Patent ID: 7496681

Claim:
A router configured for use in virtual synchrony wide area network, the router comprising: a) a host processor; b) a memory connected to the host processor; c) at least one first interface connected to the host processor and connectable to a first local area network (LAN); and d) at least one point-to-point capable network interface connected to the host processor and connectable through at least one first point-to-point link to a first router connected to a second LAN, and through at least one second point-to-point link to second router connected to the second LAN, wherein the first and second LANs comprise virtual synchrony networks, wherein the first and second LANs further comprise at least part of the virtual synchrony wide area network, wherein each router further comprises an ability to at least control the flow of messages through the router by at least means of sending messages, receiving messages, preventing duplicate messages, and when a message was not received through a point to point link, and when the original source of the message is a proximate LAN, then enqueuing the message to at least one other proximate LAN coupled to the router and enqueuing the message to at least one other point-to-point link coupled to the router.