Hierarchical Adapter Card Software Update Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for updating software in computer systems with multiple adapter cards are inefficient, as they require direct processor intervention, leading to high processor usage and response times.
Innovation Solution
A method where the central processor generates a distribution map of adapter cards and sends software update data, allowing each adapter card to update itself and propagate the update to others in a hierarchical network structure, reducing processor load and improving response times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the central processor directly updates software in each adapter card individually, then the update process is simple to manage, but the processor usage time and response time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the adapter card population into groups and creates a hierarchical update structure where a first adapter card updates a second group of adapter cards, which in turn update third groups, and so on. This segmentation reduces the processor's direct intervention needs from updating all cards individually to only initiating the first update, thereby reducing processor usage time while maintaining manageable update propagation.
2Speed
If the central processor sends update data to all adapter cards simultaneously, then the update speed is fast, but the processor load and memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the first adapter card receive and store the software update data before propagating it to subsequent adapter cards. This allows the update data to be cached locally at the first adapter card, eliminating the need for the processor to maintain large buffers for all cards simultaneously, thus reducing processor load and memory requirements while maintaining update speed through the hierarchical propagation structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each adapter card has its own separate option ROM image, then each card can be updated independently, but the memory footprint increases and update effort multiplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the update capability into a single option ROM image that is shared across multiple adapter cards. Instead of maintaining separate option ROM images for each card, the system uses one option ROM that can service multiple cards through the hierarchical update mechanism, thereby reducing the overall memory footprint while still enabling independent update propagation through the adapter card groups.
4Quantity of substance
If the system uses a single option ROM to serve all adapter cards, then the memory footprint is reduced, but the update process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling adapter cards to autonomously propagate software updates to other adapter cards without requiring continuous processor intervention. The first adapter card automatically updates the second group of adapter cards, which then automatically update subsequent groups, creating a self-propagating update mechanism that reduces the perceived complexity from the processor's perspective while maintaining the single option ROM architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for updating software in a computer system, comprising at least a central processor and multiple adapter cards, wherein the adapter cards are attached to a network, the method comprising (i) the central processor generating a distribution map based on configuration data of the network (100); (ii) the central processor sending the software update data and the distribution map to a receiving adapter card of the adapter cards; (iii) in response to receiving the software update data and the distribution map, the receiving adapter card applying the received software update data and creating at least one modified distribution map.