Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a switch processor programming agent to establish a logical interface to multiple switch processors in a network device. Feature agents for performing operations on a plurality of switch processors received configuration data. The switch processor programming agents translate the configuration data from a first format to a second format and program multiple switch processors in the second format. Switch processors may be switch ASICs for routing network traffic. In one embodiment, a switch processor and a redundant switch processor are maintained in the same state by the switch processor programming agent for seamless transition to the redundant switch processor when the other switch processor becomes inoperable.

Abstract: A framework for checking the compatibility of new software images to be installed on network devices is provided. In one set of embodiments, a network device running a first software image can receive, from a user, a command to install a second software image onto the network device in place of the first software image. Prior to installing the second software image, the network device can extract code for a compatibility check from a location within the second software image. The network device can then execute the code for the compatibility check and present a result value indicating a result of the compatibility check to the user.

Abstract: A framework for checking the compatibility of new software images to be installed on network devices is provided. In one set of embodiments, a network device running a first software image can receive, from a user, a command to install a second software image onto the network device in place of the first software image. Prior to installing the second software image, the network device can extract code for a compatibility check from a location within the second software image. The network device can then execute the code for the compatibility check and present a result value indicating a result of the compatibility check to the user.

Abstract: In some implementations, a method is provided. The method includes determining that a network device will perform a reboot. The method also includes saving state information. The state information comprises data used by the network device to process address resolution protocol (ARP) messages. The method further includes initiating the reboot of the network device. The method further includes initiating a first ARP service. The first ARP service is configured to process ARP messages during the reboot of the network device.

Abstract: In some implementations, a method is provided. The method includes determining that a network device will perform a reboot. The method also includes saving state information. The state information comprises data used by the network device to process address resolution protocol (ARP) messages. The method further includes initiating the reboot of the network device. The method further includes initiating a first ARP service. The first ARP service is configured to process ARP messages during the reboot of the network device.