Patent ID: 8238230
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method performed by a first device connected to a second device via a first network path and a second network path, where the first device includes a first node, a master second node and a backup second node, the master second node being connected to the first node and the second device via the first network path, and the backup second node being connected to the first node and the second device via the second network path, the method comprising: receiving, by the first node and via the first network path or via the second network path, a plurality of packets, from the second device, where each of the plurality of packets includes node status information associated with the second device; determining, by the first node, whether the plurality of packets are received via only the first network path or are received via only the second network path; generating, by the first node, a first notification that indicates that the master second node can be safely removed when the plurality of packets are received via only the second network path; generating, by the first node, a second notification that indicates that the backup second node can be safely removed when the plurality of packets are received via only the first network path; generating, by the first node, a third notification that indicates that neither the master second node nor the backup second node can be safely removed when the plurality of packets are not received only via the first network path and the plurality of packets are not received only via the second network path; and displaying information regarding the first notification, the second notification, or the third notification.