Patent ID: 6327675
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
In a data communications switch comprising at least one primary module for processing data under software control, and one spare module capable of processing data under software control, a method of handling recoverable faults, comprising the steps of:a. sensing failure of said primary module;b. resetting said primary module in response to sensing said failure;c. waiting a sparing interval for successful reset of said primary module;d. if reset in step b. is not successful in said sparing interval, switching said data from said primary module to said spare module, and processing said data at said spare module;e. if said sparing interval expires, said primary module assumes a load state during which software is loaded and a load interval is initiated;f. if said primary module is successfully software loaded before the expiry of said load interval, said primary module assumes an active unstable state and a stability interval is initiated; andg. if said primary module remains stable for the duration of said stability interval, said primary module assumes an active stable state.