Patent ID: 7716222
Filing Date: 2010-05-11
Classification: H04L,Y02D,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for handling an unresponsive server in a cluster, the method comprising the steps of: each server in the cluster sending a periodic message to other servers in the cluster to indicate proper function of the server sending the periodic message; each server in the cluster receiving periodic messages from other servers in the cluster that indicate the other servers in the cluster are functioning properly; generating a membership change message to all servers in the cluster when any of the servers in the cluster become unresponsive; determining whether the cluster has quorum, wherein a cluster has quorum when a majority of servers in the cluster are responsive, wherein in determining the majority of servers, if there is an odd number of servers in the cluster, each server in the cluster counts as one server, and if there is an even number of servers in the cluster, each server in the cluster that is not a manager of the cluster counts as one server and the manager of the cluster counts as two servers; receiving an indication of a server failure; if the majority of servers in the cluster are responsive, performing the steps of: