Patent ID: 7808892
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a communications system comprising: periodically sending go passive messages from a current active data distribution system managing the exchange of data with selected nodes of the communications system to a current passive data distribution system, the go passive message commanding the current passive data distribution system to remain in a passive mode; in response to receiving each of the go passive messages at the current passive data distribution system, maintaining the current passive data distribution system in the passive mode and returning an accept passive message to the current active data distribution system; if the current active data distribution system fails to send one of the go passive messages to the current passive data distribution system within a predetermined time period, setting the current passive data distribution system into the active mode for managing the exchange of data with the selected nodes of the distribution system; and monitoring with the current active data distribution system connections at least some of the selected nodes of the communications system and activating the current passive data distribution system, comprising: