A method for performing an in-service software upgrade to a data router follows steps of (a) providing a source node hosting an upgrade software package (401); (b) causing an upgrade command to be executed (402); (c) establishing, as a result of the upgrade command, a network session between the data router and the source node (403); (d) receiving the upgrade software at the router (404); (e) copying and distributing, within the router, the upgrade software to designated components slated for upgrade (405); (f) designating one or more components in the router as backups for each components to be upgraded (405); (g) backing up services and software running on each target elements to be upgraded to designated backup element or elements while upgrade proceeds for the target element (406-408); (h) causing a switchover at the target element to the new software (410); and (i) repeating steps (g) and (h) until all the components slated for upgrade are upgraded.
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