General Datacomm, Inc.

James C Chagnon

L David Danenberg

John L Lysik

In accord with the objects of the invention, methods and apparatus for controlling communications network equipment are provided. The apparatus is used in a telecommunications network having a plurality of coupled nodes and a network controller coupled to at least one of those nodes, and generally comprises a node apparatus having a backplane and a plurality of functional cards coupled to the backplane. Each of the functional cards has a processor and memory for storing software which is used by the processor. One of the functional cards has memory for storing a current running version of software for each of the other of the plurality of functional cards, and a receiver and memory for storing in background incoming updated versions of software for the plurality of functional cards. The updated versions of software are provided in the overhead portion of the telecommunications signal frame, thereby being non-disruptive to the system. Upon command of the network controller, the updated versions of software are provided in foreground by the functional card having the receiver to the respective software memories of the other cards, thereby causing the other cards to run the updated versions of the software. The updating occurs simultaneously in all nodes.

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Southington, CT, United States of America

James C Chagnon