Hardware Abstraction Layer for Optical Network Software Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing and configuring software on optical network elements are cumbersome, particularly when dealing with multiple card types, as they require different software for each type, making upgrades and version tracking difficult.
Innovation Solution
A common software load is installed on each card, including a hardware abstraction layer that determines the card type and links appropriate software applications and device drivers, allowing for dynamic selection and configuration based on the card type, simplifying the installation and upgrade process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different software is installed on each different type of card, then each card can execute software that accomplishes its designed functionality, but maintaining different software for different card types becomes onerous, particularly when upgrading software and tracking software versions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single software load that can be installed on all card types (shelf processors, cross-connect cards, port cards) regardless of their specific functionality. This universal software load includes a common hardware abstraction layer and a common operating system that can adapt to different card types, eliminating the need to maintain separate software versions for each card type while preserving the ability of each card to execute its designed functionality.
2Reliability
If different software is installed on each different type of card, then card-specific functionality is optimized, but tracking software versions for the various cards becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the software into distinct modular components: a common hardware abstraction layer, a common operating system, and card-type-specific application software. This segmentation allows the common components to be maintained once and shared across all card types, while only the specific application portions need to be updated for each card type, significantly reducing the time and effort required for version tracking while maintaining card-specific functionality optimization.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single software load is installed on all cards, then software maintenance is simplified, but the software must accommodate different hardware configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a common hardware abstraction layer as a mediator between the universal operating system and the diverse hardware configurations of different card types. This abstraction layer translates generic software calls into hardware-specific operations, allowing a single software load to be installed on all cards while accommodating different hardware configurations through the intermediary layer's adaptive interface.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention features a system and method for installing and configuring a common software load in optical network elements. In brief overview, a configurable hardware abstraction layer (HAL) is interposed between the application software and the drivers in the common software load. With the use of a configurable HAL, network elements embodying the invention can use the same common software load for each type of card. Hence, an installer updating or originally configuring the cards in a plurality of network elements can accommodate all of the cards with the transmission of one software load. Instead of centrally tracking and organizing card specific software loads, the common software load in combination with the HAL manages the installation and upgrading process on the local card level.