Abstract: A method for replacing a current operating software with a new operating software in a working network environment during network operations while also preserving a backup for the replaced operating software. The method including active or non-active memories based on the operating software stored therein. The active and non-active memories being interchangeable to accommodate the new operating software without stopping operation of the network or active memory.

Abstract: A method for replacing a current operating software working with current files by a new operating software working with new files in a working network environment. Prior to replacement, the current operating software and current files reside in an active region of a network element, while the network element is active and maintains a prior operating software in a non-active region. The prior operating software is preserved in the non-active region and new operating software is downloaded to the non-active region and installed there while the current files are saved and updated to create updated files conforming to the new operating software. The network element is then rebooted such that the active region and the non-active region are swapped, thus replacing the current operating software working with the current files with the new operating software working with the updated files.