Abstract: A system and method of loading a system image onto an optical node capable of routing wireless communications data so as to provide operational capabilities to the node is disclosed. To facilitate maintaining robust connections among the nodes within a communications network and to maximize recovery from failures, several versions of the system image are stored on different locations within the communications network. A version of the system image is stored in a network server located anywhere in the communication network. This version of the system image can be retrieved using the established communication link or using various file transfer protocols via various network interfaces. Moreover, additional versions of the system image can be stored locally at the node. In the event of a node failure or upon a restart of the node, the system image can be retrieved from any of the different locations and in any specified order.