Patent ID: 7957330
Filing Date: 2011-06-07
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: executing a protocol by a first network device to negotiate with a second network device a first response interval by which the first network device need respond to a message sent by the second network device also in accordance with the protocol; after executing the protocol by the first network device to negotiate with the second network device the first response interval, automatically detecting initiation of a software upgrade within a primary controller of the first network device; prior to commencing the software upgrade, dynamically computing a predicted upgrade time to complete the software upgrade by the first network device to determine whether the predicted upgrade time exceeds or equals the first response interval; based on the determination and prior to commencing the software upgrade, executing the protocol by the first network device to negotiate with the second network device a second response interval by which the first network device need respond to a message sent by the second network device such that the second response interval equals or exceeds the predicted upgrade time; and after initiating the software upgrade, executing the protocol by the first network device to negotiate with the second network device a third response interval by which the first network device need respond to a message sent by the second network device such that the third response interval is shorter than the second response interval.