Method of discovering and operating a payload node

In a payload node, a method, comprising:

• executing by the payload node a payload boot algorithm located at the payload node upon coupling the payload node to a payload node slot in a computer network having a central node;
• discovering by the payload boot algorithm a hardware capability set of the payload node;
• communicating the hardware capability set to a payload discovery manager at the central node;
• and
• transitioning operating the payload node from the payload boot algorithm to a software set while bypassing rebooting the payload node to the software set upon the payload discovery manager selecting the software set based on the hardware capability set and communicating the software set to the payload node.

A computer network, comprising:

• a central node;
• a payload discovery manager located at the central node, wherein the payload discovery manager is coupled to select a software set;
• a payload node slot coupled to the central node;
• a payload node coupled to interface with the payload node slot, wherein the payload node comprises a hardware capability set;
• and
• a payload boot algorithm located at the payload node and coupled to execute when the payload node is coupled to the payload node slot, wherein the payload boot algorithm discovers the hardware capability set and communicates the hardware capability set to the payload discovery manager, wherein the payload discovery manager selects the software set based on the hardware capability set and communicates the software set to the payload node, and wherein the payload node transitions from using the payload boot algorithm to using the software set while bypassing rebooting to the payload node to the software set.

A computer-readable medium containing computer instructions for instructing a processor to perform a method of discovering and operating a payload node, the instructions comprising:

• instructions for the payload node executing a payload boot algorithm located at the payload node upon coupling the payload node to a payload node slot in a computer network having a central node coupled to the payload node slot;
• instructions for the payload boot algorithm discovering a hardware capability set of the payload node;
• instructions for communicating the hardware capability set to a payload discovery manager at the central node;
• instructions for the payload discovery manager selecting a software set based on the hardware capability set;
• instructions for the payload discovery manager communicating the software set to the payload node;
• and
• instructions for the payload node transitioning operating from the payload boot algorithm to the software set while bypassing rebooting the payload node to the software set.