Full hot swap supports the use of nonhardened drivers for simpler system models. Higher levels of availability are achieved through hardened drivers. Hardened drivers understand that the underlying hardware may be malfunctioning or not present altogether. Hardened drivers allow applications to apply higher restart models by implementing off-line and standby modes of operation. These models provide diagnostic information for the fault-management system.
Drivers are the first layer of fault detection for a highly available system.
Adding topology management Managing the system topology is the next layer of infrastructure needed in a highly available system. Managing the topology of a system involves electrically isolating components of a system without having service personnel physically on site. The ability to manage the topology of the system allows unattended reconfiguration of that system. Topology management also contributes to the stability of the system. CPCI offers this capability through the high-availability system model.