Patent ID: 8903991
Filing Date: 2014-12-02
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of operating a secondary computer in a networked system providing a network service using a set of computers including the secondary computer and a primary computer, the system including a local network segment connected to a gateway via which users of the network service communicate with the system, comprising: upon assuming responsibility from the primary computer for providing the network service, issuing an address resolution protocol command on a network interface of the secondary computer, the address resolution protocol command being a broadcast command including a network address of the gateway; monitoring for receipt of an expected response to the address resolution protocol command, the expected response including the network address of the gateway as well as a data-link-layer address of the gateway on the network segment; and in the event of not receiving the expected response to the address resolution protocol command, initiating a remedial action including investigating and/or repairing a potential non-connection of the secondary computer to the local network segment.