Software Upgrade System for Distributed Communication Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for software upgrading in distributed communication devices often result in unnecessary service interruptions, which can lead to user churn and economic losses due to the lack of effective strategies to manage software updates without disrupting operations.
Innovation Solution
A software upgrading method and system that utilizes an active main control unit and a standby main control unit, along with a line card, to perform data and data state recovery on new software versions, allowing for seamless state inversion and activation of new software versions without interrupting service, thereby avoiding service disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional software upgrading methods are used in distributed communication devices, then software can be updated to fix malfunctions and add features, but service interruption occurs during the upgrading process
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control plane software into multiple versions (old version and new version) that can coexist simultaneously. The line card maintains both software versions in separate memory areas, allowing the system to switch between versions without losing service capability. This segmentation enables continuous service during software upgrades by having backup versions ready.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading the new control plane software version into the line card's memory before actually switching from the old version. The new software is installed, configured, and validated in advance while the old software continues to handle service operations, ensuring no service interruption occurs during the transition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If software is upgraded in distributed communication devices, then new features and bug fixes are achieved, but user experience deteriorates due to service interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous service operation during software upgrades by maintaining the old control plane software in an active state while the new software is being prepared. The service flow continues uninterrupted through the old software version, and only after the new version is fully prepared and validated does the system switch versions, ensuring users experience no service disruption.
3Reliability
If control plane software is updated on line card, then software functionality is improved, but service interruption occurs during the update process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs all necessary software update actions in advance: the new control plane software is downloaded, installed, and configured in the line card's memory before the actual version switch. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the switch occurs, it is instantaneous and causes no service interruption, eliminating time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the new control plane software version in the line card's memory alongside the old version. This copying approach allows the system to prepare the new version without affecting the old version's operation, and enables a seamless switch by simply changing which version is active, rather than replacing the software in place.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a software upgrading method for a distributed communication device, and the method includes: softwares are upgraded in sequence in the main control units and the line card, new and old versions of a software are enabled to run simultaneously, and the new version of the software is enabled to replace seamlessly the old version of the software so as to enter a running state through active/standby state inversion of the active main control unit and the standby main control unit as well as control of an active/standby running state of the new and old versions of the software on the line card. Further disclosed is a software upgrading system for a distributed communication device. By means of the technical solutions according to the disclosure, the software of the forwarding plane of the line card is upgraded as required so as to avoid unnecessary service interruption arisen from the software upgrading, thus improving reliability and availability of services, avoiding severe economic loss resulted from the service interruption and improving user experiences.