Patent ID: 7120693
Filing Date: 2006-10-10
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for determining node status in a network of connected data processing nodes, said method comprising the steps of: periodically sending, from one of said nodes, to at least one other node in said network, a first message, said first message being directed to a daemon program running on said at least one other node; determining, at said one of said nodes, that a specified number of first message transmissions have not been received; and sending a second message to said at least one other node, from said one of said nodes, said second message being directed to another program, running on said at least one other node that is less susceptible than said daemon to being delayed in providing a response; establishing a grace period for a response to said first message when a response to said second message is received; and reporting that said at least one node is dead when there is no response to subsequent transmissions of said first message at the end of said grace period.