Patent attributes
A method of discovering and operating a payload node (104) includes in a computer network (100) having a central node (102) coupled to a payload node slot (110), coupling the payload node to the payload node slot. The payload node executing a payload boot algorithm (120) located at the payload node. The payload boot algorithm discovers a hardware capability set (122) of the payload node. The payload boot algorithm communicating the hardware capability set to a payload discovery manager (114) at the central node. The payload discovery manager selecting a software set (116) based on the hardware capability set. The payload discovery manager communicating the software set to the payload node and the payload node transitioning from the payload boot algorithm to the software set while bypassing rebooting the payload node to the software set.