Dynamic asymmetric partitioning of program code memory in network connected devices

摘要

A novel asymmetric memory partitioning mechanism for providing resolving and reducing memory limitations when an increase in software image size is required. Two partitions are created in non-volatile memory, one smaller than the other. The smaller partition stores a degenerated version of the full-functionality software comprising only essential program code for booting the device and repeating the download and installation procedures until the full-functionality software image is successfully installed in non-volatile memory. The larger portion stores a full-functionality version of the software comprising both essential and non-essential program code. The mechanism also provides the capability of converting devices already deployed in the field. The legacy symmetrical partitioning of the memory in these devices is removed and replaced with asymmetrical partitioning, wherein the smaller partition stores the degenerated software image and the larger partition stores the full-functionality software image.