Network Device Software Update Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual installation of additional updates before software updates on network devices is time-consuming and prone to errors, complicating the software update process.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving a command to initiate a control plane reboot, extracting a transitional update database from a software image, querying for required updates, installing them if necessary, and performing the control plane reboot to complete the software upgrade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual installation of additional updates is performed before software updates, then the software update process can be completed, but the process becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the transitional update database within the software image package before distribution. This allows the network device to automatically retrieve and install required transitional updates during the software update process, eliminating the need for manual pre-installation of additional updates and significantly reducing update time while ensuring reliable software updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by enabling the network device to automatically query the transitional update database, determine which updates are needed, and install them without human intervention. The device autonomously manages the entire update process including downloading, installing transitional updates, and rebooting, thereby eliminating manual effort and reducing time consumption.
2Reliability
If manual installation of additional updates is performed before software updates, then the software update process can be completed, but the process becomes prone to error
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling the network device to automatically query the transitional update database, determine which updates are needed, and install them without human intervention. The device autonomously manages the entire update process including downloading, installing transitional updates, and rebooting, thereby eliminating manual effort and reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by implementing an automated query mechanism that checks the transitional update database to determine which updates are required based on the current software version and the target version. This feedback loop ensures that only necessary updates are installed in the correct sequence, eliminating human error while maintaining reliable software update completion.
3Ease of operation
If automated installation of transitional updates is implemented, then manual effort is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the transitional update database with the software image package into a single distributed unit. This integration allows the system to automatically retrieve and install required updates during the software update process without requiring separate manual intervention steps, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining ease of operation through automated processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention may relate to method. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the method includes receiving, by a network device, a command to initiate a control plane reboot. The method may also include extracting, based on the command, a transitional update database from a software image that includes a new software version and the transitional update database. The method may also include performing a query to determine whether the transitional update database includes a required transitional update for performing an upgrade to the new software version; installing, when the query determines that the required transitional update is included in the software image, the required transitional update; and performing, after installation of the transitional update is complete, the control plane reboot to complete the upgrade to the new software version.