Patent ID: 6219799
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
In a high-availability multi-computer network, running in an ""Intelligent Network Storage Controller"" (INSC) configuration supporting a first computer and at least a second computer operating with NETBIOS and SMB services of The Microsoft Windows NT operating system so that either computer depends upon its own unique ""Name"" to function, a method of compensating for a loss of functionality experienced by either computer by equipping both computers to also support the Name of the other and to automatically called-upon to provide functionality for the other when such becomes impaired, including providing SMB file services therefor; andfurther comprising an SMB protocol stack resident on both the first computer and the second computer, and wherein the SMB protocol stack comprises a name proxy drive NPD which layers itself between a TCP/IP layer and a ""NETBIOS over TCP/IP"", and wherein NPD makes use of the fact that the SMB services uses a special name ""*SMBSERVER"" to accommodate connections from clients that are unaware of a prevailing NETBIOS name associated with one of the first and the second computers.