Importance

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Abstract

A system for downloading a software image to a SONET network element which eliminates the need for a separate overhead channel for this purpose. The system conveys the software image using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) over the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), over the Internet Protocol (IP), using ATM. The disclosed system enables ATM cells carrying the software image to be received over a SONET ring connected to the device. The disclosed system uses permanent virtual circuits (PVCs) between network elements over which the software image may be transported. In a first embodiment, the PVCs form a star of logical connections with remote network elements to which software image files may be downloaded from a 'gateway' network element. The gateway network element is a network element communicative with a central management station, which provides data to be downloaded to the remote network elements. In an alternative embodiment, the PVCs used to transport the software image connect adjacent network elements to the gateway network element. Those network elements adjacent to the gateway network element in turn have PVCs to their adjacent network elements. Thus, in the alternative embodiment, the software image file is forwarded hop by hop across multiple PVCs until it reaches the destination network element in which it is to be loaded for execution.

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First Claim