Methods and apparatus for seamless firmware update and propagation in a dual raid controller system
US6675258B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/2089
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and associated structure for updating and propagating firmware updates in a multiple redundant controller storage subsystem. The methods of the present invention assure that the storage subsystem remains operable processing host system I/O requests while the redundant controllers manage the firmware update process. At least one controller of a plurality of redundant controllers in the system remains available for processing of host I/O requests as the controllers manage the firmware update process. A management client process operable on an administrative system coupled to the first of the redundant storage controllers transfers a structured firmware file to the first redundant controller. The management client need perform no further management of the update process. Rather, the controller themselves manage the process in accordance with metadata stored within the firmware file along with the programmed instructions to be updated. The first controller and second controller then coordinate and sequence the update process to update both controllers with a compatible, consistent version of firmware. During the update process, one of the two redundant controllers remains opera…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.