Hitless Network Element Boot Image Update via Path Drainage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network element software updates often result in downtime and data disruptions due to the need for rebooting, which can last up to five minutes, causing interruptions in data processing services.

Innovation Solution

A method that puts the network element into maintenance mode by configuring redundant paths to divert data processing, allowing for a new boot image update without disrupting service, and then rolls back the configuration to restore the network element's original state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the network element is rebooted to update the software image, then the software image is updated successfully, but the network element becomes inoperable for several minutes causing service interruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update reliabilityVSAvoiddata processing continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by configuring redundant paths and draining data processing before the actual software update. This ensures that when the network element reboots, no data is being processed, eliminating service interruption while maintaining update reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (redundant network paths and data draining configuration) that mediates between the software update process and data processing. This intermediary allows the update to occur without directly impacting active data processing, resolving the contradiction between update reliability and service continuity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the network element is taken offline for software update, then the update can be performed without data processing interference, but data networking services are interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveupdate process simplicityVSAvoidservice availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration of redundant paths and data draining before the update, maintaining service availability throughout the process. This preliminary action eliminates the need to take the element offline while keeping the update process simple and automated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by transitioning the network element from active data processing state to a drained state before update, then restoring it afterward. This parameter change approach maintains service availability while enabling straightforward update execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11249747B2System and method of updating a network element

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 ARISTA NETWORKS INC

AI summary

A method and apparatus of a device that performs a hitless update a boot image of a network element. In this embodiment, the device identifies the network element to update and determines if the network element has redundant paths. If this network element has redundant paths, the device configures the network element to drain data processing of the network element. In addition, the device updates the network element to a new boot image when the data processing of the network element is drained.