1-11 Hotfix ConfigurationThe S7900E Series Ethernet Switches are distributed devices supporting Intelligent ResilientFramework (IRF). Two S7900E series can be connected together to form a distributed IRF device. If anS7900E series is not in any IRF, it operates as a distributed device; if the S7900E series is in an IRF, itoperates as a distributed IRF device. For introduction of IRF, refer to IRF Configuration in the SystemVolume.When configuring hotfix, go to these sections for information you are interested in:z Hotfix Overviewz Hotfix Configuration Task Listz Displaying and Maintaining Hotfixz Hotfix Configuration ExamplesHotfix OverviewHotfix is a fast and cost-effective method to repair software defects of a device. Compared with anothermethod, software version upgrade, hotfix can upgrade the software without interrupting the runningservices of the device, that is, it can repair the software defects of the current version without rebootingthe device.Basic Concepts in HotfixPatch and patch fileA patch, also called patch unit, is a package to fix software defects. Generally, patches are released aspatch files. A patch file may contain one or more patches for different defects. After loaded from thestorage media to the memory patch area, each patch is assigned a unique number, which starts from 1,for identification, management and operation. For example, if a patch file has three patch units, they willbe numbered as 1, 2, and 3 respectively.Incremental patchPatches in a patch file are all incremental patches. An incremental patch means that the patch isdependent on the previous patch units. For example, if a patch file has three patch units, patch 3 can berunning only after patch 1 and 2 take effect. You cannot run patch 3 separately.Common patch and temporary patchPatches fall into two types, common patches and temporary patches.z Common patches are those formally released through the version release flow.
