicia in packets corresponding to the boot image that are sent from the boot server to the client via the network device to download the boot image;

    employing a packet filter at the network device, the packet filter enabled to identify packets containing the caching indicia; and

    in response to identifying such packets;

    caching the packets;

    reassembling the packets to form the boot image; and

    storing the boot image on a local file store accessible to the network device.

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