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The Commons
Patent Title: Method and apparatus for microcode loading in a multi-nodal network exhibiting distributed control Abstract: A distributed data processing system includes plural, processor-containing nodes that are interconnected in a network. Each node has plural neighbor nodes, with neighbor nodes being connected via a direct link. One node includes a copy of functional microcode in addition to base microcode. Each node further includes memory for storing base microcode which enables, on power-up, for a processor in the node to manifest partial operational capability, including program load functions and a communications capability with neighbor nodes. The node's processor, in combination with the base microcode, determines if the node's memory stores a copy of functional microcode and if yes, causes the functional microcode to be loaded. If it is determined that functional microcode is not present in the nodes memory, the node issues a request to neighbor nodes to download functional code, irrespective of whether the neighbor node's are known to include the functional microcode or not. After a time out, the request to download is repeated. Within the network, the node which stores the functional microcode will download that code to its neighbor nodes which, in turn, will download the functional code to their neighbor nodes, etc. thereby enabling, eventually, all nodes in the network to acquire the functional microcode. Notes: |
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