Abstract: A computing device includes a memory and a processor. The memory is to store software. The processor is to receive an In-Service Software Downgrade (ISSD) request to downgrade the software from a high version to a low version. Responsively to the ISSD request, the processor is to identify one or more high-version-only software features that (i) are supported by the high version and not supported by the low version, and (ii) write one or more new values into one or more registers in a Control Register Space (CR-Space) of the processor, and to allow downgrading of the software only in response to verifying that the new values meet a defined downgradability criterion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-segment communication network system includes nodes connected via links, a first node including a first receiver and transmitter, and a second node including a second receiver and transmitter, wherein the first transmitter is to transmit a link training frame including a training pattern to the second receiver, which is to receive the link training frame, the second node is to find a tuning factor to which to tune the first transmitter responsively to the training pattern, and generate a request indicative of the found tuning factor, the second transmitter is to send the request in the link training frame via a plurality of the links to the first receiver, the first receiver is to receive the request, and the first node is to tune at least one parameter of the first transmitter based on the tuning factor indicated in the request.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-segment communication network system includes nodes connected via links, a first node including a first receiver and transmitter, and a second node including a second receiver and transmitter, wherein the first transmitter is to transmit a link training frame including a training pattern to the second receiver, which is to receive the link training frame, the second node is to find a tuning factor to which to tune the first transmitter responsively to the training pattern, and generate a request indicative of the found tuning factor, the second transmitter is to send the request in the link training frame via a plurality of the links to the first receiver, the first receiver is to receive the request, and the first node is to tune at least one parameter of the first transmitter based on the tuning factor indicated in the request.

Abstract: Systems, computer program products, and methods are described for efficient link-down management. An example transmitter detects an impending link-down event at the transmitter. Once detected, the transmitter encodes the link-down event within a control block. The encoded control block is then transmitted via a physical layer of the communication network to a receiver. Once the control block is transmitted, the transmitter then initiates the link-down event. An example receiver receives the control block via a physical layer of the communication network from a transmitter. Then, the receiver extracts, from the control block, an operational code (opcode) identifying an impending link-down event at the transmitter. In response, the receiver retrieves, from a database, a responsive action corresponding to the link-down event based on the extracted opcode and subsequently executes the responsive action.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-segment communication network system includes nodes connected via links, a first node including a first receiver and transmitter, and a second node including a second receiver and transmitter, wherein the first transmitter is to transmit a link training frame including a training pattern to the second receiver, which is to receive the link training frame, the second node is to find a tuning factor to which to tune the first transmitter responsively to the training pattern, and generate a request indicative of the found tuning factor, the second transmitter is to send the request in the link training frame via a plurality of the links to the first receiver, the first receiver is to receive the request, and the first node is to tune at least one parameter of the first transmitter based on the tuning factor indicated in the request.

Abstract: A method including altering the configuration of a system including a processor, firmware storage and a scratchpad from a first configuration in which a first version of firmware enabling a first plurality of system operations is run by the processor, into a second configuration in which a second version of firmware enabling a second plurality of system operations is run by the processor, the altering including: A) re-configuring the system from the first configuration into an intermediate configuration in which the processor continues to run the first version of the firmware, B) while the system is in the intermediate configuration, disallowing at least one of the first plurality of operations, C) re-configuring the system from the intermediate configuration to the second configuration, and D) while the system is in the second configuration, allowing the second plurality of operations. Related apparatus and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method including altering the configuration of a system including a processor, firmware storage and a scratchpad from a first configuration in which a first version of firmware enabling a first plurality of system operations is run by the processor, into a second configuration in which a second version of firmware enabling a second plurality of system operations is run by the processor, the altering including: A) re-configuring the system from the first configuration into an intermediate configuration in which the processor continues to run the first version of the firmware, B) while the system is in the intermediate configuration, disallowing at least one of the first plurality of operations, C) re-configuring the system from the intermediate configuration to the second configuration, and D) while the system is in the second configuration, allowing the second plurality of operations. Related apparatus and methods are also provided.