Importance

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Abstract

Methods and systems for maintaining high-availability in a computer network using intelligent failover are presented. In a network switch running an OSI model layer-2 or higher protocol on its external links, the protocol state information is monitored to determine failover status of the link to avoid identifying external link failures due to link flapping. One such protocol is the spanning tree protocol. Additionally, flexibility in failover is provided using configurable triggers to define external failure events. The triggers initiate a link drop of one or more internal links of the network switch in response to an external failure event. The link drops, in turn, initiate failover of an attached computing device to a redundant link through a network interface teaming/failover arrangement whereby the computing device switches to an alternative network interface accessing the network through a redundant path. Failover can be selective depending upon VLAN and trunking configurations.

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First Claim