Abstract: The present invention is related to optimizing software distribution in large communication networks (e.g. UMTS). A distribution graph including the nodes involved in the distribution spanned out by logical links assigned cost values is constructed. On basis of the distribution graph, the shortest paths from the distribution node (e.g. an OMC) to each of the other nodes (e.g. BSC, SGSN, RBS) are calculated. These paths are placed in groups of overlapping paths. The paths in each group are then ordered according to the number of nodes in each path, wherein the path with the lowest number of nodes is placed first. Then the software distribution is executed in each group, starting by loading the software from the first to the second node of the first ordered path, then the same is done for the second ordered path, and so on, but the loading between the same two nodes is not taking place more than once even if they appear as the first and the second node in more than one path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automation of software upgrade of network elements in data and communication networks. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an upgrade of network elements in a communication system is controlled from one certain workstation. Before the actual activation of the new software of the network elements takes place, the hardware configuration (5) is validated ensuring that the new software is loadable in the hardware. The software configuration is then also validated ensuring that the new software and the existing software are compatible. A health check is then executed investigating whether the status of the network elements is as required. Then, the certain workstation from which the upgrade is controlled is assigned exclusive network administration access to the network elements. Assuming that the above mentioned is carried through successfully, the actual activation of the new software is executed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to optimizing software distribution in large communication networks (e.g. UMTS). A distribution graph including the nodes involved in the distribution spanned out by logical links assigned cost values is constructed. On basis of the distribution graph, the shortest paths from the distribution node (e.g. an OMC) to each of the other nodes (e.g. BSC, SGSN, RBS) are calculated. These paths are placed in groups of overlapping paths. The paths in each group are then ordered according to the number of nodes in each path, wherein the path with the lowest number of nodes is placed first. Then the software distribution is executed in each group, starting by loading the software from the first to the second node of the first ordered path, then the same is done for the second ordered path, and so on, but the loading between the same two nodes is not taking place more than once even if they appear as the first and the second node in more than one path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automation of software upgrade of network elements in data and communication networks. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an upgrade of network elements in a communication system is controlled from one certain workstation. Before the actual activation of the new software of the network elements takes place, the hardware configuration (5) is validated ensuring that the new software is loadable in the hardware. The software configuration is then also validated ensuring that the new software and the existing software are compatible. A health check is then executed investigating whether the status of the network elements is as required. Then, the certain workstation from which the upgrade is controlled is assigned exclusive network administration access to the network elements. Assuming that the above mentioned is carried through successfully, the actual activation of the new software is executed.