Patent ID: 6246666
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A computer system comprising:a first network server operating within a communication network, the first network server including a host computer system for controlling the operation of the server and an Input/Output subsystem for controlling operation of peripheral devices associated with the Input/Output subsystem;a communication link for effectuating communication between the first network server and a second network server, the second network server also operating within the communication network;a heartbeat generator located within the host computing system, the heartbeat generator for generating a repetitive heartbeat signal when the host computing system is functioning normally;a heartbeat timer located within the Input/Output subsystem, the heartbeat timer for counting elapsed time between successive heartbeat signals; anda Failover Intermediate Service Module (ISM) located within the Input/Output subsystem for detecting when the heartbeat timer times-out, the Failover ISM further for notifying the second network server via the communication link when the heartbeat timer times-out, wherein the Failover ISM controls operation of the peripheral devices associated with the Input/Output subsystem in response to control commands received from the second network server via the communication link.