Importance

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Abstract

A method and system for switching between duplicated network adapters in order to provide a host computer with fault-tolerant functionality for TCP/IP communication with a plurality of other hosts over a network. A first host is equipped with a first and second network adapters, which constructs a hot standby system. When a fault of the first network adapter has been detected, the first host disconnects the first network adapter and activates the second network adapter. The first host then initializes its own network table (or ARP cache) and initiates transmission of a control message addressed to the second host. This control message is an echo request message defined in the ICMP protocol. The second network adapter broadcasts an ARP request message to all hosts on the network. The second host replies to this ARP request message by returning an ARP response message. The second network adapter transmits the control message to the second host by using address information contained in the ARP response message. Upon receipt of a response message from the second host in reply to the control message, the first host recognizes it as the completion of the process of switching from the first network adapter to the second network adapter.

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First Claim