Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for improving management and network availability by providing out-of-band management channels between network/element management system (NMS) clients and servers. High priority client requests and server notifications may be sent over the out-of-band management channels to ensure fast response times. In addition, periodic roll calls between NMS clients and NMS servers may be executed over the out-of-band management channels to allow for quick discovery of any disconnects and reclaiming associated client resources. Further, periodic roll calls may be conducted between the NMS servers and the network devices to which they are connected, and if a server discovers that a network device has gone down, it may send a high priority notification to appropriate NMS clients over the out-of-band management channels to ensure a fast response by the clients. Sending high priority messages over out-of-band management channels maximizes client/server management availability and, hence, network availability.

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First Claim