METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UPGRADING SOFTWARE SUBSYSTEMS ON A NETWORK SYSTEM

摘要

A method and system for updating a software subsystem while services are being provided by the software subsystem is provided. Initially, instructions are processed from a primary software subsystem loaded at a first base address associated with a primary storage unit. A secondary software subsystem is downloaded at a second base address associated with a secondary storage unit while the primary software subsystem is being executed. The secondary software subsystem typically contains an updated version of the primary software subsystem. To install the updated software subsystem, the first base address associated with the primary storage unit is swapped with the second base address associated with the secondary storage unit. Execution continues using the updated software subsystem without a significant interruption in service.