Unified Firmware Update Tool for Multi-Protocol Network Adapters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-protocol network adapters are complex to manage and update due to their diverse functionalities and protocols, making firmware updates challenging and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method and tool that read parameter values to determine the update scope, write scope, reset type, and reset scope for a firmware update, sending messages and requests to activate the update process, allowing for extensible and adaptive firmware updates across various adapter functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-protocol network adapters support multiple communication protocols and functions, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases making firmware updates difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-protocol functionalityVSAvoidfirmware update management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal firmware update mechanism that can update multiple protocol functions (FC, Ethernet, FCoE, iSCSI) through a single unified update process. The system uses a common firmware image and standardized update parameters that work across all protocol types, eliminating the need for separate update procedures for each protocol while maintaining full multi-protocol support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameter-based configuration to control firmware update behavior across different protocol functions. By defining update parameters such as reset types, update scopes, and write scopes that can be dynamically adjusted based on the target function, the system maintains simplicity while adapting to different protocol requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If firmware updates are applied to all functions of a multi-protocol adapter, then completeness of update is improved, but update time and system disruption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update completenessVSAvoidfirmware update duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables selective firmware updating by allowing different update parameters to be assigned to different protocol functions within the same adapter. The system can update only the specific functions that require changes (e.g., only FC functions or only Ethernet functions) while leaving other functions operational, thereby reducing overall update time and minimizing system disruption while ensuring complete updating of affected components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The firmware update process is segmented into independent function-specific updates. Each protocol function can be updated separately with its own timing and reset parameters, allowing parallel or sequential updates that optimize both completeness and time efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If different reset types are used to activate firmware updates, then reliability of update activation is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefirmware update activationVSAvoidfirmware update process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines and applies the appropriate reset type for each protocol function based on pre-configured parameters or function-specific requirements. The update mechanism self-adapts to select the correct reset procedure (warm reset, cold reset, or function-level reset) without requiring user intervention or manual configuration, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable update activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameter-based control to manage different reset types. By defining reset parameters that can be configured once and then automatically applied to appropriate functions, the system simplifies the user interface while maintaining the ability to use different reset types as needed for reliable firmware activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11055082B2Unified update tool for multi-protocol network adapter

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method and technique for updating firmware on a multi-protocol network adapter includes reading parameter values for a firmware update of a multi-protocol network adapter that specify classes of behavior for conducting the firmware update of the multi-protocol network adapter. An update tool determines a reset type defining a type of reset needed to activate the firmware update on the network adapter based on the parameter values, sends a message to the network adapter indicating that a firmware update process is beginning, sends a write request to the network adapter to write the firmware update to select communication protocol functions, and sends a reset request to select communication protocol functions to activate the firmware update using the reset type according to the parameter values.