Siemens Information & Communication Networks, Inc.

Alan E Reynaud

James M Worsham

Robert Churchill, Jr

Joe Nielson

Sandra Guzman

Alan J Zeringue

Randy Han

Wiliam J Beyda

Tad Kuwano

Daksha Amin

A system and method for intelligent and reliable booting of a PBX-supporting computer includes a system bus coupled to at least one central processor. Multiple booting devices are connected to the system bus including a hard disk drive, a removable media device, and at least one of RAM, NVRAM, and FLASHROM. Multiple monitoring devices are connected to the system bus to provide reliability data regarding each of the booting devices. A hierarchy of the booting devices is established, the order of which, in the absence of any system errors, is RAM, one of NVRAM and FLASHROM, the hard disk drive, and the removable media device. A power fail sensor detects power failures which have affected the system, and provides data regarding the reliability of RAM and the hard disk drive. A watchdog timer sensor detects errors in the operation of a central processor, and a memory status sensor detects memory checksum errors. Both the watchdog timer sensor and the memory status sensor provide reliability data regarding RAM, NVRAM and FLASHROM. A removable media error sensor provides reliability data regarding the removable media device. Based upon the data provided by the monitoring devices, the system selects the most reliable booting device from which to load an operating system program in to the main memory.

System and method for intelligent and reliable booting

An apparatus for monitoring a telecommunications system includes a detachable communications module, such as a modem, connected to a call line that is independent of the system to be monitored. A controller is connected to the monitored system and to the communications module. The controller includes at least one detector for sensing various off-normal conditions relevant to operating the monitored system. The controller also includes an auto-dialer that is responsive to the detectors for triggering a call to a remote site via the telecommunications module upon sensing the presence of one of the off-normal conditions. A backup power source is connected to power the controller and the communications module if a primary power source fails. Preferably, the backup source includes at least one battery and the backup source, the controller, and the communications module are contained in a housing that is separate from the monitored system. Inputs to the preferred self-contained unit include a cable from a telecommunications switch (e.g., CBX) and ancillary inputs from equipment such as servers and alarm equipment. A service port is included to allow on-site diagnostic servicing and reprogramming of either or both of the monitored system and the monitoring unit. Non-volatile memory is included and can be upgraded locally using the service port or remotely using the communications module. Because the communications module is detachable, the module can be upgraded as desired, without affecting the implementation of the controller logic and circuitry.

Self-contained apparatus and method of monitoring telecommunications

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Alan E Reynaud