Virtual slot for firmware image

A device comprising:

• a controller configured to execute a firmware image;
• erasable programmable read-only memory to store firmware images;
• and
• memory including instructions, which when executed by the controller, cause the controller to:
• store a currently active firmware slot in a local memory;
• receive a command to load a temporary firmware image into a virtual firmware slot;
• store the temporary firmware image into the virtual firmware slot;
• receive a parameter to control the use of the virtual firmware slot, the parameter defining a condition;
• store the parameter in the local memory;
• activate the temporary firmware image in the virtual firmware slot;
• and
• use the temporary firmware image until the condition is satisfied.

A method for managing firmware images on a device, the method comprising:

• storing a currently active firmware slot in a local memory;
• receiving a command to load a temporary firmware image into a virtual firmware slot;
• storing the temporary firmware image into the virtual firmware slot;
• receiving a parameter to control the use of the virtual firmware slot, the parameter defining a condition;
• storing the parameter in the local memory;
• activating the temporary firmware image in the virtual firmware slot;
• and
• using the temporary firmware image until the condition is satisfied.