Patent ID: 7672223
Filing Date: 2010-03-02
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising the computer-implemented steps of: receiving information defining a first transport connection between a first network device and a computer; establishing a replication channel between the first network device and a backup device; storing backup control information at the backup device; communicating a message flow only between the first network device and the computer on the first transport connection; in response to unavailability of the first network device, communicating messages on the replication channel that cause (a) establishing a second transport connection between the backup device and the computer; (b) continuing communication of the message flow only between the backup device and the computer on the second transport connection, based on the backup control information wherein the first network device forwards, to the backup device and using the replication channel, fake TCP segments corresponding to TCP segments received from the computer on the first TCP connection, wherein the first network device acknowledges receipt of the TCP segments only after receiving acknowledgment of the fake TCP segments from the backup device.