Patent ID: 8176526
Filing Date: 2012-05-08
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving configuration information with a first network device from a first user, wherein the first network device includes a plurality of modules, each of which provides an operating environment for performing a network service on network traffic, and wherein the configuration information specifies individual weight values for each of the modules and a threshold value for the first network device; receiving configuration information with the first network device from a second user, wherein the configuration information from the second user specifies a second set of individual weight values for each of the modules and a second threshold value for the first network device; detecting a failure of one or more of the modules; transferring primary responsibility for performing the network service to a second network device when the threshold value is exceeded by a weighted sum of the weight values for the failed modules; and transferring primary responsibility for performing the network service on network traffic associated with the second user when the second threshold value is exceeded by a weighted sum of the second set of weight values for the failed modules.